Peru

With roots in Peru, one of our all-time favorite trekking destinations is Machu Picchu. Not only are the ruins here a marvel to look at, connecting you to a different time and culture, but there are numerous treks throughout the area that will lead you to different lookout points or views of the Cusco countryside.

Inca Trail: Sacred Valley -> Machu Picchu

This beautiful trek will take hikers across the same paths that the ancient Inca people traveled centuries ago. Keep in mind that to access the ruins of Machu Picchu and many of the trekking routes require permits because there are restrictions on how many people can visit per day. Yampu can help travelers secure these permits, but it is always a good idea to allow advanced notice- this is a trek you don’t want to miss! Go on a private hike with a knowledgeable Yampu guide who can teach you all you wish to know about the area, the trails, and the ruins with details on Inca history. The Inca Trail will lead trekkers to the ruins of the stone citadel, a breathtaking site to behold. This can be a physically demanding hike, so we like to end these treks with a relaxing train ride back to Cusco on the Hiram Bingham Train, where travelers can watch the beautiful, changing landscape on their journey.

Enjoy this exclusive Peruvian adventure with a private guide here.

Lares Trek

The Lares Trek is the perfect chance to experience cultural immersion in Peru. Beginning in the Lares Valley, travelers will enjoy scenic drive into the mountains and along the celebrated “Inca Weaver’s Trail.” Along the trail, there is a stop at the impressive archaeological site of Ancasmarca.  Spend time with the traditional weavers of Choquecancha or opt for a hike to the remote village of Huacahuasi where travelers pass vibrant blue lakes and towering peaks and then get to learn about the community’s heritage and day-to-day life. From here hikers can traverse beautiful variance of terrain, over a high pass and into the neighboring valley followed by a visit to the ancient village of Ollantaytambo home to an impressive fortress and archaeological site.

See a great example of a Lares Trekking tour here.

Salkantay Trek

This amazing trek runs beneath the sacred Salkantay mountain, one of the highest and most stunning peaks in the Peruvian Andes. Trekkers pass through the Quechua communities some lesser-known Inca ruins to reach the town of Aguas Calientes on the third day of the trek. This trek does not require a permit like the Inca Trail, and can be a great option for those who want to experience the adventurous side of Peru without enough notice to secure a permit. Begin the trek with a visit to the archaeological site of Tarawasi. Afterwards, trekkers traverse the road to Challacancha to meet horses and their handlers who provide support during the trek. The first leg of the journey begins here, with a climb to Salcantaypamp. The next day, trekkers will ascend Salkantay mountain and can catch incredible views of the surrounding glaciers and the snow-capped Vilcabamba Mountain Range. There will also be opportunities to witness the Andean Condors in their natural habitat. The trek finishes with a descent along a narrow path toward the banks of the Cachora whose ecosystem offers a warmer and more humid climate and a change in surrounding flora and fauna. Trekkers will pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi, have lunch at Winaypoko and end at Lucmabomba campsite.

Take a Salkantay trek with this staff favorite tour here.

China

China is a new addition to our portfolio of travel destinations, and we are excited to offer a great variety of experiences from culinary tours to natural wonders, historical monuments and even ethical panda bear experiences (yes, you can help care for panda bears)! Of course, the big “must-see” of China is the Great Wall of China, or the Earth Dragon.

Great Wall of China

Although the path is paved, this 13,170 mile-long wall provides visitors with plenty of opportunities to turn their visit into a full-on trek. This week-long adventure trek takes travelers through local villages to learn about the local communities and culture, as well as the wall’s strong military function. Being in Huanghuacheng Great Wall, which means Yellow Flower. Huanguacheng is known for being the only section of the Great Wall that is submerged in water. Hike the west wing of Huanghuacheng, passing several fruit orchards. Then head towards Jiankou Great Wall, translating to “Arrow Nock”, recognized as the most challenging section of the Ming Great Wall. On the way, trekkers pass several iconic towers including Beijing Knot and General on the pass. From the foot of Jiankou Great Wall, climb up to the main tower – Zhengbei Tower.  Also, see significant sections including Mutianyu Great Wall, Gubeikou Great Wall, and Gubeikou and Jinshanling Great Wall. Along the way stop at Eastern Qing Tombs, among the finest and largest extant Mausoleum complexes in China. Visit one of the biggest and most elaborate tombs.

See an example of a Yampu Great Wall trek here.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a wonderful destination, not only for its warmth and access to beautiful Caribbean beaches, but also for its delicious coffee, amazing wildlife, and impressive emphasis on sustainability. Of all the countries with rainforest, Costa Rica has been recognized for its excellence in conservation. One of the most impressive hikes in Costa Rica is the Arenal Volcano. This trek can be combined with a number of wildlife, beach and adventure tours.

