It was absolutely some of the most breath-taking scenery I had ever experienced.
For nearly four hours, we traversed this beautiful region passing first through bustling, rural villages, then on through high altitude mountains before passing through endless rolling countryside as the setting sun intensified its already golden hue.
Peru’s Altiplano, or high plains, spreads across its southern Andes region at just over 12,000 ft, spreading into areas of Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. To its east lies the Amazon Rainforest; to its west, the Atacama desert — the driest desert on earth.
But despite the attention paid to its more famous neighbors, this dramatic landscape deserves equal accolades.
The rolling hills, jagged peaks, and lush farmland combine to create one of the most spectacular geographic sights either of us has ever seen. We had the opportunity to gaze at this stunning landscape for several hours as we made our way down from Cusco to Lake Titicaca.
These photos offer a glimpse into the staggering beauty of this unique region.
What’s the most stunning landscape you’ve ever seen?
9 comments in this article
December 27, 2011 am31 8:29
Just tweeted it. Dramatic indeed and great pictures to capture the atmosphere.
December 27, 2011 am31 10:38
Thanks so much!! We really appreciate that! Yeah, the place is truly magical.
December 27, 2011 pm31 17:01
Sigh….I am such a nature lover and this warmed my heart.
December 28, 2011 am31 4:52
love the photos! i bet the place will look magical when shot during sunrises or sunsets
December 28, 2011 pm31 19:58
I agree. It definitely does … we saw one of the most amazing sunsets ever on the drive from Puno to Arequipa, but unfortunately, didn’t get any great photos. It was one of those experiences, though, that a picture just can’t do justice to. Thanks for checking out our site!
December 28, 2011 pm31 13:27
wow, as a lover of NZ’s varied mountain landscapes I totally dig your pictures!
December 28, 2011 pm31 19:54
Thanks so much! We’d love to see New Zealand, as well! Where do you recommend. I’ve heard Fiordland and Milford Sound are spectacular.