Cusco

Inca-built stone walls stand side by side  with 16th-century Catholic churches, nightclubs, restaurants and markets. Woman with flared skirts and bowlers perched on their heads haggle with tourists at the numerous markets while poncho clad men (often with llama in tow) shout greetings of "Hola" and "buenos dias/tarde/nochas."
Cusco was once the heart of the Incan empire and according to ancient belief was known as 'the bellybutton of the world'. You are greeted at Cusco's Airport's arrival hall by a huge sign saying, "Once upon a time there was a great city, the center and solar plexus of the planet: It's name was Qosqo (Cusco)
Clubbing in Cusco should be part of any itinerary - try Ukukus, Mama Africa and Kamikasi. Although every clubs music collection isn't the most up-to-date, the alternating between Salsa and club classics, keeps this city alive until the wee hours. Maybe Cusco is the center of the planet - ask anyone who's been there and their certain to say, 'I'll go back' or 'didn't want to leave', or is still there!

Peru

Peru has a population of 20-million people, with predominant language being Spanish ( the Spanish conquered the Incan empire in the16th century). Half a population are Indian who still speak the ancient languages of their ancestors - Aymara and Quechua. Although the majority of Peruvians are Catholic, Ancient beliefs have spilled over into modern life - making for a colorful culture that is still big on mystique and tradition.

Getting those muscles moving is something you'll be doing a lot of in Peru. River rafting down the sacred valley forms part of our three week workout. There is something completely different to looking at the mountain peaks from water level as apposed to peak to peak.

Peru is home to Lake Titikaka, the highest lake in the world (3856m). The lake is said to have given birth to the sun-worshipping Inca civilization. It is also supposedly the birthplace of all light, the sun, moon and stars. 

General  hiking

There are a few things to bear in mind when hiking the Andes: take slow, measured steps, drink lots of water and chew the coca - the sacred coca leaves which definitely help with altitude sickness of course getting your head into positive thinking overdrive comes with the territory: affirmations like; 'I really am fit" or ' this is not a mountain, just a hill', might do the trick! Loa Tzu once said "the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" The conciliation is that the pain in your legs is minimized when you look around you. The scenery on the trails is extraordinary!

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