Adventure Sports

The natural untouched beauty of the mighty Andean mountain range, the majestic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca Islands that are barely affected by the modern world. Street markets and Andean culture in Bolivia, sand-boarding in the Atacama Desert and 4×4 drives across the Bolivia salt flats. All this can comfortably be experienced in around a month travelling through this awe-inspiring corner of South America.

Below is a suggested one month backpacking itinerary, starting and finishing in Peru and travelling by bus throughout.

Fly into the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, Peru. With Machu Picchu on its doorstep, Cusco is a tourist hot-spot where you can organise tours into the Amazon rainforest, explore Inca culture and history, become acclimatised to the Andean altitude, and see the many Inca ruins, most notably the Inca city of Machu Picchu. If you’re into trekking, the 4 day Inca Trail finishing at Machu Picchu at sunrise is a must. In and around Cusco, there’s a wide selection of museums, galleries, Andean villages and markets to explore.

From Cusco, head to Puno on the shores of the enormous Lake Titicaca. Whether you book onto a tour or just turn up at the pier and get on a boat is up to you, but you won’t want to miss a trip to the remote islands on Lake Titticaca. The floating reed islands are postcard-perfect and on Isla Amantani, staying with a local family will give you a real insight into life in this remote part of the world where life has barely changed for centuries.

Next head by bus to Copacabana, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Bolivia. The highlight of this is the day trek up the coast to a little village where you can hire a small boat and driver to take you across to Isla Del Sol. The scenery is spectacular, and what a night on Isla Del Sol may be lacking in luxury and comfort (supplies are carried up by mule and water is at a premium), the Island more than makes up for in spectacular scenery and walking opportunities.

Back to Puno and on to La Paz, a major city in Bolivia. One of the highest cities in the world, La Paz is nestled in the mountains which provide a perfect backdrop for wandering the stall-lined streets, and exploring the bustling markets and museums.

From La-Paz, head south and get on a 4×4 tour through the huge salt flats at Salar De Uyuni. You’ll end up at the Chilean border and on to San Pedro de Atacama, the centre of tourism in the spectacular Atacama Desert. You can go sand-boarding, mountain biking, horse riding and trekking with San Pedro de Atacama as your base, but however you choose to see it, experiencing the desert should be on your list.

Next, head to the Northern Chile coastal town of Iquique, a place where high desert plains abruptly meet the Pacific Ocean creating spectacular cliffs and probably one of the top paragliding destinations in the world. Amazing climate, familiar food and travelling in comfort will all probably be appreciated in Chile after a few weeks in Peru and Bolivia.

Next, head North to Arica and on to the barely discovered gem, the highlight of Northern Chile; Parc Nationale Lauca. One of the best ways to explore this area is to hire a car in Arica for a couple of days. Stay in a rural village like Putre, and explore the spectacular natural landscapes of snow-capped volcanoes reflected in crystal clear lakes, spot flamingo, alpaca and vicuna and buy Andean handicrafts from the villagers.

Continue North into Peru and head for Arequipa. This beautiful city has lots to offer the visitor, not least a trip into the nearby Colca Canyon. From the village of Cabanaconde on the Canyon rim (about 100 miles from Arequipa), you can trek into the canyon in a few hours where you bathe at the Oasis (sheer bliss) and stay in a hut by the river. Your hosts (a local family – no need to reserve, in fact it’s probably not possible to reserve) will cook you a meal, light you a fire and provide you with basic accommodation. The sense of tranquility in such a remote location and the expansive natural surroundings mean a trip into Colca Canyon should feature on every traveller’s itinerary.

After another day or so relaxing in the cafes and restaurants of beautiful Arequipa, it’s a convenient transport hub for flights back to Lima and home, or on to your next destination.

Excluding the cost of flights and travel insurance, and travelling independently as a backpacker, this trip is likely to cost around $1800 – $2500 per person.

Andrew Marsden is a researcher and travel journalist for http://www.roam-the-world.com.

Visit http://www.roam-the-world.com. Probably the most comprehensive resource on the web for independent travelling costs. Roam The World are passionate about helping you to plan an adventure using accurate and reliable information.

