What to do once you've completed the Inca Trail

Thursday, 7 June 2012 2:47 PM

Going trekking along the Inca Trail to see the archaeological marvel of Machu Picchu really is the experience of a lifetime, which will take your through stunning Andean scenery and allow you to explore treasures left behind by the empire.

The end of the trail does not have to spell the end of your holiday, as there are so many more adventures you can have while visiting Peru. It is well worth extending your stay in the country so you can see and experience even more of what it has to offer.

Here are a few tips for making the most of your time here.

Explore Cusco

Cusco is far more than just your starting point for embarking on the Inca Trail to the Lost City in the mountains; it is a fascinating destination in its own right. The city was once the capital of the Inca Empire, so this is the perfect place to come and learn more about the people, and their culture, customs and eventual fall from power.

Indeed, such is the importance of Cusco it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. Walking the streets here is like peeling back the layers of history, with colonial places of worship built on the sites of Incan ruins sitting just yards from markets selling traditional Quechua goods. Here you can pick up souvenirs of your stay, if you didn't already stock up at Pisac Market as you began your journey on the Inca Trail!

This is also a great place to sample some of Peru's traditional cuisine, like cuy. This popular dish consists of guinea pig meat and is one of the country's favourites. In some restaurants, you can even see the creatures scurrying around - which certainly makes for a memorable sight!

Experience the Amazon

The Amazon rainforest is, without a doubt, one of the planet's greatest natural wonders and in Peru you are ideally placed to visit it. Of course, you will have seen your fair share of stunning scenery on your trek along the Inca Trail and past the Sacred Valley, but nothing prepares you for walking in the deep jungle for the first time.

You really shouldn't miss out on the opportunity to take a trip into the Amazon, where you can go on a river tour in a traditional dug-out canoe, keeping an eye out for the myriad wildlife that call this place home. Stay overnight in a jungle lodge and you will never forget the music of the rainforest, with insects, birds and monkeys providing a soundtrack to your sleep.

Visit Lima

Lima is the capital of Peru and so well worth visiting before you return home or move on to the next destination on your tour. To many, the city - which is the largest in the country - is known as the City of Kings and you can expect a rich culture clash of ancient traditions and modern life when you come here. Indeed, colonial buildings sit happily side by side with office blocks.

One thing you simply must do is try some local cuisine, as Lima is known as the gastronomic capital of the Americas, where dishes are influenced by Spanish, African, Japanese and Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients. As well as cuy, ceviche is the most famous dish and is truly delicious. Made from freshly-caught raw fish pieces such as octopus and marinated in lemon juice and chilli before being served with sweet potatoes or corn, it is a flavour sensation you will never forget.