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Category: Peru

  • 5 Things Not To Miss In Peru!

    peru mountains

    If you’re heading to Peru, then it’s time to get excited as this smorgasbord of experiences that intricately combine ancient history, spiritual evolution, fantastic food and huge parties is a festival for all the senses. You’ve then got the huge outdoor playground comprised of giant sand dunes, rainforests, white water rafting, zip lines, bike trails, and paragliding.

    With so much to explore in Peru you might want to consider heading over to G Adventures Peru Travel as a starting place for inspiration, when working out your itinerary, as the options for a short break in Peru are vast.

    The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu draws visitors from across the globe to bask in its ancient splendor. The capital of Latin cooking that invokes a fusion of ingredients including tropical fruit, Amazonian chocolate, and fiery hot chillies draws its influence from Spanish, African and Asian cuisines.

    With such an interesting and intriguing country, this article offers five things you’ll want to make sure you experience whilst in Peru.

    Gastronomy in Lima

    If you’re in Lima, then you should save some room in both your belly and your budget to indulge in one (or more) of the many gastronomic delights this city has to offer; where you’ll find an incredible array of international fusion restaurants.

    Sand Buggying in Huacachina

    You’ll need to head several hours south of Lima in the Pampa Desert, to access the world famous sand dune playground of Huacachina, where you’ll encounter high powered sand buggies that will propel you up unforeseen inclines, but of course, what goes up must come down – so be prepared, sand buggying is not for the faint-hearted.

    Visting Machu Picchu

    peru scene

    The trek to Machu Picchu is certainly an adventure, but it’s well worth the ten – fourteen day trek to the fabled lost city of the Inca’s, perched high above the Urubamba Valley. The spiritual side of this mystical sanctuary can feel a little dampened by the thwarts of tourists present, but for many, the journey to get there is what makes the trip so worthwhile.

    Yanza, Umisha, Cortamonte

    alpaca peru
    There’s a ritual known in the Andean highland as the “yunza”…”umisha” in the jungle… and “cortamonte” in the coastal region. The ritual forms the central focus of a number of carnivals where a tree is loaded with gifts and decorations, then when all the guests have arrived, everyone dances around the tree, then, the couple begin to chop at the tree with a machete. It might sound like a strange thing to recommend, but if you want to feel part of a carnival – rather than on the outside looking in – this is an incredibly welcoming option to explore.

    Hike in the Cordillera

    If you would like to hike through some of the most stunning scenery The Andes has to offer, then you’ll want to head to one of the most pristine and naturally beautiful regions of Peru, with deep blue lagoons, 33 significant snow capped peaks, and exquisite wild fauna.

    Remember, this is just a little taste of what Peru has to offer. You could, of course, just turn up and see what happens – but to squeeze the most out of Peru, you’ll want to have some plans in place to experience the highlights you particularly want to visit.

  • 8 Reasons to Visit Peru

    South America’s Peru is perhaps most famous for the spectacular Inca Trail, leading to the amazing Machu Picchu, the soaring Andes Mountains, and Paddington Bear! Rich in history and culture, with remnants from ancient civilisations, numerous beautifully scenic areas, vibrant cities, and a rich culinary scene, there are plenty of reasons to visit Peru. With a Pacific coastline, there are also fantastic beaches for when you just want to kick back and relax. Transportation around the country is pretty good, and there are many accommodation options in the main places of interest.

    Some main reasons to visit Peru and make it a firm favourite on your travel list include:

    1. Lima

    The diverse and interesting capital city, Lima offers an enticing selection of things to do and see for all visitors. Grand colonial buildings occupy the streets, and the main square, also known as Plaza de Armas, is a hive of activity surrounded by stunning architecture. Lima Cathedral stands proudly in the city, and is definitely worth a visit. The Archbishops Palace is another top city sight. Condensed areas of nightlife, such as in Mire Flores, make after hours activities fun, and there are many world class restaurants to satisfy all tastes. Close to pristine white sandy beaches, Lima is an easy city to love.

    2. Arequipa

    The charming city of Arequipa is home to delights like the Monasterio Santa Catalina, a religious sanctuary for nuns. The paved courtyards are surrounded by quaint buildings, and you can literally feel peace and serenity wash over you upon stepping inside the walls. A volcanic mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the pretty city, and the pace is really laid back and welcoming.

    3. Colca Canyon

    To reach the spectacular desert you must first drive through a desert and plains, where you will likely spot a range of native wildlife. The canyon itself is simply awesome, and you can take in some of the best views from the high Tapay Viewpoint. Sitting over 3,500 metres above the canyon it can make you feel quite dizzy! Look out for soaring condors in the distance.

    4. Lake Titicaca

    An incredibly impressive and large body of water, Lake Titicaca also has several ancient sites sitting near to the waters’ edge. It is a great place to spend a few days admiring the area and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

    5. Nazca

    A flight over the Nazca Lines is sure to leave you filled with wonder and awe. Fly over the mysterious lines and images in the dry desert beneath and allow yourself to ponder what they mean and how they were created with such precision. Gigantic pictures of various animals can be spotted, as well as something resembling a spaceman! Nearby, there is an ancient burial ground which is also worth a visit.

    6. Cusco

    The picturesque city of Cusco is not only a major starting point for those trekking the renowned Inca Trail, but is also a captivating city in its own right. The main square is surrounded by elegant colonial era buildings, the bustling local markets are filled with various products, and you can also easily visit other splendid Inca sites and the mighty Urubamba River.

    7. Machu Picchu

    Often called the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu occupies a prime spot on top of a magnificent mountain, with another, steeper, mountain right next to it. Wander around the large complex, seeing temples, homes, a palace, crop terraces, and the intriguing sundial-like stone. Intricate carvings and stonework add to the atmosphere of grandeur. The nearby town of Agues Calientes is quite cute.

    8. Manu National Park

    Brimming with nature, Manu National Park is loved by locals and visitors alike. Covering several different ecological zones, there is a wide selection of flora and fauna that calls the park home. Amongst the huge diversity of creatures are mountain lions, jaguars, tapirs, hundreds of types of bird, and a great many lizards, other reptiles, and insects. The Manu River runs through the national park.

    Cruise along the Amazon River, see the candelabra-esque engraving into the sandy slopes near Pisac, try the national delicacy of guinea pig, let the sounds of panpipes wash over you, and discover your own top reasons to visit Peru.