UltimateTraveller

We arrive in Lima (Peru’s capital city) late afternoon for lunch, a final Pisco sour and try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known. We are then given a quick tour of the Plaza de Armas at the heart of old Lima, and where we find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace, we also witness the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon at the Plaza de Armas. We then end our journey here and say good bye to the group. It has been emotional and journey that I will never forget with some great people. I then continue my journey alone, spending the next 10 days in to explore Lima and it's more affluent coastal districts of Miraflores and Barranco, staying at Loki and The Point Hostel where I experience the good ... read more

We travel north on an on an overnight bus journey to Nazca - one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. I recall my uncle telling me about this place when he used to work in Peru in the mines. The lines, made famous by a German mathematician, consisting of patterns, birds, insects and animals made on the ground of flat desert,. From the ground we can make out very little from the looking tower that we pay to go up, however some opt to view from a small plane which I felt was bit on the expensive side. We also visit a Pre-Inca desert cemetery site of Chauchilla included tour, containing 1500 year-old mummies, bones and pottery on the desert floor, some of the mummies still remain in tact including hair and finger ... read more

After a night of celebrating back in Cuzco, we take a morning flight to Arequipa. Peru’s second most important city after Lima, Arequipa is more a traditional colonial style city and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Arequipa has its nickname, “the White City.” as was built from a very light coloured volcanic rock. The main plaza is filled with cafés and nearby cathedral is a main feature to this quaint city, we also visit the Convent of Santa Catalina.... read more

We travel with our local guide 'Roberto' through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit the impressive Pisac ruins and the colourful artisan market. The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin. This place has huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and is known for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. Ollantaytambo seems to be our first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. We spend the night in this small town of Ollantaytambo to catch our breath and prepare for the hike ahead the next morning.... read more

After a full day of travel from La Paz enjoying the spectacular views around Lake Titicaca, we arrive to Puno. We were fortunate enough to arrive on one of many Catholic feast days to witness the street processions celebrating which was televised. After spending one night in Puno, we board a boat and head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant and the chance for some shopping in the local weaving outlets. From there we head to Amantani where overnight with a local family and enjoy typical music of the area. The overnight homestay provides us an opportunity to learn more about rural life, participate in a local football game as well as embrace ourselves in local traditions. We are also taught a lesson in the language 'Aymara' to prepare us with the home ... read more