Joaquín Ferreyros – Sales & Marketing Manager, Explorandes

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Joaquin Ferreyros

Joaquin FerreyrosAuthor

Sales & Marketing Manager at Explorandes, continuing his father's legacy in adventure travel across the Andes.

Get in touch with me:

Joaquin FerreyrosAuthor

Sales & Marketing Manager at Explorandes, continuing his father's legacy in adventure travel across the Andes.

Get in touch with me:

Author's Articles

Assortment of traditional Peruvian dishes including ceviche, lomo saltado, arroz chaufa, and fried seafood served on a table

best peruvian dishes: a guide to peru’s most iconic foods Peruvian cuisine is widely regarded as one of the most exciting food cultures in the world. What makes it remarkable is the combination of ancient ingredients, regional diversity, and centuries of cultural exchange. Indigenous agricultural traditions from the Andes meet Spanish colonial cooking, while African, Chinese, and Japanese influences have all contributed techniques and flavors that define the food Peruvians enjoy today. Over the past two decades, chefs such as Gastón Acurio, Virgilio Martínez, and Mitsuharu Tsumura have helped bring international attention to Peru’s gastronomy. Restaurants like Central and Maido regularly appear among the best restaurants in the world. Yet the heart of Peru’s culinary identity remains in the traditional dishes served in homes, markets, and neighborhood restaurants across the country. Below is a guide to the best Peruvian dishes, the ingredients that define them, and the regional cuisines that shape this extraordinary food culture.

Fresh fruit breakfast served inside the dining tent on the Inca Trail

food on the inca trail: what to expect & how meals are organizedFood on the Inca Trail plays a much bigger role than many travelers expect. At altitude, with long walking days and changing conditions, eating well is essential for energy, recovery, and overall comfort. On a properly supported trek, meals are not an afterthought; they are carefully planned as part of the logistics that make the journey possible. This guide explains how meals are organized on the Inca Trail, what a typical day of eating looks like, how dietary needs are handled, and how responsible food practices fit into trail conservation.

Hikers descending stone staircases toward an archaeological site on the Inca Trail, surrounded by green Andean terraces.

inca trail itinerary: classic 4-day & 5-day route guide (day by day)Full Inca Trail itinerary guide: day-by-day breakdown of the Classic 4-Day trek and Explorandes' 5-Day route, with distances, altitudes, campsites, and permit tips.

Group of hikers standing on a high Andean ridge with a snowcapped peak in the Ausangate region.

inca trail alternatives: other treks to machu picchuThe Inca Trail is the most well-known route to Machu Picchu, but it is not the only way to reach the site on foot. Permit limitations, travel timing, or personal preferences often lead travelers to consider alternative treks that offer different landscapes, fewer crowds, or greater flexibility. From high-altitude mountain passes to routes centered on living Andean communities, these options provide equally meaningful experiences. This section explores the main alternatives to the Inca Trail, allowing you to compare routes and select the trek that best suits your schedule, fitness level, and travel goals.

Group of hikers descending stone steps at a high mountain pass on the Inca Trail.

inca trail difficulty & training: prepare for the trekThe Inca Trail is physically demanding, but it doesn’t require technical climbing skills or extreme fitness. What makes the trek challenging is the combination of altitude, long days of walking, and steep stone staircases spread over several consecutive days. With the right preparation, most travelers can complete the route comfortably and enjoy the experience. This section explains what level of fitness is needed, how altitude affects the body, and how to train in a realistic way before arriving in Peru, helping you feel confident and well prepared for the journey ahead.

Porters walking along the Inca Trail carrying camping equipment through the Andes.

inca trail packing list: gear for the machu picchu trekPacking for the Inca Trail is about preparing for changing conditions rather than carrying as much as possible. Over just a few days, hikers move through high mountain passes, cloud forest, and humid jungle environments, all while respecting weight limits and protected-area regulations. Knowing what to bring, how to layer properly, and which items are essential helps ensure comfort, safety, and a lighter impact on the trail. This section outlines the gear you’ll actually use each day, what your operator provides, and how to pack responsibly for a successful trek to Machu Picchu.

