Discover the myths and traditions of Peru!

Cultural trips and treks organized by Doris Walter, Anthropologist (Ph.D.)

These trips take you straight into the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, the world's highest tropical mountain range! Their goal is to immerse you in fabulous environments, on seldom-travelled routes, while you learn about the Andean culture and way of life.

Doris will introduce you to the fauna and the flora, and their many uses. She will tell you tales about wicked mountain spirits, devils and enchanted lakes (just to mention a few topics…). And as you visit pre-Hispanic ruins deep down in a valley or high up on a ridge, she will give you valuable insights on Andean myths and history. You will discover the world's "highest" forests; why the puma dances on top of a rock and whistles with his fingers in his mouth; the magical powers of the fox's tail; or what happens if you pick certain cacti, belonging to the ancestors.

On the way, you will stop in one or several villages, meeting the local craftsmen (weavers, potters or basket-makers). The women will show you how they cook and invite you to share a meal!

The idea behind these trips is also to facilitate contacts and share experiences with the local team (guides, cooks, muleteers), travelling with us.

Trip Suggestions

To emphasize the "cultural approach" of these trips, they have been named after mountain animals, which all play an important part in Andean lore. Of course, the 3 following trip suggestions can be changed according to your wishes.

The tarush trek

21 days

The tarush is an Andean deer, who lives in rugged and undisturbed environments, near the glacier's edge. He is said to belong to the mountain spirits.

This trek gives you a rare chance to discover some of the magical places of the Cordillera Blanca. Highlights include two traditional Andean villages, high passes with breathtaking views, and soothing thermal baths.

The viscacha trail

17 days

The viscacha is a rabbit-like animal with a long curved tail. Our best chances to spot him are while he's munching grass on a moonlit night, or dozing on a rock in the midday sun.

You will discover three different spots in the Cordillera Blanca. Although we will be crossing several high passes, the  hiking is fairly moderate.

Encounters with the puma

17 days

We will encounter the elusive puma in different forms: in myths, engraved on monoliths, in place-names or in various names of plants. He is greatly admired for his strength and resistance, and symbolizes the ancestors who are often depicted with feline traits.

This trek will take you from dense quenoal forests (the puma's habitat) to the mysterious ruins of Chavín and many other wild places…