Planning a camping trip is exciting, but one can't help thinking about the luxuries like showers, comfortable beds, and delicious food that they'll miss while spending their nights in a tent. This unique lodging company is looking to provide guests with a relaxing and gorgeous nature experience in Peru without compromising all the comforts of home.
Peru Ecocamp invites you to "escape the ordinary" in their cozy but spacious geodesic domes, which are the perfect mix of luxury and nature. As indicated by the "eco" in their name, these domes are also completely sustainable due to the organization's many efforts including planting organic gardens, using solar energy, and filtering and treating natural water sources.
Peru Ecocamp has five camp locations, each with unique settings. Their locations are designed so that you can hike along the Salkantay Trail and explore each camp's ecosystem along the way. The Salkantay Trail hike is an excellent way to view both natural wonders and archeological sites, and is a great alternative to the more populated Inca Trail hike. As you hike, you'll spot condors flying overhead and even be able to explore remains of Incan religious sites, such as Killarumiyoq, where lunar charts were recorded and its moon stone was used in fertility rituals.
Here are descriptions of each camp you'll visit:
- Pincopata Ecocamp is located in the province of Limatambo, ten minutes away from the quiet town of Mollepata. The camp's lush green grass and local flowers put one in mind of a Tolkien-esque Hobbit hole. There is also a large fire pit in one corner of the camp, perfect for an evening out under the stars.
- Both the Sacred Humantay and Salkantay mountains overlook the Soray Ecocamp camp, a 45-minute drive or day's trek from Pincopata Ecocamp. The Soray Ecocamp differs from Pincopata in temperature and altitude, so the Soray Ecocamp offers the chance to explore a different ecosystem, and the weather tends to be cooler. The camp is surrounded by beautiful views of snow-capped mountains.
- Humantay Ecocamp, the highest of all the Ecocamps, sits at 3,900 m or 12,792 feet. Due to the altitude, it is also the coldest camp. It is located on a flat expanse of pampa, or lowlands, and is watched over by Mount Humanta.
- Milpo Ecocamp is located along a secluded route between Huayra and Milpo, meaning that you will not meet any other travelers along the way. The camp is located in the cloud forest region where you can spot native orchid species along the domes.
- Cafe Ecocamp, located in the small town of Lucmabamba, in the Santa Teresa Valley and named for the local coffee, tropical fruit, and honey farms that surround it.
Hiking is of course the main attraction around these Ecocamps, but relaxing activities such as horseback riding, cooking classes, and yoga are also offered.