Group of hikers celebrating at a high mountain pass on the Inca Trail, surrounded by dramatic Andean scenery and shifting clouds.

best time to hike the inca trail: when to go & weather tipsChoosing the best time to hike the Inca Trail depends on more than just weather forecasts. Seasonal changes in the Andes affect trail conditions, visibility, crowds, and overall comfort, making timing a key part of planning the experience. Understanding the difference between dry and rainy months, how shoulder seasons compare, and what to expect from the region’s microclimates helps travelers make informed decisions based on their priorities. This section breaks down the seasons of the Inca Trail, offering practical weather insights and guidance on when to go for the kind of journey you’re looking for.

image of the ultimate guide to visiting machu picchu

the ultimate guide to visiting machu picchuDiscover the ultimate guide to visiting Machu Picchu: travel tips, tours, treks, and cultural insights to plan your unforgettable trip.

main image of cusco city

cusco cityCusco is a city that leaves a lasting impression, not only for its architecture and history but for the energy that flows through its streets. Walking among Inca foundations, colonial temples, bustling markets, and cozy cafés, visitors are invited to slow down, observe, and connect. This guide highlights authentic ways to explore the city—whether through guided walks, star-gazing nights, culinary workshops, or local crafts—ensuring travelers experience Cusco from the inside out.

main image of the sacred valley of the incas

the sacred valley of the incasLocated in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, just a short drive from Cusco, the Sacred Valley of Urubamba welcomes you with wide skies, crisp air, and landscapes that seem to slow time down.

main image of peru first timer

peru first timerPeru is a land of contrasts—where ancient civilizations meet breathtaking natural wonders. This guide was created for first-time travelers, offering essential tips on travel prep, health and safety, local culture, and must-see destinations. From the vibrant coast to the majestic Andes and lush Amazon, it’s a roadmap to experiencing Peru’s diversity with confidence and curiosity.

Jaguar swimming across the Tambopata River in broad daylight, with intense gaze and rainforest backdrop

tambopata: a window into peru’s incredible wildlifeDeep in the heart of Peru’s Madre de Dios region is a place where nature thrives untouched. Whether navigating oxbow lakes, trekking jungle trails, or observing macaws at dawn, every moment here reflects the Amazon’s raw beauty. This is among the most biodiverse areas on the planet, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe the Peruvian Amazon’s wildlife. An adventure here connects you to nature in ways few places on Earth can match.

image of ollantaytambo travel guide 2026: how to visit & things to do

ollantaytambo travel guide 2026: how to visit & things to doOllantaytambo, Peru perches at an elevation of approximately 2,792 m (9,160 ft) above sea level. This strategically positioned town, located about 72 km northwest of Cusco, is celebrated for its remarkably well‑preserved Inca streets, sophisticated channels, and iconic stone fortress that rises over the settlement. It was within these formidable ramparts that, in January 1537, Manco Inca led his forces to decisive victory over the Spanish, flooding the valley to thwart their cavalry and secure an important Inca triumph.

lima

miraflores peru: latin america’s most exciting districtMiraflores is Lima’s modern hub for tourism, dining, and outdoor activities. With ocean views, parks, and top restaurants, it offers a vibrant atmosphere. It’s one of the safest areas in Lima, ideal for visitors. The district also boasts shopping, nightlife, and cultural attractions. Whether for relaxation or adventure, Miraflores is a must-visit.

image of a journey through peru’s most famous mountains

a journey through peru’s most famous mountainsPeru, a country of diverse landscapes, is a paradise for mountain enthusiasts. The mountains in Peru are a testament to the country's majestic and varied geography. Home to the Andes, the longest and second-highest mountain range in the world, Peru boasts a dazzling array of peaks, many of which top out above 20,000 feet, attracting climbers, trekkers, and adventurers from across the globe.

