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Introducing: The International Mountain Awards  Things may have gotten a bit complicated again with travel recently, but we’re here to raise you up with the awards you never knew you needed. So, if you’re looking for summit to read this International Mountain Day… (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves)… Look no further. From elusive peaks through to iconic ones just waiting to be explored, our wonderful world is bursting to the brim with ranges.   1. The Award for the most Elusive Mountain goes to… Mount Fuji, Japan If ever a mountain was to be labelled ‘shy’, it’s Japan’s iconic, cone-shaped Mount Fuji. Keep an eye on the weather when planning your visit, but don’t hedge your bets too much. Even on a sunny day, Mount Fuji has been known to sneak behind cloud or the summer haze that rises off the lakes, often leaving visitors wanting more. There are some public webcams available though, so you can check just how elusive the mountain is feeling before making your day trip to catch a glimpse of this iconic Japanese symbol. Try your luck at seeing it for yourself on this Japan getaway that gives you two nights in nearby Hakone   2. The Award for the most Lively Mountain goes to… Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica Although it’s currently snoozing, Arenal volcano is Costa Rica’s most active mountain. Up until 2010 it was erupting daily offering up an impressive show of bright red lava bubbling over the side of its cone-like crater. Despite being dormant though, Arenal is still Costa Rica’s adventure capital, with countless activities, stunning hiking trails and many natural hot springs to rest your weary adventure limbs in (it has its lively resident to thank for that!) Experience Costa Rica’s adventure capital on this Costa Rica family holiday   3. The Award for the Most Remarkable Mountain goes to… The Remarkables, New Zealand Towering over the lakeside city of Queenstown in New Zealand, these remarkable mountains really do live up to their name. Regardless if you venture up them, they will provide a beautiful backdrop to your time in this part of the country. If you do choose to take a closer look, from the south-side of the mountains you’ll be treated to a staggering view of Queenstown. If you’re visiting New Zealand during the winter, and are a fan of the powdery white stuff, this mountain range is one of the best spots for skiing in the region. Take in the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this South Island Scenic adventure   4. The Award for the Most Adventurous Mountain goes to… Torres Del Paine – Chile / Argentina – Andes mountain Wrap up warm when you visit Torres Del Paine, that place is Chile… (We’re not even sorry). The three impressive and towering granite peaks of Torres Del Paine alone are worth a visit to Chile’s most famous national park. But, a hike around this stunning display of natural beauty will see you uncovering lakes the colour of spearmint, This Patagonia holiday will see you taking in the very best of Chile and Argentina   5. The Award for the Most Challenging Mountain goes to… Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania If challenging yourself is top of your travel wish list for 2022, climbing to the top of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro could be the mountain adventure for you. Frequently considered to be one of the greatest outdoor challenges on the planet, conquering Kilimanjaro could be the perfect excursion  if you’re really looking to test yourself (and enjoy the experience of a lifetime of course!) A climb up to the ‘Roof of Africa’ will see you making your way up to 5,895 meters above sea level, take 6 to 8 gruelling days and a fair level of fitness. It’s said that only between 45 and 65% of people who take on the challenge actually make it to the top. But we’re certain that watching the sunrise over the horizon at the summit will be worth every step. Do you fancy your chances? Climb Kilimanjaro on this active Tanzania adventure   6. The Award for the Most Iconic Mountain goes to… El Capitan, Yosemite The iconic, domineering granite wall of El Capitan is without doubt one of Yosemite’s most recognisable landmarks. There’s something truly magical about the light in Yosemite, it wraps around the vertical cliff faces of El Capitan and the Half Dome and is particularly beautiful early in the day when the morning mist gently coats the lush valley in a blue haze. If you really want to explore everything this staggering national park has on offer (including countless imposing mountains, wildflower meadows and plummeting waterfalls), we recommend staying for around three days, there’s just so much to see. Uncover the Yosemite mountains for yourself and so much more on this 13 day National Parks Road Trip itinerary.   