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Golden fields, snow-capped volcanic peaks, and the most luminous blue skies I’ve ever seen; the Andean Plateau, or Altiplano as it’s known in Peru, is a land of extremes. Its altitude averages above 12,000 feet (3,750 meters) and is characterized by year-round cold, arid air and strong winds. It’s the widest part of the Andes mountain chain and is the second largest high plateau on the planet, outside of Tibet.
The journey from Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Incas, to Puno, a city on the banks of Lake Titicaca near the frontier of Peru and Bolivia, cuts through the Altiplano and can be made by train or bus. The 240-mile (386 km) trek takes upwards of six hours, but the otherworldly vistas are well worth it.
If you look closely at the top photo above, the specks dotting the landscape are actually dozens of wild alpaca, llamas and vicuñas, feeding on highland grass.
Below are more photos from my adventure:
The highest point on the voyage through the Andean Plateau is at Abra de Raya, at 14,232 feet (4,338 meters) above sea level. Local artisans brave the bitter cold and harsh winds in order to sell their handicrafts to tourists at a turnout on the highway. This is the highest in altitude that I’ve ever been, besides in an airplane.
At this altitude, pretty much the only vegetation that grows is highland grass, a dietary staple for llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
The Altiplano is characterized by craggy mountaintops of reddish-black basalt or lava rock. In fact, there are several active volcanoes located in the Andean Plateau.
Have you been to Peru before? Would a trek through the Andean Plateau interest you? Feel free to comment in the section below!
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Michael Figueiredo is a freelance travel writer based in Los Angeles, California. When he’s not gallivanting around the world, he’s enjoying the laid-back lifestyle and perfect weather of Southern California. So far he’s visited forty countries and territories on five continents. His goal is to see at least one new country every year! . Read more from this author
Twitter: hikebiketravel
Your photos with the deep blue skies remind me of my trip to the Cordillera Blanca region in Peru many years ago. I think you really have to see those skies to believe them.
I’m off to Colombia next week and am looking forward to more incredible skies. I’ll be sleeping about 12,000 feet for five nights Michael and not looking forward to that part.
I’d be very interested in one day checking out other parts of Peru.
Leigh recently posted..Fabulous Fernie: One of the Best Ski Resorts in Canada
Pretty, pretty, pretty. Love those golden fields.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Romantic Vienna
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I have never been, but I see what you mean by luminous blue skies. Thanks for pointing out the llamas grazing, I completely missed them. Looks like a wild and wonderful part of Peru.
budget jan recently posted..Marrakech to the Dunes of Erg Chebbi – The Sahara – Part 5
Thank you for the interesting article, Michael! As always, I enjoyed viewing the pictures…
Muza-chan recently posted..The 62nd rebuilding of the most venerable shrine, Ise Jingu
Thanks so much Muza-chan!
Another great series from you, Michael. The vibrant blue sky is fantastic in these shots.
Jackie Smith recently posted..The Birthday Bangle: Weaving Heritage and History
Thanks Jackie!
Twitter: ShortTravelTips
I would love to go there one day too.
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My daughter has done this trip. She loved the views and I can see why but she didn’t mention the amazing sky
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..The Giving Lens Gives Back in Jordan
Twitter: eurotravelista
Love the golden fields contrasted with the very blue sky! Really enjoy reading about your time in Peru.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..The Gorton Fisherman in Rostock!
Thanks so much, Debbie. I still have more to write!
Lovely blue sky + mountain photos! Absolutely, I would love to go trekking in Peru.
Sonya recently posted..iPhone Photo + Waiting
Thanks Sonya!
I’ve not been to Peru but your pictures are gorgeous. I would never have guessed those specks were llamas but was amazed by how numerous they were.
Tonya @ The Traveling Praters recently posted..Why I Visited the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and didn’t take pictures of the Animals
Thanks Tonya!
Twitter: worldbooktravel
Beautiful! I haven’t been to Peru yet but would love to explore this area. How cool to see wild alpaca, llamas feeding like that.
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..Five Fun and Free Things to do in Reykjavik Iceland with Kids
It was really beautiful. When you make it to Peru someday you should definitely check out this region.
Twitter: SophieR
Such ruggedly pretty landscape.
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Beautiful! Did you experience any ill effects from the altitude?
Thanks! No, I was fine with the altitude because I got a prescription before going. My sister on the other hand did get ill.
Twitter: InsideJourneys
I’ve been hearing about the Altiplano since high school, didn’t realize it was this beautiful. Reminds me of the Drakensberg in So. Africa
InsideJourneys recently posted..Jamaicans Respond to the VW Superbowl Ad with a Video of Their Own
How cool! I had never even heard of it before, but it was definitely beautiful.
Beautiful pictures! Wow those were a lot of llamas and alpacas. How fun to have seen those in the wild!
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Thanks! It was very cool to see them roaming in the wild.