image of rivers in peru: peru’s rugged and scenic waterways

rivers in peru: peru’s rugged and scenic waterways Peru is a country of diverse and powerful rivers, each carving its path through the rugged terrain of the Andes and dense jungles. These rivers, including the mighty Amazon, the Apurímac, and the Ucayali, contribute to Peru's thriving ecosystems and provide essential resources for locals and visitors alike. Some rivers, like the Urubamba, flow through iconic tourist destinations, while others, like the Marañón, are known for their dramatic landscapes. Whether for transport, recreation, or biodiversity, Peru’s rivers are vital lifelines. In this blog, we explore some of the most significant rivers in Peru and their importance to the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

image of exploring south america's tallest mountains

exploring south america's tallest mountains South America is a land of unparalleled diversity, boasting some of the most breathtaking and tallest mountains in the world. Among its many treasures are the Andes Mountains. Spanning over 7,000 kilometers along the western edge of the continent, these peaks stretch from Colombia in the north to Chile in the south, offering a range of landscapes and experiences and making the region a playground for adventurers.

image of sacred valley adventures: a guide to peru’s most iconic region

sacred valley adventures: a guide to peru’s most iconic region Sacred Valley of the Incas unveils a mesmerizing tapestry of Andean landscapes and ancient wonders. Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, this iconic region spans the Urubamba Valley between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, offering an immersive blend of vibrant indigenous culture, storied Inca archaeological sites, and breathtaking natural beauty. Read on to discover everything you need to know about the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including its elevation ranges, cultural highlights, and the most inspiring ways to experience this legendary destination.

image of lake titicaca: travel guide — altitude, islands & how to get there (2026)

lake titicaca: travel guide — altitude, islands & how to get there (2026)Lake Titicaca's altitude marks the start of our journey into one of the most mystical bodies of water in the Andes, a lake that graces both Peru and Bolivia with its awe-inspiring presence. Known as the “birthplace of the sun,” it is home to resilient communities such as the Uros and the Taquileños, who thrive on its unique floating islands. Scattered across its waters are ruins of ancient temples and structures that have miraculously survived centuries of history.

Aerial view of Choquequirao archaeological complex emerging from mist in the cloud forest – remote trekking route to Peru’s lesser-known Inca citadel

exploring the wonders of choquequiraoEmbarking on the Choquequirao trek is an unforgettable highlight to add to your Peru adventure. Often referred to as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao offers visitors an equally astonishing experience—yet with a sense of serenity and discovery that sets it apart. Quieter and far less crowded than its more famous counterpart, this hidden gem rewards visitors with awe-inspiring views, ancient architecture, and peaceful solitude.

image of rainbow mountain trek peru: ultimate guide

rainbow mountain trek peru: ultimate guideRainbow Mountain Trek Peru has become one of the most talked-about experiences in the Andes, but its rapid rise in popularity has sparked controversy and concerns over overtourism. Far beyond a simple walk, the rainbow mountain trek draws visitors from around the world to witness the vivid colors exposed by melting snow and mineral layers, yet this surge in visitors has strained local infrastructure, led to crowded trails, and stirred debate about sustainable tourism in the region.

Group of hikers standing on a scenic Andean trail under a bright blue sky, surrounded by golden grass and eucalyptus trees.

running trips: your next adventure awaitsRunning trips elevate your passion for running by combining epic routes with immersive travel experiences. Discover unforgettable running trips designed to take you through iconic landscapes around the world, where each course challenges your endurance and enriches your connection to culture and nature. Ideal for adventurous spirits, these journeys push you beyond ordinary travel, leading you off the beaten path to embrace extraordinary destinations and unforgettable memories.

image of discover the llama pack project!

discover the llama pack project!Are you looking for a unique and meaningful travel experience? One that immerses you in the stunning landscapes of Peru, connects you with local culture, and helps promote sustainable tourism? Look no further than Llama Pack Project, a transformative initiative in the heart of the Peruvian Andes that invites you to discover the region in a way few tourists ever do—by hiking with llamas!

