Andean Mountains

Welcome to the magnificent Andes Mountains, a geological and cultural colossus that forms the towering backbone of the South American continent. I invite you to take a deep breath of the crisp, thin air. …

As we journey away from the bustling historic center of the Inca capital, we descend into the breathtaking expanse known as the Sacred Valley. Nestled safely between towering, snow capped peaks and the roaring Urubamba River,…

Beyond the magnificent ruins, the true soul of the Andes resides in its people. We now step into a traditional community to meet the Ketwa people, the direct descendants of the Inca, who have called these high altitude mountains…

We now lace up our boots and step onto the legendary Inca Trail, embarking on a multi day journey that traces the very footsteps of ancient pilgrims. The journey begins with a surge of bustling energy at the trailhead. …

As the Inca Trail winds its way downward from the high alpine passes, we enter an entirely different microclimate. The harsh, arid peaks give way to the lush, vibrant canopy of the Andean cloud forest. …

We now descend from the dizzying heights of the Sun Gate and enter the sacred city itself. Machu Picchu is a fifteenth century architectural masterpiece that completely defies the imagination. …

Stepping away from the ancient stone ruins, we must expand our gaze to appreciate the staggering natural diversity of the wider Andean range. The sheer geological violence that formed these mountains has also painted them with…

As our extensive journey through the Andes draws to a close, we must pause to reflect on the overwhelming scale of this colossal continental backbone. We have merely scratched the surface of its wonders. …