Native to the mountains of South America that give the bird its name, the Andean condor can be spotted across the continent but arguably the best place to see these strikingly large animals is in the Colca Canyon of Peru. Located in the south of the country about a 4-hour drive from Arequipa, the Colca region is known for […]
Arequipa is easily one of the most charming cities in all of Peru, home to gleaming-white historic buildings made from volcanic ash, sillar, grand religious monasteries, and a rich cultural scene – hosting the annual literary Hay Festival. One of the city’s key attractions is Santa Teresa Monastery, a living-museum where cloistered nuns still reside to this day. […]
Peru is the food mecca of South America, proudly laying claim to a selection of the best restaurants in the world and the #1 restaurant in Latin America. Although the gastronomic publicity tends to focus on the capital, Lima, culinary adventures await the traveler wherever they go in this country. Each region has its own specialties […]
The highlight of a visit to Arequipa is the Santa Catalina Monastery, one of the most impressive colonial religious buildings in Peru. The large convent is a ‘city within a city,’ covering over 20,246 square meters (218,000 square feet) and preserving the characteristics of 16th and 18th centuries, with narrow twisting streets, tidy plazas, colorful […]
The Colca Valley is dotted with charming villages where the locals preserve the ethnic richness of their past more than any other region of Peru. Among the people there is deep rooted tradition and cultural pride that manifests in everything they do from their daily tasks to their unique clothing and hats. One of the best ways to understand […]
The history rich Colca Valley is scattered with ancient ruins. One of these sites, Uyo Uyo, is an especially great place to explore the ancient cultures of the region and Peru. Reachable either on foot or horseback, a visit to Uyo Uyo ruins is the ideal way to acclimatize to the high altitude of the region, while absorbing some […]
