We came to Peru from Colombia basically because we wanted to experience it, particularly Machu Picchu, before all the crowds return following COVID. While this had proven to be pretty successful, we knew that planning our trekking routes would be a little more challenging considering it was low (aka rainy) season, which runs from December-March. However, we also read that…
Any true traveler has “suffered” through a budget airline. We use quotes because we realize flying is privilege (which we’re grateful for) no matter what sort of jet box you’re gliding through the air on. In our travels, we have been on many, but perhaps none so restrictive or annoying as Viva Air. If you’re familiar with budget travel in…
Cusco can be a bit chaotic and is far from a walker's paradise, so we we always looking for reasons to get out! And what better place than some peaceful ruins? The Saqsaywaman Ruins, just 2 km north of the main square in Cusco, is the most important military fort of the Incan empire, often compared with its grandness to…
Taquile Island is a whole other world from Uros. In fact, stepping from that sparkling blue water onto that terraced landscape with compact stone houses feels distinctly like being transported to an island in the Mediterranean. It’s surreal. And the real bonus? In this tranquil seemingly Egalitarian society, there are no cars…no dogs…no motors. In fact, no sounds at all…other…
The shimmering sheet of cobalt water of Lake Titicaca (3830 meters/12,565 feet) is the world’s highest navigable lake and the islands upon it are renowned for their tranquility, beauty and indigenous communities. Thus, we knew doing a simple day trip or overnight, as most tourists do, was not an option for us. We wanted to witness the living tradition of their…
The Grand Canyon is far from being the deepest canyon in the world. In fact, the beast we trucked 37 km (23 miles) all the way down, around, and back up, is double the depth and the world’s second deepest canyon at up to 4160 meters (13,640 feet.) (The first deepest is also in Peru not far from here and…
The UNESCO World Heritage city of Arequipa is Peru’s second biggest city, but a mere 1/10th the size of Lima. However, it’s very competitive and packs a big punch in terms of architectural splendor, historical significance and culinary gifts. In fact, it's a culinary powerhouse on par with Lima. All types of Peruvian cuisine are represented here, as well as…
We sometimes feel a bit overdosed on visiting churches, mosques, shrines and temples despite the fact there are so many beautiful ones in the world. This is why we debated if we were going to visit The Monastery of Santa Catalina (S40 or $10/ticket.) However, Lonely Planet promised it shouldn’t be missed “even if you’re overdosed on colonial edifices.” This…