MSR Mutha Hubba 3 person backpacking tent

NEW THE NORTH FACE MINIBUS 23 TENT 3 season 2 man person Camping backpacking $455.75

BIG AGNES Copper Spur UL 4 Person Ultralight Backpacking Camping Tent $499.95

Mountain Hardwear EV 3 Mountaineering Alpine Backpacking Tent 3-Person 4-Season $485.00

Big Agnes Fly Creek UL3 Backpacking Camping 3 Person 3 Season Tent BRAND NEW!!! $449.95

MSR Mutha Hubba HP 3 person ultralight 3 season+ tent backpacking ex condition $399.00

Mountain Hardwear EV 2 Mountaineering Alpine Backpacking Tent 2-Person 4-Season $385.00

NEW 2012 Big Agnes WYOMING TRAIL SL 2 Person Tent Backpacking $379.99

New Coleman Exponent Helios X3 3 Three Person Backpacking Tent Full Fly 4 Season $349.95

New Nemo Equipment Espri 3-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent Free Ship $359.97

Chinook Whirlwind 5 Person Backpacking Tent Aluminum Poles $349.95

Big Agnes Gore Pass 3-Person Backpacking Tent $339.95

MSR Mo Room 2 Person Tent with Footprint Backpacking Camping Base Camp Shelter $329.50

New Coleman Exponent Helios X2 2 Two Person Backpacking 4 Season Tent $309.95

MSR Mutha Hubba Backpacking Tent 3 person + footprint! $300.00

Paha Que Bear Creek 2 Person Backpacking Camping Tent $302.95

New 2011 Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2 Person 3 Season Tent Backpacking Touring NWT $299.95

MSR Carbon Reflex 1 Tent / 1 Person Backpacking Tent Brand new W/Tags $299.00

NEW PAHA QUE BEAR CREEK 2-PERSON 5.4 LB BACKPACKING TENT WITH RAINFLY BC200 $298.00

Paha Que Bear Creek 200 – 2 Person Backpacking – Camping Tent $295.99

Nemo Equipment Espri 3 Person People Man Ultralight Backpacking Camping Tent $283.67

Big Agnes Gore Pass 2-Person Backpacking Tent $279.95

Sierra Designs Lightning HT 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent Ultra-light $278.97

Nemo Equipment Espri Ultralight Backpacking 2 Person People Man Camping Tent $274.47

Nemo Espri Light 2 Person Backpacking Tent Vestibule Full Cover Footprint $244.99

New Big Agnes GORE PASS 3 Tent $349 3-Person 3-Season Light Backpacking Camping $249.00

Paha Que Bear Creek 2 Person Backpacking Tent New BC200 $264.95

#18 Camping Family Backpacking Hiking Dome 6 Person Tent 17′ x 15′ x 78″ $264.00

#11 Camping Family Backpacking Hiking 8 Person Tent w/ Screened Porch 15′ x 12′ $264.00

Paha Que Green Mountain 4 Person Backpacking Camping Tent $255.00

Eureka Mountain Pass 3XTE Tent – Three Person Backpacking Camping 2629055 New $249.90

Eureka Mountain Pass 3XTE 3 Person 3 Season Backpacking Tent $249.90

ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.5 -4 by -8 Foot One Person Backpacking Tent $239.39

ALPS Mountaineering Vertex 4 Person People Man Backpacking Camping Tent $238.68

New* 2011 Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 Person 3 Season Tent Backpacking Touring $229.95

Paha Que BEAR CREEK TENT 2 Person Hike Camp Backpacking BC200 Factory Sealed NEW $229.78

Kelty Vista 2 Person Tent 3 season Backpacking Camping Free Standing Tent New $229.00

Deluxe 4 Person Emergency Backpack Kit by Red Flare $228.07

Paha Que Bear Creek Solo 1 Person Backpacking Camping Tent $226.95

PAHA QUE BEAR CREEK SOLO 1 PERSON BACKPACKING CAMPING TENT BC100 *FREE SHIPPING $225.00

Kelty Salida 4 Backpacking 4 Person Tent $224.82

4 Person DELUXE EMERGENCY SURVIVAL KIT Backpack 1st Aid $179.95

Paha Que Bear Creek Solo – 1 Person Backpacking – Camping Tent $221.99

American Preparedness 2-Person/7-Day Emergency Preparedness Kit Rolling Backpack $219.99

Alps Mountaineering Vertex 4 Person Backpack Camping Tent Aluminum Poles $219.99

Chinook Whirlwind 3 Person Backpacking Tent Aluminum Poles $219.95

Eureka Mountain Pass 2XTE Tent – Two Person Backpacking Camping 2629050 New $219.90