image of things to do in the sacred valley

things to do in the sacred valleyElevate your Peru experience with unique high value activities designed to fit perfectly in almost every itinerary. Here we showcase three very special nature and culture add-ons to give you more choices on what to do in the Sacred Valley.

image of lata responsible tourism awards recognition

lata responsible tourism awards recognitionExplorandes was recognized as the “One to Watch” in the Nature Positive category of the 2024 Latin American Travel Association (LATA) Responsible Tourism Awards for The Hidden Valleys of Salkantay Trek project. It is a success story of local communities and the private sector working together to protect the land and nature and create value by sharing with the world a regenerative alternative to the overflow in the trekking routes to Machu Picchu.

image of discover the charm of barranco, lima’s most artistic neighborhood

discover the charm of barranco, lima’s most artistic neighborhoodLima’s charming, bohemian Barranco district has to be among the most eclectic, colorful, and vibrant locations in all of South America. Replete with shops, galleries, cafés, and parks, and bordering a section of the Circuito de Playas (Costa Verde) or “Beach Circuit,” Barranco is a great place to check out and spend a few days on your Peru trip. It’s also a great district to get around in on foot or bicycle, especially in the summer months when the streets are filled with families on outings, beachcombers, ice cream vendors, food booths, flower sellers, street musicians, etc.; all combining to create a festive and upbeat atmosphere. The area around the Plaza de Armas, the walkway to the Bridge of Sighs with its murals and wall art, and the Malecón, an area bordering the ocean with strollers, cyclists, picnic spots, beaches, and seating areas, all contribute to the enchanting, bohemian Barranco atmosphere enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.  In this blog, we’ll point out some great places to visit while in Barranco, including the museums, galleries restaurants, hotels, and nightspots we recommend you check out during your Peru holiday. 

image of pastoruri glacier: how to visit it before it disappears

pastoruri glacier: how to visit it before it disappearsThe Pastoruri Glacier is one of the last standing glaciers in tropical South America. Unfortunately, it is retreating at such a pace that it technically cannot be defined as a glacier anymore, as it is no longer building up ice during the winter. You can reach Pastoruri by means of Huaraz, the perfect town for trekking the Andes. Visiting Pastoruri Glacier is one of the most popular day trips from Huaraz, and for good reason. The trek is a thing of pure beauty. From the striking white snow-capped mountains reflected on the lake, to the lush landscapes you traverse to reach the glacier, It is a trek you need to put on your bucket list (and soon!). Here, we will give you an overview of what you need to bring with you, the difficulty of the hike, and what you can see along the way!

image of exotic and delicious peruvian fruits to try

exotic and delicious peruvian fruits to tryWhen you speak with most people who have ventured to Peru, they are likely to talk about the incredible landscapes, warm people, complex history, and the FOOD. There are incredible dishes native to Peru such as cuy, ceviche, and lomo saltado. But another important culinary experience is to eat your way through the market fruit stalls. You’re guaranteed to try colorful, odd-shaped fruits you have never seen before! Below is our list of the ten must-try Peruvian fruits.

image of everything you need to know about using atm’s in peru

everything you need to know about using atm’s in peruChances are your cash supply will run low during your adventure in Peru and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with an ATM, a task that’s not as daunting as you may think. In this blog post, we share everything you need to know about using ATM’s in Peru, from where you can count on finding one to bank fees and Peru exchange rates, as well as a few safety tips we recommend you follow.

image of siete atracciones para visitar en puno, perú

siete atracciones para visitar en puno, perúPuno, Perú, está ubicado en la parte sureste del país, a una altitud que varía entre los 3,810 metros y 4,050 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Se considera una de las ciudades más altas del país y la quinta más alta del mundo. Puno alberga una amplia variedad de atracciones turísticas. Aquí te recomendamos siete:

image of where to catch a sunset in lima, peru

where to catch a sunset in lima, peruLima, the City of Kings, is the capital of Peru. Despite its hustle and bustle, Lima contains quite a few spots to catch a relaxing moment. Thanks to the city’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and variety of microclimates, there’s plenty to do and enjoy while visiting this capital city on your Peru vacation. Getting to one of these four spots for a Lima sunset is one of those them.