7. The Award for the most Bucket-List Ticking Mountain goes to… The Rockies, Canada A visit to the Canadian Rockies will treat you to awe-inspiring mountain valleys, endless icefields, flowing rivers, snow-capped peaks, pristine glaciers and boundless nature. Plus, this mountain range is home to the Rocky Mountaineer, a train ride that makes it on to almost every travel-lovers bucket list as something to experience at least once in a lifetime. Ride the rails of the Rocky Mountaineer   8. The Award for the Most Wonder-Full Mountain goes to… Andes Mountains, Peru – Machu Picchu The lush, forested peaks of the Andes Mountains were hiding a fairly spectacular secret for quite some time. The ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, now one of the seven wonders of the world (quite rightly), wasn’t rediscovered until 1911. Few mountains are home to an archaeological masterpiece quite like this. You can explore this Andes gem either under the steam of your own two feet, taking on the famous Inca trail, or you can opt for the more relaxed route and take the train up! Either way, this mountain’s secret empire is ready to wow. Trek to Machu Picchu and explore Lima and Cusco on this Peru holiday itinerary   9. The Award for the Best Sandy Mountain goes to… Dune 45, Namibia We’re clutching at straws a little here we realise, but the impressive sand dunes of Namibia’s Namib Desert couldn’t not feature on our best mountainous roundup. The elegant curves, glowing colours and monstrous peaks of what some claim to be the world’s largest sand dunes contrast almost perfectly with the almost other-worldly ‘vleis’ that lurk in their shadows. Get there early to hike up the sandy peak before the crowds arrive. Seeing the sun gradually cast its golden glow over the vast plains of Sossusvlei is an experience not to be missed. Uncover this sandy world for yourself on this Classic Namibia Self Drive holiday      

If anyone mentions Peru to you as a holiday destination, we’d hazard a guess that the iconic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu come to mind before anything else. Yes, Machu Picchu deserves every little bit of hype it gets, but a Peru holiday is so much more. Picture this. You’re looking down through your airplane window at the most colourful patchwork quilt of a landscape you’ve ever seen. That’s Peru. And this isn’t just an empty landscape either — there are hundreds of ancient ruins strewn throughout the country, from ancient civilizations past and thousands of miles of coastline, to the majestic Andean mountains lining the horizon.   Our Dawn has walked the streets of Cusco, taken in the rewarding and iconic sight of Machu Picchu and explored so much of this amazing country. Below she shares some of her Peru highlights and 5 places you can’t miss…   1. Cusco Stroll down the beautiful cobbled streets of Cusco , set beautifully against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains in the distance. The capital of the Incan Empire has countless history to uncover, beautiful colonial architecture and opportunities for adventure around every corner. ✓ Take a horse riding adventure around Cusco’s ruins ✓ Venture into the surrounding hills by mountain bike to explore the ancient historic site of Sacsayhuaman ✓ Learn to cook local dishes from local people on this Cusco cookery course.   Peru’s Inti Raymi Festival – the Incan Festival of the Sun God   Dawn’s Top Tip for Cusco “Aim to be in Cuzco over June 24th for the Inti Raymi Festival – it’s so special. This Festival of the Sun is the most important Incan celebration marking the return of the sun (Inti) during the winter solstice. There are costumes, dancing and reenactments of ancient rituals – Peruvian experiences don’t get much more authentic than this.”     2. Meet the locals in Peru’s Sacred Valley You’ll pass through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. But, if that’s all you see of it, you’re doing your Peru holiday a disservice. More than 63 miles long and jam-packed with Incan Ruins, authentic local encounters and ancient civilisations to explore, this is a must for your Peru holiday. ✓ Tick off the bucket list with a day hike to Machu Picchu. ✓ Take a mountain bike tour to the working Incan salt pans of Maras and the Moray ruins. ✓ Try your hand at white water rafting through the ancient valley.   Dawn’s Sacred Valley Top Tip “Don’t miss Pisac ! Famous for its agricultural terraces, and impressive craft market with vibrant market stalls filling the main square every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. It’s a great spot to see locals peddling their colourful wares or to pick up handmade souvenirs to take home!”     3. Lima   Lima, the City of Kings, is perched on the Pacific coastline of Peru. Peru’s capital is packed with history stretching back through ancient civilisations, colonial architecture and countless museums  – but it’s definitely one for the foodies, too. Home to some of the best restaurants in South America, you’ll eat well here. ✓ Sample some of the best on this ‘Gourmet Lima’ food tour . ✓ Explore the city by night, lit up by their incredible fountain show . ✓ Learn all about South American history at the Larco Museum.   