— PERU —
Peru
The ancient Inca civilization flourished in pre-Columbian times. The towering peaks of the Andes mountains range – some of the highest in the world – span the length of the country. You’ll find Spanish Colonial architecture throughout Peru’s exceptional cities. Peru will excite you, inspire you and at over 10,000 feet, literally take your breath away.
Photos
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Cusco, Peru Slideshow
Located in the southeast corner of Peru, Cusco sits at an elevation of approximately 11,200 feet (3,400 meters). It’s the ancient capital city of the Inca Empire with a long and varied history. The Killke culture occupied the area before the Incas arrived in the 13th century. The Spanish, lead by Francisco Pizarro, invaded Cusco in the 1500’s and ultimately brought an end to one of the greatest empires in the world. Cusco is now a major tourist destination. It is definitely one of the Top 5 Places to Visit in Peru along with nearby sites Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Huanchaco Slideshow
The quiet seaside town of Huanchaco in the coastal region of La Libertad in northern Peru is home to some of the longest surf breaks in the world. Lining the main beach are caballitos de totora, traditional Peruvian reed fishing boats. Some say they are the first form of surfing. For about $30 USD per day, you can take a lesson at one of the local surfing schools (surf equipment rental included), stay in a nice hostel, and enjoy low-price, tasty, local food. The white church on the hill is Santuario de la Virgen de la Candelaria del Socorro de Huanchaco. It’s the second oldest church in Peru. To end the day, catch one of the magnificent sunsets in Huanchaco with the sky turning hues of pink and purple as the sun sinks into the sky.
Windows in Huaraz
Perched atop the Hatun Wasi Hostel in Huaraz, Peru, the breakfast room is a spectacular place to welcome the day. On a clear day, you are graced with a majestic views of the famous Cordillera Blanca mountains. Located near the city, the range are in the Huascarán National Park and include 33 peaks that sit at over 18,000 ft (5,500 m).
Every morning the ladies of the hostel take special care of you and cook up a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, bread, juice and coffee (in a lovely cup and saucer I might add) or as we said at the hostel (en español)…huevos revueltos, pan, jugo y café. Hatun Wasi Hostel is a delightful and friendly place to stay while you visit Huaraz and the local mountains. Booking info for Hatun Wasi Hostel.
Peruvian Painting
Arriving into the La Libertad region of northern Peru late on a Saturday night, we needed to find accommodations for our short overnight in Trujillo. We found a friendly hostel called El Mochilero where we secured a simple and inexpensive room to rest for the night. (Booking Info: Hostelworld)
The hostel was decorated with colorful and lively paintings throughout the hallways mostly featuring parrots, toucans and native people. They were a welcoming sight after our first journey in Peru (and in South America for that matter).
Articles
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Where to Take Surfing Lessons in Northern Peru
Surfing Lessons in Huanchaco, Peru. Surfing schools with experienced instructors. Surf equipment rentals available including surf boards and wetsuits.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Peru
Peru is a diverse country with so much to offer. The ancient Inca civilization flourished in pre-Columbian times; the towering peaks of the Andes mountains range...
Videos
Tour the Miraflores District of Lima, Peru (4 mins)
Take a video tour atop a double-decker bus cruising through the neighborhoods of the Miraflores District in Lima, Peru. Ride along overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Admire the many flower gardens. Get a taste of urban life and shopping in Miraflores. End the day with a enchanting sunset over el Pacífico. Includes Circuito de Playas, Parque Central de Miraflores, Iglesia Medalla Milagrosa, Iglesia Maria Reina, Larcomar, La Rosa Nautica Restaurante, Malecón de la Reserva, Club Tennis Las Terrazas Miraflores.
Getting Around South America
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South American bus travel a logistical nightmare? Search no more. Find links to bus company websites; translation tips for Spanish language bus websites and critical seat choice info that will make or break your travel day!
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