Sierra Designs Lightning HT 3 Tent 3-Person 3-Season Hiking Camping Backpacking $216.95

MOSS 2-PERSON 4 SEASON CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK TENT MADE IN USA $199.99

Eureka Zeus 2 Person 3 Season Backpack Camping Tent $209.99

NEW Big Agnes MADHOUSE 3 Tent 3 Person 3-Season Hiking Camping Backpacking NWT $205.95

Paha Que Bear Creek Solo 1 Person Backpacking Tent New $204.95

Asolo Equipment Velocity 2-Person Backpacking Tent (Light Green) $204.50

Deluxe 3 Person Emergency Backpack Kit by Red Flare $203.41

Alps Mountaineering Meramac 6 Person Backpacking Camping Tent $202.99

Browning Kennesaw 2 Person Backpack Camping Tent $199.99

Kelty Gunnison 2.1 Tent 2 Person 3 Season Backpacking $199.95

Eureka Zeus 2 Ultra Lightweight Tent Two Person Backpacking 2628348 New $199.90

NEW Sierra Designs Zolo 2 Person Man Backpacking Camping Tent $199.00

Paha Que, Bear Creek Solo-1 person tent, Lightweight Backpacking tent, New $199.00

NEW Food Storage Survival Kit.1 or 2 Person Kit.Hiking Backpack.Emergency.Water $184.99

GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Mess Kit $20.99 Enjoy a gourmet cooking experience even when it’s just you and the great outdoors with the GSI Outdoors Bugaboo mess kit. The kit starts with a 1-quart cooking pot and a 7.5-inch frypan that doubles as a lid for the pot. The items nest together for easy packing and carrying. Both cookware items are made of high-quality aluminum, with a dependable nonstick interior coating that’s easy to clean….

Stansport 360 Stainless Steel Mess Kit $17.99 This mess kit set from Stansport® is crafted from durable stainless steel with copper bottoms for uniform heat distribution. The pieces are individually sized for backpackers, scouts, cyclists and campers….

Stansport 362 2-Person Cook Set, Stainless Steel $30.98 Cook up a storm while you’re out in the wild with the Stansport® Black Granite 2-person cook set. The rugged steel construction will last season after season, and the Black Granite finish withstands temperatures up to 215° F….

Quakehold! 70280 Grab-’n-Go Emergency Kit, 2-Person, 3-Day Backpack $32.95 Because you never know when there will be an emergency situation, it’s wise to always be prepared. Keeping the Grab ‘n Go 3-day, 2-person backpack on hand at home, at school, or at the office can help you avoid being caught without necessary supplies. Each kit contains enough emergency supplies to sustain two people for three days. The three basic essentials, as recommended by the American Red Cro…

Emergency Shelter Tent, Reflective Tube Tent, Cold Weather Emergency Shelter, Emergency Zone Brand $6.49 Emergency Zone? Brand. The Emergency Tent is a lightweight and compact emergency shelter. It is wind and waterproof and easy to set up. It is 8 feet long and roomy enough for two people….

Coleman BlackCat PerfecTemp Catalytic Heater with InstaStart Technology $54.26 The Coleman 5038-850 BlackCat Perfectemp Catalytic Propane Heater with InstaStart Technology provides you with comfortable warmth indoors or in a tent. This catalytic heater has an electronic ignition which is not only quicker and easier that using a match, but is much more reliable in cold, windy weather. This Coleman BlackCat heater is incredibly portable for its heat output, with an easy-to-gr…

Twins Go Commando $1.99 …

50 Outdoor Skills Survive Survival DVD $24.99 Watch the “50 Outdoors Skills” DVD to learn how to really enjoy the outdoors and stay safe. Join master practitioner of bush craft Dick Person and his student, Laura Zealand, to learn 50 basic and advanced skills that will help make your outdoor experience the best ever….

High Sierra Elevate 2-person Backpacking Tent $99.99 This Elevate backpacking tent from High Sierra Sports comfortably sleeps two. This tent easily sets up and offers several conveniences to make your outdoor experiences even better.

Big Agnes ‘Copper Spur Ultralight’ 1-person Backpacking Tent $349.94 This backpacking tent from Big Agnes features a three-season design, and a three-person capacity. This tent also features interior mesh pockets, silicone treated fly and waterproof taped seams.