Guide to PUNO and a visit to lake TITICACA

This is a guide to Puno, a town on the shores of lake Titicaca from where you can visit the self-made Uros islands and the mesmerizing Isla Taquile where the men are knitting hats’n’gloves with the most varied patterns.

Man overlooking Lake Titicaca on the Taquile island - seen on a daytrip from Puno to the Uros Islands and Isla Taquile
A Taquileño overlooking the deep blue lake. I wonder if he’s dreamily enjoying the view – or just dreams of getting away from all that knitting.

However, you might want to prepare yourself for some annoying altitude sickness since Puno is more than 3,800 meters above sea level – so don’t hold your breath.

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Guide to CUSCO, the Fabulous Gateway to the Valle Sagrado

A guide to Cusco, the gateway to fantastic places such as the Sacred Valley, Sacsayhuamán, Ollantaytambo, and, of course, Machu Picchu.

Guide to Cusco, gateway to the Valle Sagrado: Pachacútec Yupanqui, overlooking the Plaza de Armas
The 9th ruler over the Inca empire, Pachacútec Yupanqui, overlooking the Plaza de Armas; even the sky chips in to increase the dramatic view.

But the city of Cusco, as such, is an extremely charming place, too. Therefore, here is an introduction to some places not to be missed.

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How to visit MACHU PICCHU. A Once in a Lifetime Experience

No words can describe the view of Machu Picchu – the once-in-a-lifetime experience: Those majestic mountains, the mysterious remnants of palaces and dwellings, and the roaming llamas.

Machu Picchu
Going up. The next floor is already in heaven.

Machu Picchu was not only the highlight of my trip to Peru. As a matter of fact, it was one of the highlights of all my life’s travelling.

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PUCALLPA – Gateway to the Amazon

Pucallpa is the gateway to Perú’s Amazon region and has the charm of a B-movie.

It’s the jungle. Therefore, you can watch birds and sloths and fish for piranhas in the river Ucayali as well as the Yarinacocha lagoon.

On the banks of river Ucayali that goes into the Amazon in Pucallpa.
On the banks of river Ucayali.

So I had seen Lima and Paracas on the costa, Perú’s pacific coast. I also visited Arequipa, Cusco, and Machu Picchu in the sierra of the Andean region. Hence, all that was missing was a little selva, the jungle.

That would make the Peruvian trilogy complete.

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Weekend in DUISBURG – Steel And Style in Germany’s Ruhr Area

On my discovery tour through Germany’s Ruhr Area, I spent a weekend in Duisburg, a city mainly known for its large steel plants but extremely underrated when it comes to art and style.

Tiger And Turtle, a rollercoaster in a new style, visited on a weekend in Duisburg.
The walkable rollercoaster Tiger & Turtle is one of Duisburg’s most outstanding landmarks.

Very unjustly so, because you’ll be surprised how many hidden gems I pulled out from Duisburg’s cultural lucky bag.

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A Visit to the HAKONE OPEN AIR MUSEUM – at the height of beauty

Although on clear days, you can be lucky to spot Mount Fuji all the way from Tokyo, most people take a day trip either to the Fujigoko Fuji Five Lake region at the northern foot of the famous mountain. Others try their luck and visit Hakone, a hot spring region with many grand places to experience – like the Hakone Open Air Museum, an outdoor gallery at the height of beauty.

Renata Green on a sculpture at the Open Air Museum In Hakone, Japan
Sunnyside up: At Hakone’s outdoor gallery, visitors are invited to become one with the art – literally.

World-famous Mount Fuji, probably Japan’s most iconic landmark, is a still active volcano, albeit, it erupted for the last time in 1707, so no worries.

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Weekend in ESSEN: From Coal Mine to Treasure Box

A weekend in the German city of Essen: If as a travel blogger I have a mission, it’s to show the world that there is far more to enjoy in Germany than the infamous Oktoberfest. Thus, some time ago, I’ve introduced five of Germany’s most beautiful and exciting islands in my series Island Hopping in Germany. Now, in this post, I’m starting another series, focusing on the Ruhr, a former industrial mining area at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Ruhr where the city of Essen transformed a Coal Mine into a Unesco World Heritage Site. Yet, there is much more to explore.

The iconic winding tower, the most important feature of the Unesco World Heritage Site Zeche Zollverein, with the city of Essen in the backdrop.
The iconic winding tower, the most important feature of the Unesco World Heritage Site Zeche Zollverein, with the city of Essen in the backdrop.
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The Best Beaches in Curacao You Can Easily Visit by Public Bus

Curaçao is the largest and definitely most varied one of the ABC islands. Not only does it have a vibrant capital city that made it onto UNESCO’s list of world heritage. The island boasts powerful street art, fascinating history, amazing food, and world-famous liqueur. Yet, one of the main reasons tourists flock to the island, especially during the wintertime, are Curaçao’s idyllic coves and secluded beaches.
Contrary to all assumptions, many of the most beautiful beaches lining the island of Curacao can be conveniently and very inexpensively reached by public bus.

Curacao's northernmost paradise Playa Kalkí.
Curacao’s northernmost paradise Playa Kalkí.
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