Dawn’s Top Tip for Lima “Wander along the Malecon and explore the artistic and bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco, too. There are plenty of lovely oceanfront bars to grab a drink at there. Don’t leave before you’ve taken a walk across the ‘Puente de los Suspiros’ bridge and enjoyed all the street art!”   4. Lake Titicaca   Factor a few days at Lake Titicaca into your Peru itinerary if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world – and being so high, means the weather can be quite unpredictable! Its altitude also brings a rich biodiversity to the lake – it’s home to more than 450 species of bird, several different species of fish and plenty of insects! ✓ The 10 hour luxury train ride from Cusco to Lake Titicaca – one of the most beautiful train journeys in all of South America. ✓ Venture out onto the lake to visit the Uros floating reed islands , visit some of the islanders traditional homes and learn about this unique way of life.   Dawn’s Top Titicaca Tip “Visit the Uros Islands and Taquile. When on the floating Uros islands, you’ll meet and interact with the indigenous Indian and experience first-hand how they live day to day! Head on to Taquile island and take in the simply beautiful view of all of Lake Titicaca, just magical!”   5. And, of course, Machu Picchu   Of course, we couldn’t write a list of Peru holiday highlights without including this. One of the most famous archaeological sites on earth, and one of the Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu needs no introduction. Built around 1450 but only discovered in 1911, it has since become one of the most famous treks in the world and the top things to do in South America. A visit to Machu Picchu feels a bit like stepping back in time. Once you’ve laced on your hiking boots, adapted to the altitude and taken on the hike (unless you choose to take the train of course!), you’ll find yourself winding through lush, green cloud forests with endless views of snow-capped peaks along the way.     When you make it to the viewpoint, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve uncovered a hidden world. Wander through the ancient terraces and take in the atmosphere as you ponder endlessly how the Incan people were able to construct such a magnificent city, without the use of modern tools and equipment.   Dawn’s Top Tip for Machu Picchu “ Machu Picchu is one of the most incredible places in Peru, but you can make it even better. Get up early on your second day and hike Huayna Picchu as this lesser-known piste offers amazing view back down onto Machu Picchu. A head for heights is essential but the views from the top are breathtaking.”     Peru holiday ideas we love   Quick Escape to Machu Picchu Didn’t think a quick trip to Peru was possible? Think again. With plenty of direct flights from the UK weekly, this 9 day adventure to experience one of the Wonders of the World is more than doable. Tell me more   Classic Peru Archaeological highlights and cultural treasures are interspersed with cosmopolitan and colonial cities, the serene waters of Lake Titicaca and spectacular landscapes on this 16-day Peru holiday . Of course, with the iconic site of Machu Picchu thrown in, too. Dive in

Dawn, one of our fabulous Latin America specialists here at HA, is just home from her latest adventure around the country. And to say she is buzzing with tales of her Andean adventures is an understatement. Read on for a few of her travel tales…      I went on an unforgettable journey back to my beloved Peru! It’s a country that never ceases to amaze me with its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted people. I think I did Peru in a completely different way than I’ve ever done Peru before. I got into the bones of the country this time and took the path less followed, less travelled. It wasn’t about doing things the way they’re normally done. This time, it was about connecting with the local people, local tribes, and finding the Inca ruins that weren’t as famous. But of course, not forgetting those famous ones too! Because, wow, Machu Picchu is truly breathtaking. From Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, to the Amazon and Lake Titicaca, read on for all of the highlights of my 3-weeks in Peru.     Lima My adventure began in the vibrant capital city of Lima. From the moment I landed, the city’s dynamic atmosphere charmed me. I wandered around the artsy district of Barranco, explored the fancy Miraflores (of course sampling some of its fantastic gourmet restaurants) and took in the sunset with a walk along the Malecon. I stayed at a wonderful, small boutique property, Fausto. The staff there were just beyond wonderful.  