There is no shortage of things to do in Lima. Often when we find ourselves in such an enormous city, there’s so much to do that there is nothing to do. I’ve narrowed it down to my top three.
A classic must see is the Plaza the Armas. The Cathedral sits impressively on one side of the plaza while the Palacio de Gobierno sits on another. The best time to visit Plaza the Armas is noon. Sit and watch the changing of the guard, people watch, take a tour of the cathedral and then head down Jiron de la Union. Walk down this pedestrian walkway lined with quaint little shops, restaurants and cafes. Window shop, eat lunch or have some Read more
Ever been snowboarding before? Well sandboarding is kind of the same except its way hotter and much sandier.
The most popular areas for sand boarding are Ica and Huacachina. A few hours from Lima this area offers the most variety in slopes. From beginner to experienced you can find whatever tickles your fancy. Here you can rent a board from most hotels for really cheap and do the self-guided thing and haul your board up and down the hill yourself or you can pay $10-$15USD for a two hour tour. The advantage of the tours is that a dune buggy will wait for you at the bottom and drive you back to the top every time. Really it’s well worth Read more
Peru is famous for their delicious cacao. Many family businesses have undergone amazing transformations, replacing their cocaine fields with cocoa fields. Now Peru isn’t only renowned worldwide for their cacao but it is also the second largest producer of organic cacao. A new culture has been built around the cultivation of cacao. A culture of sustainable crops that give back to the environment, and fair wages to women and field workers. Peruvian Cacao farming is a true success story.
A perfect place to familiarize ourselves with the history of cacao, not only in peru but around the world, is Chocomuseo in Cusco. At Chocomuseo you will learn everything there is to know about cacao. It’s history starting with Read more
Being the adventurous, active type, I enjoy exploring any city I visit on a bicycle. Most bike tour companies offer a variety of tours, including ones for riders of all ages and levels. For those who prefer to fly solo, most tour companies have the option of bicycle rental only, leaving you to explore where you like.
In Lima, try Bike Tours of Lima. They are a tour and rental company that has a host of bilingual guides that are just as excited to be out biking around the city as you are. Tours take you over bike lands, through parks, down one way streets and across wide sidewalks. Rides are fairly easy-going, and always on smooth surfaces. Read more
A friend once told me that going to Peru and not visiting Cordillera Blanca is like going to Nepal and not visiting the Himalayas. I think I would have to agree with him. The Cordillera Blanca, and the Santa Cruz trek in particular, has been praised as one of the best places for trekking in the world.
Why is the Santa Cruz trek so popular? Well, to start off it is safe and gorgeous, not to mention the world’s highest mountain range outside of Asia. The weather is great from May to September, and although the hike reaches an altitude of 15,617 feet, the pass is long and slow, allowing your body to adjust to the changes in Read more
Fallen in love with the idea of Peru, but not sure how to get your family to agree? G.A.P. Adventures offers a “Peru Family Adventure” tour that might help convince your family just how great Peru is.
The 10 day tour includes a guided tour of Machu Picchu and an Amazon jungle excursion. The tour price includes accommodations at a hotel for 6 nights and at a jungle lodge for 3. The local flights throughout the tour are included as are the train rides and motorized canoe trips! Jungle meals are included as is a daily continental breakfast.
As it is a family tour, one in the group must be between the ages of 6 and Read more
Deep in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon you will find the city of Iquitos. Accessible only by small plane or boat, this town is the largest city in the Peruvian jungle, and a gateway leading into Amazon exploration.
For those looking to connect with nature and feel the power of the Amazon jungle, there is no better place to visit. The city is a hub of activity for scientists and researchers and at the same time the surrounding area is still greatly inhabited by the native Indian tribes.
Iquitos is ecotourism at its finest. It may be a little… or a lot off of the beaten trail, but it is definitely worth it. Arriving Read more
Peru’s most famous tourist destination is without a doubt of Machu Picchu and a trip to Peru is not complete with a visit to this ancient Inca city. There are tons of companies that offer multiple treks, the most famous following the Inca Trail, which in the Peru Gringo’s opinion, and I think many will agree with me, is not the best route to go. Why? It is overcrowded, tougher terrain, and doesn’t have that great of scenery, not to mention the fact that you have to book a trip on that trail at least 4 months in advance.
An alternative route that I recommend to any wanting to trek to Machu Picchu is the Lares Read more
Travel and business in Peru are taking off like never before! What used to be a country traversed by backpackers and surfers is now becoming a hot place to start up a business or enjoy a relaxing vacation. Not to say that trekking through the lost city of Machu Pichu isn’t an amazing experience, but if you are a little slower when it comes to exploration, you’ll be happy to know that a journey through Peru is well within your reach.
Some of the most amazing scenery in all of South America can be found in Peru. Whether you decide to spend your time high up in the majestic Peruvian Andes or along the coast where Read more
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