image of colca canyon: best time to trek & tips

colca canyon: best time to trek & tipsColca Canyon ranks among Peru’s most iconic natural wonders. Located northeast of Arequipa, this deep valley reaches a depth of about 4,160 meters, making it one of the world’s most dramatic canyons. As compelling as Colca Canyon is, it isn’t ideal to visit year-round. Below we share when’s the best time to explore it and how to make the most of Colca Canyon tours.

image of famous visitors who couldn’t resist machu picchu

famous visitors who couldn’t resist machu picchuMachu Picchu is one of the best tourist destinations in the world so, it is no surprise that celebrities around the globe are attracted to its mysticism and beauty. Although many famous folks have gone incognito in order to be able to enjoy their trip in anonymity, there are some who failed to go unnoticed, or who simply wanted to share their experience at the Inca citadel with their followers. Here are some celebrity figures who have visited the famous Machu Picchu.

image of cusco’s must-visit markets for flavors, crafts, and tradition

cusco’s must-visit markets for flavors, crafts, and traditionTo truly know a country one has to visit its markets. The food, people, crafts and activities give you a glimpse of the country’s culture. You will see how the locals talk, eat and dress. The colors, sounds, smells and tastes of a market are an experience within itself. Peru prides itself as gastronomic country filled with native art and traditions. Visiting its food or craft markets is necessary to really see the authentic Peru. Our guide to the best food, crafts and flea markets in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa.

image of twelve fascinating unesco world heritage sites in peru

twelve fascinating unesco world heritage sites in peruLanding a spot on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites is no small feat. It requires evidence of things like exemplary “human creative genius” or the existence of “superlative natural phenomena” or areas of “exceptional natural beauty,” criteria that Peru manages to meet at 12 different sites throughout the country. In this article, we introduce you to each of Peru’s otherworldly UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and boy are they worthy of their listing. They are:

image of top cafés and chocolate shops in cusco and lima

top cafés and chocolate shops in cusco and limaIf you are a chocolate or coffee lover (really, who isn’t?) you may be surprised to know that Peru has some of the best coffee and chocolate in the world. Chocolate actually originated in the Amazon and Peru owns 60% of the cacao varieties in the world. The large amount of diverse soils and climates makes for a variety of different flavor possibilities. Peru is the world’s ninth largest cacao producer and the world’s largest organic chocolate producer. Peruvian chocolate is of high quality, has a distinct rich flavor and recently one of the world’s rarest and most prized variety of cacao bean was re-discovered in its highlands. Peruvian chocolate is receiving more and more recognition on an international scale. Some prizes include first place in the “Tree to Bar” category of the revered Academy Of Chocolate Awards in London for the amazona Chocolate company.

image of what to do in huaraz, peru: beyond trekking | explorandes

what to do in huaraz, peru: beyond trekking | explorandesHuaraz may be best known as the starting point for some of Peru's most impressive treks, but hiking is only part of what you can do here. Surrounded by the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra, the city is also a base for archaeological sites, mountain towns, glacial landscapes, hot springs, local markets, cycling, and cultural experiences. Whether you're taking a rest day between hikes or simply want to experience another side of the Andes, here are some of the best things to do in Huaraz and the surrounding Áncash region.

image of inkaterra amazonas lodge: 3 options for your amazon trip!

inkaterra amazonas lodge: 3 options for your amazon trip!Inkaterra Amazonas Lodge has three hotels in the Tambopata National Reserve, an area known as the “biodiversity capital of Peru.” The three hotels, Reserva Amazonica, Hacienda Concepción, and the Inkaterra Field Station, deliver an amazing experience to travelers eager to explore the vast flora and fauna of the Madre de Dios region. But how can travelers decide which of the three hotels is right for their Amazon experience? Here, we share an overview of each of the Inkaterra Amazonas Lodge properties to help you decide which Inkaterra hotel is right for you.

Joaquín Ferreyros – Sales & Marketing Manager, Explorandes