{"id":16179,"date":"2018-04-12T10:00:50","date_gmt":"2018-04-12T17:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/community.nrs.com\/?p=16179"},"modified":"2018-04-10T12:30:37","modified_gmt":"2018-04-10T19:30:37","slug":"five-reasons-to-travel-to-peru","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2018\/04\/12\/five-reasons-to-travel-to-peru\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Reasons to Travel to Peru"},"content":{"rendered":"

Far from the crowds that flock to southern Peru, you can get your \u201cIndiana Jones\u201d on in the northern territories where ancient Incan and Pre-Incan archaeological wonders rival the famed citadel of Machu Picchu. The mountains surrounding Chachapoyas in northern Peru contain the lush vegetation of the Andean cloud forests offering uncrowded conditions and unlimited adventure for the intrepid traveler. Chachapoyas (\u2018Chacha\u2019 to the locals) is a quiet, colonial town with an attractive main plaza, a number of interesting churches and balconied 19th-century buildings. There are modern accommodations ranging from first-class hotels to backpacker style hostels like the Chachapoyas Backpackers<\/a>, a reasonably priced hostel offering private rooms with a full-bath or dorm rooms with shared a bathroom.<\/p>\n

Chachapoyas makes a great base from which to explore the many attractions in northern Peru. Here are my favorite must-dos in the Chacha area.<\/p>\n

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Photo: Mara\u00f1\u00f3n Waterkeeper<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Five – Trek the Inca Road<\/strong>
\nThe Inca road system was the most advanced and longest transportation system in pre-Hispanic South America, spanning almost 25,000 miles. It began in today\u2019s Santiago, Chile and traversed north through the Andean mountains of Peru all the way to what is now the country of Colombia. Amazingly, remnants of this road are still present in the Chacha area. This section of the Inca Road has fantastic vistas, unexcavated ruins and narrow slot sections cut into the hills by the ancient builders. To trek a section of the Inca Road, hail a taxi to the hamlet of Levanto and look for the faded orange sign that reads Camino Pre-Hispanico<\/em>. It will be an all-day hike back to Chacha, but well worth the effort.<\/p>\n

Pro tip: You may need to ask the locals for help spotting the sign and beginning the trek. Try this phrase, \u201cEstoy buscando el camino Pre Hispanico. \u00bfSabes donde est\u00e1?\u201d<\/em> (basically saying I\u2019m looking for the Inca road). Locals are normally delighted to help a gringo. On my visit, three small children walked me to the spot where the \u201croad\u201d begins. This hike is for experienced trekkers only as it\u2019s challenging to find and follow the road in some areas. Part of the time I was lost and a bit disoriented, although much of the time I was in total wonderment at the still intact record of the ancient Incan people\u2019s remarkable accomplishment. Alternatively, you can save yourself some frustration and hire a guide in Chacha. Be sure to take plenty of water, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring a picnic lunch.<\/p>\n