Guide to ICA and HUACACHINA

Let me guide you to Ica, unjustly, mostly considered a gateway to the desert and artificial oasis of Huacachina which is a major tourist attraction.

Woman hiking the desert of Huacachina, an oasis close to Ica
Hiking the dunes of Huacachina looks far easier than it actually is.

Nonetheless, Ica itself has a handful of landmarks. Most of all, it gives you the chance of experiencing a Peruvian town out of the tourist hot spots.

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Guide to LIMA – beyond Miraflores

Vamonos, let me guide you to Lima – beyond Miraflores and off the touristy trails.

Plaza Mayor in LIMA - beyond Miraflores
One of the more picturesque parts of Lima: Plaza Mayor – the Main Square – with a view of the Cathedral and the Palacio Arzobispal – the Archiepiscopal Palace – to its left.

Give Lima a chance to amaze you with beautiful museums, colorful markets, and great food.

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Guide to PARACAS and the ISLAS BALLESTAS

Here comes a guide to Paracas which is actually only a short promenade along the shore. However, it’s a great gateway to natural treasures like the Islas Ballestas, Peru’s Galapagos Islands.

Going by boat to the Islas Ballestas off the shore of Paracas
Paying birds and beasts a visit.

Every morning, the tour boats leave the village and show the visitors the undisturbed wildlife on these rocks. Sea lions, flocks of different birds, and even groups of penguins are greeting from the shores.

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Guide to AREQUIPA and the COLCA CANYON

This is a guide to the white city of Arequipa from where a day trip to the Colca Canyon is indispensable.

Catedral de Arequipe
In front of the Catedral de Arequipa, protests from the workers of the mines surrounding Arequipa. They are digging for ore, silver, and gold – a trade, that destroys nature and the workers.

After all, it’s like they say: El Condor Pasa….

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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.

This Way to the Whole Story ->