(Unfortunately, poor Inca was laid to rest earlier this month.) After appearing in Covent Garden to unveil a Lego model of Machu Picchu, built from an incredible 250,000 bricks (pictured), he found time to share his top tips on the country with TNT. What a nice chap.
When did your love affair with Peru begin?
It was one of the first places I visited outside of Europe when I was 19 years old. I’ve been captivated ever since, and have visited a number of times over the years.
What’s your top tip for travellers visiting the country?
My top tip is to explore the diversity. What’s great about Peru is that you’ve got the Pacific Coast, you’ve got deserts, you’ve got jungle, and you’ve got mountains.
So I’d advise you try to take in a little bit of all of it. It’s a big country, which means lots of travel, but it’s worth it.
Where’s good for an adventure?
The whole of Peru is great for adventure. One of my favourite places, however, is the Cotahuasi Canyon, the deepest in the world.
I’ve been lucky enough to go out there and I found it an exciting place, slightly off the beaten track. But, really, anywhere in the Andes is perfect for those looking for adventure.
Where’s good to chill out?
My favourite place to chill out is Cusco, the Incan capital high up in the Andes and the gateway to Machu Picchu. It’s got lovely hotels, basic hotels, delicious restaurants, culture and lots of people.
It’s a mixture of being an exciting, vibrant place, but also the perfect location to chill out.
Check out the video of our interview with Ben Fogle at tntmagazine.com/travel/iquitos
