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...
Colca Canyon Peru – Land of Vicuñas , Llamas, Alpacas and Condors
While in Arequipa, we chose to take a two day organised tour to the Colca Canyon region, which would allow us to see the dramatic volcano dominated landscapes, the vicuñas (precious wild camelids), typical valley villages and, of course, the famous Andean condors. Colca means ‘storehouse’; the region used to contain many cave-like storehouses...
Lima Peru – City of Kings
And so it begins, after months of preparation, excitement, doubts, sacrifices, hope, heartaches, as well as endless admin and bureaucracy, here we are: Lima Peru, June 2015. Why are you starting in Lima I hear you ask? Many different reasons really. Initially we were thinking of embarking on a more traditional South to North...
Best cheap eats in Lima: what to eat and drink in a foodies paradise!
Here are some cheap eats that we really enjoyed in Lima, Peru. Lima may be quite a vast and chaotic city, but it is a treasure chest for foodies. So, ignore the perpetual sea fog and the incessant car alarms going off at all hours, get over there and fill your belly! Ceviche –...
A posh Peruvian send off at Pachamama Bar & Kitchen, Marylebone, London
My leaving party at work was a perfectly on-theme visit to Peruvian inspired Pachamama Bar & Kitchen in Marylebone. As a larger group we were seated in the back of the restaurant in a cozy vault-like room. We selected to have the sharing menu but it was by no means limiting; were able to...