Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! It’s the relative calm before the holiday season storm as we begin November. Each year, I use these first two weeks to catch up and get organized before the end of the year crunch – what about you?
This newsletter is the second of two newsletters about my recent trip to Peru. One trip can’t cover all this magical country offers, so if you have Peru on your travel bucket list, reach out to me so we can plan the best trip for you.
The theme of my trip (after Machu Picchu which was the topic of my last newsletter) was hidden gems/off the beaten path, sustainable, community-focused travel which brought me to the Cordillera Blanca (meaning white mountains in Spanish) of the Andes. Breathtakingly beautiful but also – no American tourists ever crossed my path – the ultimate Hidden Gem destination! Read on for the scoop…
Ancash Region Huaraz & Chavin
I took a short flight north from Lima to Huaraz, a newly offered flight on LATAM. Huaraz used to only be accessible by car and an 8-hour drive which is a main reason why the area is new to tourism. Access to sites of ancient civilizations, jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, and indigenous communities are the main draws.
LONG before the Incas (1300-1500 AD), the Chavín civilization (1500-400 BC) achieved considerable prowess in architecture, engineering and agriculture in the northern highlands. When I visited Chavin, there were zero tourists that weren’t Peruvian. It’s hard to get to – a long drive from Huaraz on often bumpy roads but the scenery along the way is spectacular!
At Chavín de Huántar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I explored the site with an expert guide who provided historical and archaeological context about one of the most influential pre-Inca civilizations.
I walked through labyrinthine stone corridors and learned about mysteries of this ancient ceremonial center, where underground galleries, intricate carvings, and sacred sculptures revealed a sophisticated knowledge of astronomy, religion, and power. At the heart of the temple lies the Lanzón, a towering monolithic stone hidden within the complex, which stands as a silent witness to the deep spiritual significance of this sacred place.
After a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, I visited the Chavín National Museum, which houses many of the most important artifacts from the site including original carved stone heads (cabezas clavas) and other ritual objects that provide a clearer picture of Chavín’s culture, symbolism, and influence across the Andes. The museum is a perfect complement to the site visit, connecting the archaeological remains with the broader story of this remarkable civilization.
Jaw-Dropping Scenery
It was an adventure driving on some bumpy, dirt roads to Huascarán National Park but well worth the trek with stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca (white mountain range), a protected area established by the Peruvian government. This area is also referred to as the ‘Patagonia of Peru’ but without the crowds.
From my photos, you see what I mean – the beauty is difficult to describe in words! Llanganuco Lakes, renowned for their brilliant light green, aquamarine waters lie below the towering cliffs and peaks of the Andes.
These high-altitude landscapes are nestled under the Huandoy and Huascaran peaks — the Huascaran summit is the highest peak in the Earth’s tropics at 22,205 feet above sea level! I took a memorable hike in the beautiful cloud forest which teemed with fascinating trees and plants like I’ve never before seen.
💎Hidden Gem Tip: Accessing hidden gem places like these will involve some challenges that we will discuss on your Peru consultation call. My local partners in Peru are excellent and provide local support to my clients as needed. You will be in good hands!
Local Communities & Small Businesses
Did you know that when you travel to Peru, you are supporting around 36 jobs on your trip? Your impact is far bigger than you might realize – parents are able to feed, house and educate their children when tourism thrives.
A key component of sustainable tourism is supporting local communities and small businesses. I was fortunate to spend a day with both a remote local mountain community where I prepared and enjoyed a special Pachamanca lunch and also a day foresting for agave and seeing how a local business creates Peruvian tequila from it.
Vicos Community – Daily Life in the Andes
I had the unique experience of being immersed in the daily life of an Andean community called Vicos, a Quechua-speaking village nestled at the foothills of the Cordillera Blanca. I participated in preparing food with the women of the village and farming, using traditional and sustainable methods adapted to high-altitude life.
A highlight of the day was the Pachamanca, an ancient Andean cooking ritual layering meats, potatoes, and herbs before sealing it to cook slowly in the earth in an oven made from stones.
When it was time to unearth the food, the aromas of smoked herbs and roasted ingredients filled the air. We ate together, accompanied by live music played on the tinya (Inca drum), flutes, and other pre-Hispanic instruments, an unforgettable moment of connection through food and music.
Agave Distillery – Small Business Success
Before this trip, I didn’t know that Peru had its own tradition of making ‘tequilla’ from agave plants. I was fortunate to observe the intricate process of crafting unique Peruvian tequilla and learned what sets it apart from its more widely known Mexican counterpart.
I enjoyed serving as a “jimadores,” or agave harvester, under the local expert guidance, and using their use of traditional “coa”, a specialized tool used to skillfully remove the leaves and uncovers the heart of the agave plant. This participatory activity provided connection with the local community and their customs and allowed me to appreciate the delicate artistry required in the production of authentic Peruvian tequila from Andean agave.
The reward at the end of the experience was a tasting paired with some delicious traditional snacks!
💎Hidden Gem Tip: When we speak about your trip, we will talk about avoiding altitude sickness and other important tips that can make or break your experience.
To travel is to live… here’s to late 2025 and 2026 being unforgettable and amazing years for new travel adventures! Let’s go…
