Lima, Peru
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to live in a remote mountain village, wonder no more. The pastoral community of Humacchuco, a few hours outside of Huaraz, is part of a project that invites tourists to live with mountain families for short or long stays.
The charming hosts in Humacchuco are farmers: three brothers and their families who, along with working the land and caring for livestock, accommodate guests in traditional-style guest cottages.
Here, they truly understand the term, "eat locally;" the women sit outdoors preparing just-picked potatoes, beans and corn, and trout fresh out of mountain streams, then cook them over an open fire. After the meal, wander the terraced fields, ask to visit the impressive one-room schoolhouse or convince Jaime, the one-man-band in the family, to play you some dancing tunes.
5. Nature supreme
Huascarán National Park, another UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, is the ultimate destination for hikers and mountaineers. The 3,400-square-kilometre park contains all the Cordillera Blanca peaks above 4,000 metres (13,123 feet) - including Huascarán, which, at 6,768 meters (22,200 feet), is the highest mountain in Peru.
For an entrance fee of just a few dollars, you can see spectacular mountain valleys, steep ravines, torrential waterfalls, glaciers, snow-covered peaks and, with luck, rare animals and birds, such as the spectacled bear and the Andean condor.
Best to avoid the rainy season from December through April.
6. Hiking and climbing
There are hundreds of trails throughout Huascarán National Park, including steep heart-pumping paths that take you up to sites such as Laguna 69, a glacier-fed lake at 4,600 metres (15,100 feet); days-long backcountry treks, and breath-taking routes for serious climbers.
But if time or experience is limited, take a day trip by car or local minibus from Huaraz and visit Laguna (Lake) Llanganuco. This brilliant-blue lake, surrounded by panoramic views, is just metres from a parking lot.
7. Lima
The best way to get in and out of Peru is to fly via Lima. Take a few days before or after your Andean adventure to experience this fascinating city-by-the-sea. Though they're disappearing quickly, architectural gems still stand in historic neighbourhoods like Barranca, Miraflores and San Isidro.
In these areas, too, are stores selling fine Peruvian fashions, jewellery and contemporary crafts. Not surprisingly, restaurants abound; check out a cebicheria - a small restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood.
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