Travel guides
Peru: the Andes, Colca and the Paracas coast
Altitude, valleys and coastal desert in one trip, and how to prepare body and camera.
Rebeca Peña6 min read
Peru is far better when the itinerary respects altitude. Going up too fast ruins whole days, so it's worth planning acclimatisation from day one instead of improvising it.
How the trip is ordered
- Altitude days first with gentle activity: short walks and plenty of water.
- Colca Canyon mid-morning, when the thermals are active.
- Finish on the Paracas coast, with desert and ocean in the same day.
For the camera
Mountain light is hard and contrasty: shoot early and late, and use midday for interiors, markets and details. On the coast dust is the issue, so change lenses sheltered from the wind.