The Human Body exhibit has been seen around the world, and right now it is here in Lima. Although this has nothing to do with the culture of Peru, it is an amazing exhibit that should most definitely be seen. And who knows, seeing it in Lima might be the only chance you get!
The exhibit displays real bodies, complete and partial, that have been preserved using polymerization. This liquid silicone preserves the human tissue, leaving the body completely plasticized at a molecular level. You can see the complexity of the bones, nerves, organs, and blood vessels.
This is a cool way to really see how the body works. The exhibit is open to people of all ages, although it Read more
If you are currently making your list of things to do when you are Lima make sure you add the Church of San Francisco (La Iglesia de San Francisco) to the list. The Church and monastery are interesting enough, but the real attraction here are the underground catacombs.
For about 2 dollars (US) you can enter the extensive tunnel system of graves containing piles and piles of human bones. The bones are sorted by body type, thanks to a group of archaeologists who inventoried them. In one area the bones are arranged into a work of art, copying the French catacombs. (Oh the things you learn on a guided tour!)
The newest and most fashionable shopping center in Lima is Larcomar, and it should most definitely be on your list of things to do/places to shop. With a fantastic view of the Miraflores Bay, you can browse the stores for designer clothes, cigars, and other souvenirs, eat at one of the many international restaurants (they have a HOOTERS), catch a flick, dance at one of the discotheques, or even go bowling!
Larcomar is clean and safe, making it an ideal place to spend the afternoon. You may choose to start your day down at the beach, and then hike on up to the shopping center for lunch, where you can sit at any of the cafes that overlook the Pacific Read more
Being the adventurous, active type, I enjoy exploring any city I visit on a bicycle. Most bike tour companies offer a variety of tours, including ones for riders of all ages and levels. For those who prefer to fly solo, most tour companies have the option of bicycle rental only, leaving you to explore where you like.
In Lima, try Bike Tours of Lima. They are a tour and rental company that has a host of bilingual guides that are just as excited to be out biking around the city as you are. Tours take you over bike lands, through parks, down one way streets and across wide sidewalks. Rides are fairly easy-going, and always on smooth surfaces. Read more
Pisco is one of my favorite things in Peru. The Peruvian style of this brandy (it is also made in Chile), is distilled from freshly fermented grape juice, and is only produced in copper pot stills, and it is never diluted after it is distilled, keeping the flavor strong.
There are a great number of Pisco factories throughout Peru that you can tour. Most of these are also wineries, meaning the tour is a bit longer, but the complementary drinks at the end have a bit more of a variety. Check out The Tacama Winery. (The focus is really heavy on the wine, but they serve and sale Pisco as well)
A friend once told me that going to Peru and not visiting Cordillera Blanca is like going to Nepal and not visiting the Himalayas. I think I would have to agree with him. The Cordillera Blanca, and the Santa Cruz trek in particular, has been praised as one of the best places for trekking in the world.
Why is the Santa Cruz trek so popular? Well, to start off it is safe and gorgeous, not to mention the world’s highest mountain range outside of Asia. The weather is great from May to September, and although the hike reaches an altitude of 15,617 feet, the pass is long and slow, allowing your body to adjust to the changes in Read more
Deep in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon you will find the city of Iquitos. Accessible only by small plane or boat, this town is the largest city in the Peruvian jungle, and a gateway leading into Amazon exploration.
For those looking to connect with nature and feel the power of the Amazon jungle, there is no better place to visit. The city is a hub of activity for scientists and researchers and at the same time the surrounding area is still greatly inhabited by the native Indian tribes.
Iquitos is ecotourism at its finest. It may be a little… or a lot off of the beaten trail, but it is definitely worth it. Arriving Read more
Peru’s most famous tourist destination is without a doubt of Machu Picchu and a trip to Peru is not complete with a visit to this ancient Inca city. There are tons of companies that offer multiple treks, the most famous following the Inca Trail, which in the Peru Gringo’s opinion, and I think many will agree with me, is not the best route to go. Why? It is overcrowded, tougher terrain, and doesn’t have that great of scenery, not to mention the fact that you have to book a trip on that trail at least 4 months in advance.
An alternative route that I recommend to any wanting to trek to Machu Picchu is the Lares Read more
Travel and business in Peru are taking off like never before! What used to be a country traversed by backpackers and surfers is now becoming a hot place to start up a business or enjoy a relaxing vacation. Not to say that trekking through the lost city of Machu Pichu isn’t an amazing experience, but if you are a little slower when it comes to exploration, you’ll be happy to know that a journey through Peru is well within your reach.
Some of the most amazing scenery in all of South America can be found in Peru. Whether you decide to spend your time high up in the majestic Peruvian Andes or along the coast where Read more
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