Contrary to popular belief (at least I didn’t know), La Paz, Bolivia is not the country’s capital, nor is it the highest city in the world. Those merits go to Sucre and Potosi respectively. We entered La Paz via bus from Copacabana so we first drove through the zone of El Alto, a city...
The strange pilgrimage town of Copacabana, Bolivia.
Copacabana, Bolivia is a small town on the shore of Lake Titicaca, for tourists, it serves as a base for exploring the islands of the lake. As Bolivia no longer has any coast, Lake Titicaca holds the same fascination as the seaside for many Bolivians. Copacabana is also very close to the Kasani border...
The grumblings of a traveller Part One – Peru
Welcome to the first installment of “The grumblings of a traveller”, a new series in which we will be offering our (strictly unsolicited) “constructive” criticism on the countries we visit, as well as proposing unlikely solutions to unsolvable problems whenever possible. In other words, it will be a space to moan, complain and reveal...
Our Peru Top 10, what we loved the most…so far
Over the last 2 years we have spent a couple of months in Peru (and more to come!) and we now feel like this is our South American home. It thus seems like a good time to offer our invaluable insight into what we love about this amazing country, as well as some of...
The Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca – Puno, Taquile & Uros
Puno For many tourists and travellers Puno is either the last stop in Peru before they move on to Bolivia, or their first taste of the country, having arrived from the somewhat more chaotic Copacabana on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca. A cheeky Peruvian told us that although the lake belongs to both...
Cusco, belly button of the world
A trip to Peru could not be considered complete without visiting the legendary Inca capital of Cusco, a place that, despite the over crowdedness, chaos and dust retains an authentic halo of mystery and magic. Cusco remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, but sadly many of the original Inca...
Machu Picchu, the crowning jewel of the Inca Empire
Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, is beyond any doubt the most famous of Inca ruins and of the most iconic places in the world, due to its spectacular natural setting; 2,400 metres above sea level, perched between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin. Built in the 15th century, probably by the...
Inca sites of Cusco and the Sacred Valley – Totally Incaed out!
The Boleto Turístico is the best way to see the many tourist sites in an around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. It is valid for 10 days, and is available to purchase at any site. The cost is S130, (about £26). It is non transferable and non extendable. Partial tickets for fewer sites are...
Monasterio de Santa Catalina, Arequipa.
The Monasterio de Santa Catalina in Arequipa is one of the top attractions of the town. The convent used to house almost 200 secluded nuns until it opened its doors to the public in 1970. There are still about 20 nuns there. It is a photographers paradise due to the wonderful contrasts of bold...
La Tradición Arequipeña – A guide to Arequipa’s food
After eating so well in Lima, we had high hopes for Arequipa’s food scene. We were not disappointed! So, where and what to eat in the decidedly laid back white city of Arequipa? Picanterias – Picanterias are traditional Arequipeñan restaurants serving robust meals. They are only open at lunchtime. The name indicates that the...