7 Can’t Miss Experiences in Southern Peru

Peru is a magical place, known as the epicenter of the legendary Inca Empire, home to world famous ceviche and Machu Picchu, and is a country so biodiverse it is said that if Peru can be saved, it could serve as the basis for rehabilitating the rest of the world. Peru has 84 of the … Continue Reading

Roundup: Best Places to Stay in Southern Peru

Are you planning a trip to Peru and need to figure out where to stay during your epic adventure? I can’t speak for all of Peru, but I can speak for four of the marvelous cities I visited during my three weeks exploring Southern Peru, and in this post I have rounded up all the … Continue Reading

Huacachina: The Adrenaline-Packed Desert Oasis of Peru

Since I was a little kid, I’ve always loved roller coasters. So when I heard about an oasis in the middle of the Peruvian desert where dune buggies fly over sand dunes up to 700 feet tall, you better believe I immediately added it to my itinerary. That desert oasis is called Huacachina, and when … Continue Reading

The Ultimate Guide to Paracas: Peru’s Coastal Marvel

Paracas is a small fishing village turned beach resort town that is actually known as Peru’s best wild-life watching destination. Often referred to as “The Poor Man’s Galapagos,” this coastal desert region is home to the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve, both of which are teeming with wildlife, from sea lions, seabirds, and … Continue Reading

How to Spend 2 Days in Lima

Lima is the Capital and largest city in Peru, yet it is often misunderstood and almost entirely skipped over while traveler’s make their way to Cusco. I fell victim to the “don’t spend too much time in Lima” hearsay, and wish I had given this awesome city more of a chance. That being said, with … Continue Reading

What to Do & Where to Stay in Cusco

Between all of the trekking nearby, the gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture, the traditional food, and lively culture, Cusco is simply a traveler’s dream. Famed as the gateway to Machu Picchu, it has become the launching point for enthusiastic trekkers looking to see a New Wonder of the World, experience the beauty of the Peruvian Andes, … Continue Reading

How to Recover From a Cusco Trek

After 6 days and over 30 miles of trekking both Rainbow Mountain, Lares, and Machu Picchu, I was in dire need of some serious relaxation. You can count on sore legs from all the walking, tight shoulders from schlepping a backpack full of gear around, and overall exhaustion from the altitude (over 17,000ft at Rainbow … Continue Reading

Mar Adentro Excursiones: Swim With Sea Lions in Lima

I rarely can pass up an opportunity to see any sort of wildlife in their natural habitat, and when I heard about Mar Adentro Excursiones and the opportunity to swim with wild sea lions off the coast of Lima, it was no exception. Mar Adentro Excursiones offers a comfortable, guided trip out to Islas Palomino … Continue Reading

What To Expect On the 4D/3N Lares Trek With Ayni Peru

When you think of Peru, what comes to mind? If I had to guess, it would probably be hiking the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu. But what if I told you there was an alternative trek you could take without the hundreds of other tourists you’d find on the over-trekked Inca Trail, that offers a perfect mix … Continue Reading

6 Reasons to Hike Rainbow Mountain with Ayni Peru

Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain or Montaña de Siete Colores, is a stunning geological marvel of the Peruvian Andes located at a whopping 5,200 meters above sea level, and is gaining some serious popularity within the Cusco tourism industry. Located about a 4 hour drive from Cusco, it’s advertised as something that can be … Continue Reading