The Manager asked me if I’d like to visit the local market on my first morning – so I jumped at the chance!  We went for a wander and ended up talking to everybody on the stalls about the different herbs and vegetables and where they were from. I had a slight cold from the flight, and one seller bundled me up a selection of herbs that worked wonders! If you think Lima is just a quick stopover, think again – you could easily spend three days here and not see it all.     The Sacred Valley of the Incas After soaking up the sights and sounds of Lima, I took a short flight to Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire. The altitude in Cusco is a challenge, so I quickly headed down into the Sacred Valley to acclimatise. The ancient valley is a realm of awe-inspiring landscapes, vibrant local communities, and preserved Incan ruins. My stay with the Huilloc community, perched high in the Andes at 3,500 meters above sea level, was a real highlight of my entire trip. You can only reach the village by private car (and a special invitation!), so it was such an honour to visit. This village and its wonderful people in their colourful dress offered an authentic glimpse into traditional Andean life. These authentic moments of magic are what make travel so special. I learned all about their traditions, shared food with them, and even tried my hand at weaving! I’ll never forget it. What’s more, when you visit you’ll see first hand the difference you’re making. Your visit directly helps fund the building of a school for the local children – that was the cherry on the cake for me. I can’t wait to go back again and see it finished!       Machu Picchu Of course, no visit to Peru would be complete without a trip to the incredible Machu Picchu . Hopping on the train and taking in the views as it meandered through the lush mountains, sent my excitement into overdrive. I hiked the Inca Trail last time (beyond special if you’re up to it!), but the train journey was a real treat, with the views getting better around every corner. I struck gold with my guide, Percy, he was brilliant. In his younger days he used to be a porter on the Inca Trail, so he was able to expertly navigate us to the quietest viewpoints away from the crowds and was full of stories and insider knowledge. It was so special soaking it all up away from the hustle and bustle. Words simply can’t capture the magic of Machu Picchu – I’ll let my photos do the talking here! In short, it may be a top tourist highlight, but there are ways to experience this wonder that get you away from the madding crowds. Plus, if hiking isn’t for you, don’t be put off. The train ride is just as beautiful! Do reach out to chat to me more about it if Machu Picchu is on your bucket list. I’ll try my best to get you the legend that is Percy if I can!     Cusco Returning to Cusco (via one of the most lively train journeys of my life!), I spent a few days indulging in its culinary delights, cobbled streets, vibrant nightlife, and historic monuments. Each corner of this city holds a story, from its grand cathedrals to the bustling markets. I love it. I spent a brilliant afternoon just outside of Cusco at the family-run Sulca Textile Farm. Surrounded by incredible views, I got to learn all about the Incan tradition of weaving, watching the process from start to finish. And the best bit? The farm is packed full of llamas you can feed! There’s a wonderful museum and shop, too. It would make a brilliant addition to a Peru family holiday, kids would love it. I was also lucky enough to visit the ancient site of Sacsayhuamán, just outside the city. Machu Picchu gets all the press, but this is another incredible example of Incan architecture and engineering. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, the sacred structures have become an integral part of the landscape around them. Visiting its massive stone walls and breathtaking panoramic views is a must if you’re a history enthusiast!       The Amazon My next adventure took me deep into the Amazon basin . A short flight transported me to a world of lush rainforests, exotic wildlife and serious heat! It was hot hot hot, but just breathtaking. The temperature shift was unbelievable, but with bug spray and sunscreen in hand, I set off on an unforgettable few days. Here, nature reigns supreme. When I arrived at the lodge, I was greeted by a troop of monkeys swinging through the trees, and it didn’t end there! An Amazon highlight for me was when I was at the top of the canopy viewpoint, Scarlet Macaws flying ahead as I watched the magical sunset sink lower in the sky. Then, the massive Amazonian moon rose at the same time – I was one big pile of goosebumps. That moment sparked something phenomenal in me. The next morning, I was lucky enough to watch as the Amazonian sun lit up the clay cliff and before I knew it – it was breakfast time. Suddenly, the air was filled with the sounds of colourful birds swooping down to feed. Parakeets, parrots, and brilliant macaws perched and preened on the cliffs. The vibrant colours and lively calls were amazing. Seeing them gather and feast on the clay was a unique experience. Top Tip: If you’re heading to the Amazon (and I highly recommend it!), make sure you factor in enough time to take things slowly. With the heat and the humidity, having time to relax in a hammock between all of the wildlife wandering is a must!       