Arenal

In Arenal, hike the Arenal Volcano, which can be done in a long, full loop hike or a there-and-back linear hike, which takes about an hour. This is an incredible opportunity to see an active volcano up close. Also in Arenal are Indiana-Jones style hanging bridges, which is enthralling (especially for those with a fear of heights) and a great activity for spotting the exotic Costa Rican wildlife. This area offers numerous jungle treks and walks on which travelers can see wildlife such as tree frogs, howler monkeys, sloths, armadillos, toucans, and more! Although there is much walking in most anything travelers do in Arenal, there are also amazing hot springs that will help trekkers unwind and relax at the end of a busy and adventurous day.

Enjoy Arenal and trekking with the itinerary here.

Chile

Chile is more than just an incredible place to visit for world-class wine, it is also home to one of the world’s most striking landscapes, Torres del Paine. Beautiful snow-capped peaks, rugged mountainsides, glaciers and incredible flora and fauna- Torres del Paine is a must for anyone looking for a good trek!

Torres del Paine

The adventurous can enjoy an immersion trek towards Hosteria Las Torres and join the uphill path to the Ascencio Valley on the Tower’s eastern face. A challenging climb up the steep moraine brings trekkers to a mass of boulders leading up towards one of the world’s most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine consists of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill trek, the Towers come into full view, rising majestically with the glacial lake visible below. Here is where one can enjoy a picnic lunch with the spectacular views before returning along the same trail through the Ascencio Valley.

Check out one of our favorite Torres del Paine trekking tours here.

Argentina

El Calafate

El Calafate is a popular city because it provides access to some of Patagonia’s most impressive glaciers and treks in the National Park, particularly Perito Moreno. The breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier is a true ice river 60kms long that drops down to Lake Argentina, and one of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not retreating. In fact, Perito Moreno is growing at a healthy rate. The 18-mile-long and 130+ feet tall glacier is very accessible because it is easy to hike to with 1-3 hour route options. You can experience Perito Moreno up close or from an observation platform at a distance, where you can see hunks of ice falling off into the water below.

For the best of Patagonia, El Calafate and Argentina’s natural wonders look here.

El Chalten

El Chalten is a small mountain village located within the Los Glaciares National Park at the base of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy. Take an excursion to the spectacular mountain scenery, sub-Antarctica glaciers and forests of Chalten. From Chalten, going upward by a hill and having Fitz Roy Hill to the side, start walking up to Capri Lagoon. There, take a winding road for around 90 minutes. The lake is a beautiful spot full of color and varied bird fauna. If the weather allows it, one can see the Chalten mountain chain. From Capri Lagoon, go back to the path and toward the Fitz Roy base, crossing various small streams. The landscape becomes greener, and the mountain vegetation shows its majestic landscape; from time to time, the sound of a cascade becomes the background in this spectacular path.

Enjoy Gauchos, Andes and Patagonia with these incredible treks.

Malaysia

Malaysia provides a surprising amount of exciting trekking opportunities for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Some of the best birding spots in the world lie a jungle hike away from Borneo lodges. Treks throughout Borneo can also offer sightings of pygmy elephants and orangutans, and flora and fauna. Mountain treks offer stunning views of lush peaks and jungle.

Mount Kinabalu

Spend a night in Kota Kanabalu, a gateway for people seeking to climb Mount Kinabalu and a great place for trekkers to venture from across the mountainous Crocker Range to Kinabalu Park. On the way, catch sight of Mount Kinabalu, South East Asia’s highest peak. Kinabalu Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, a heaven for nature enthusiasts. Enjoy a two-day hike up Mount Kinabalu, from where trekkers can see incredible views of the entire island, which are especially beautiful at sunset.

Enjoy what Borneo has to offer and trek Mount Kinabalu with this favorite Yampu tour.

Nepal

Most of us aren’t adventurous enough to do the famous Himalayan hikes such as Mount Everest (yikes!), but fortunately, we can still enjoy beautiful treks in Nepal that are significantly less scary, but still adventurous!

Kathmandu Valley

A trek through the valleys of Kathmandu present trekkers with beautiful hillsides and warm, welcoming communities. A cultural immersion, a Nepalese adventure and a serene landscape await.  Explore Kathmandu’s spiritual side with visits to countless shrines temples, its narrow alleys and colorful markets. After seeing the city up close, escape to the great outdoors for a three-day trek. Along the way you will meet locals and even be welcomed into village homes. Enjoy the delicious and warming Nepalese cuisine.

Vietnam

Vietnam is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world, including beaches and impressive caves. It is also home to incredible wildlife, some of the world’s most delicious food, friendly people, temples and pagodas and of course, the Sapa Valley.

Sapa Valley

Sapa comes alive during the weekend market when the local ethnic H’mong and Dao people trek in from nearby villages to sell their wares. Surrounded by the vista of Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan (3,142 meters or 10,308 feet), the region holds countless trails and walks for all levels of enthusiasts and provides an introduction into the lives of the isolated communities of the north. The beauty of the Sapa Valley is that treks are extremely flexible for customization based on interests a physical fitness. At a higher intensity, trekkers can traverse to remote hillside villages for a full cultural immersion and a chance to meet local friends.

For amazing trekking opportunities in Africa, visit our blog on Gorilla Trekking!

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