Lake Titicaca Back in Cusco, I boarded the luxurious Andean Explorer train for an 11-hour journey through some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever witnessed. I took this journey a few years ago, but this time I made sure I soaked up every moment as it wound through the ever-changing landscapes of the Andean Plains. The colours and contrasts were truly captivating. At times it looked a bit like we were flying through the moon, and then at times it was so sparse and barren. Then the next moment you’re passing big packs of llamas grazing. This was real Peru. This scenic ride brought me to Puno and the serene Lake Titicaca, the highest navigational lake in the world, and so so beautiful. When I got to Lake Tititcaca, I stayed at a lodge called ‘’Titilaka’’ located on the south-eastern shore of Lake Titicaca on a tranquil private peninsula shared only with the local Aymara community. Surrounded on three sides by the pristine lake and with four acres of grounds, a perfect base to explore this undiscovered corner of the earth. The lodge had these incredible panoramic windows looking out over Lake Titicaca. It was dark when I arrived, but the next morning I set my alarm for 5.30am to watch the sun rise. It was pinch-myself incredible. I sat in glorious peace and watched the sun rising over the water, and just llamas, birds, the sun, the colours for company. It was fabulous. One of the main draws of going to visit this part of Peru, is to meet some of the local tribes that live on these floating islands. Some of the options can get a little touristy these days, and again, I wanted to do something a little bit different. So, I took off to visit some homestays on the islands. I spent so much time sitting and talking with these tribes, people from Tequil and Uros, all about what they do for a living and how they spend their days. I got to meet their children and share lunch at their home. This was so special, it felt like I was part of the family for a day. I was seeing the real, authentic Peru. There were a couple of absolutely beautiful spots, hosted by the most special people. I’m adding them to my Peru holiday itineraries from now on for sure!       Colca Canyon From Puno, a 6-hour land transfer through the majestic Andes found me perched at the edge of the massive Colca Canyon , the second-deepest canyon in the world. I’ve been lucky enough to visit this incredible part of the world before, but this time I did it a little differently. This time, I glamped! Picture me, camping (very comfortably) under the stars at the edge of the magnificent Colca Canyon. There was a smoking volcano to one side and snow-capped mountains on the other. Peruvian wildlife is everywhere, with horses and llamas dotted around the landscape. I’ll never forget waking up to the birdsong, I felt so grounded and in tune with the Earth. I was lucky enough to have another incredible guide here: Mauricio (a.k.a. Condor Man). He found us a secret spot away from any crowds to sit and watch so many majestic condors in flight. His knowledge was phenomenal, he knew how the birds would move on the thermals, so he told us exactly where to look, stand, and even pose for photos with them. Their wingspans are immense – putting away my camera and quietly watching them soar through the canyon was a humbling experience.       Arequipa My final destination was the White City of Arequipa . This city, with its beautiful colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine, was the perfect conclusion to my Peruvian adventure. Again, my guide was top-notch. I wasn’t being shown around the way everybody else was. First, we sat down together, had a coffee, and watched the world go by whilst he told me about the history of the city, little snippets about the culture and all about the different kinds of architecture that can be seen around the streets. Then we explored. Arequipa is his home, and with every single word he said you could tell how passionate he was about his city, his country and his job. He also had a wicked sense of humour, which anyone who knows me, will know went down well!       Phew! What a trip. I didn’t want to leave and I’m already dreaming of my next visit to this incredible country. If you think Peru might be for you, do get in touch on 01242 253 073 , or email me at [email protected] I’m still on such a high from the trip, and having an excuse to share my stories with you ear to ear would make my day!