Tourism in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is in the midst of a tourism boom, according to the World Travel &Tourism Council, which reveals strong growth for Argentina Travel and Tourism in 2007 and in coming years, and the prestigious travel and tourism publication; Travel + Leisure, a monthly magazine, travelers voted Buenos Aires the second most desirable city to visit after Florence, Italy. Buenos Aires, regarded as the “Paris of South America”, offers elegant architecture, exquisite cuisine, a legendary nightlife, and fashionable shopping. Argentina has become famous for its rich European flavor.

Tourist attractions

The most popular tourist sites are found in the historic core of the city, in the Montserrat and San Telmo neighborhoods. Buenos Aires was conceived around the Plaza de Mayo, the colony's administrative center. To the east of the square is the Casa Rosada, the official seat of the executive branch of the government of Argentina. To the north, the Catedral Metropolitana which has stood in the same location since colonial times, and the Banco de la Nación Argentina building, a parcel of land originally owned by Juan de Garay. Other important colonial institutions were Cabildo, to the west, which was renovated during the construction of Avenida de Mayo and Julio A. Roca. To the south is the Congreso de la Nación (National Congress), which currently houses the Academia Nacional de la Historia (National Academy of History). Lastly, to the northwest, is City Hall. South America tours

Avenida de Mayo links the Casa Rosada with the Argentine National Congress. On this avenue there are several buildings of cultural, architectural, and historical importance, such as Casa de la Cultura, the Palacio Barolo and Café Tortoni. Underneath the avenue, the first subte (metro) line Línea A (SBASE).svg in South America, opened in 1913. The avenue ends at Plaza del Congreso, which features a number of monuments and sculptures, including one of Auguste Rodin's few surviving original casts of "The Thinker". 2007 list of the World's Best Cities, by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Today it still ranks in top 10.

The Manzana de las Luces ("Illuminated Block") area features the San Ignacio church, the Colegio Nacional Buenos Aires, and the old city council building (1894 to 1931). This area features tunnels and catacombs, which crossed underneath the Plaza de Mayo during colonial times. In the San Telmo neighborhood of, Plaza Dorrego hosts an antiques fair on Sundays, complete with tango shows. They also have tango shows daily at the famous plaza. On weekends they involve many tourists to learn how to dance. Frequent tours and activities are also available at the Church of Nuestra Señora de Bethlehem, the San Pedro Telmo Parish and the Antonio Ballvé Penintetiary Museum. The National Historical Museum in Parque Lezama is a few blocks south. The Ayres Porteños Hostel is a very famous hostel as it is also a tourist attraction, it is decorated and painted by artists from La Boca and possesses a unique collection of local paintings among its walls. South America travel

                                  

The borough of Recoleta is home to a number of places of interest, including the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the Biblioteca Nacional, the Centro Cultural Recoleta, the Faculty of Law of the Universidad de Buenos Aires, the Basílica Nuestra Señora de Pilar, the Palais de Glace, the Café La Biela and the Cementerio de la Recoleta, where Eva Perón's crypt can be visited, among those of many other Argentine historical and cultural figures.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the city's most well-known bookshops and, having moved from its original downtown location, today operates on Santa Fé Avenue, where "Barrio Norte" meets the borough of Palermo. Once a theatre and later a cinema, the building still retains the feeling of the grand theatre it once was, despite its recent renovation. Plaza Italia, site of a monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Buenos Aires Zoo, the botanical gardens, and the Palermo woods (famous for its paddleboat lake, rose garden, and planetarium) are all a short walk to the east of it. South America tours

The borough of Retiro features the Retiro Railway Terminal and several other notable landmarks, including the Plaza San Martín square, its monument to the Falklands War Fallen, an equestrian statue of General San Martín and, nearby, the Anglo-Argentine community's present to Argentina the Torre Monumental (formerly Torre de los Ingleses), the ornate Basilica Santísimo Sacramento and the Art Deco Kavanagh Building, still one of the tallest in the city.

The Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires is located in the barrio of Palermo, and is one of the most important in the country. In this neighbourhood can also be found the Bosques de Palermo, the Planetary and Buenos Aires Zoo. South Americatravel

The southern area of the city, (including barrios such as Barracas and Parque Patricios) while traditionally not a top tourist destination, is historically the source for much of the city's early tango culture. It is now home to a burgeoning arts scene. Another important tourist site is Avenida Corrientes; among dozens of cinemas, theatres, booksellers and music shops, this avenue is home to the San Martín Cultural Center, Paseo La Plaza and the Luna Park coliseum. At the intersection of this avenue with Avenida 9 de julio, the Obelisco, the emblem of the City of Buenos Aires, is located. The Art Deco Mercado de Abasto, which is currently a shopping mall, is also on this avenue.

At the southwest end of the city, the Buenos Aires circuit and the Parque de la ciudad are located. One of the biggest thematic parks in Latin America, the amusement park centers around its 200 metre-high Torre Espacial tower. South america tours

Buenos Aires has been attracting a homosexual community in Latin America. Since 2006, the city has seen unprecedented numbers of gay-oriented cruise ship arrivals, an increase in the number of gay-owned businesses, and the construction of a five-star gay-oriented hotel; despite its relatively unfavorable location, the Axel Hotel Buenos Aires has remained popular since opening in October 2007.

In recent years, non-traditional tourism options have become quite popular among travelers visiting Buenos Aires. Downloadable audio walking tours of Buenos Aires as well as bike tours or the free tours are three examples of the endless possibilities to explore the city. South America travel

Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni comprises over 10,000km² in the Potosi region. The salt is over 10 meters thick in the centre. In the dry season, the salt plains are a completely flat expanse of dry salt, but in the wet season, it is covered with a thin sheet of water that is still drivable.

The standard tour heads south toward the southwest corner of Bolivia, by many fluorescent-coloured lakes that are created from a collection of different minerals from runoff from the surrounding mountains.

Tour Background

This article outlines the "standard" tour. The tour is conducted in 4x4 vehicles (usually Toyota Landcruisers) with 6 or 7 people, with the driver often times cooking. Most 3- and 4- day tours have the same itinerary for the first 2 1/2 days, a day on the salt plains, then heading south to the southwest corner of Bolivia, and then splitting off from there. The specific sites that are seen can be dependent on the tour, but group input can define which sites are visited and how much time will be spent at each.

Accommodation is usually provided in basic refuges and the weather can be very cold, but it is well worth it for the amazing scenery.

What to bring

•  Flashlight (torch) - the lights go out when the generator runs dry.
• Coins and small bills - The bathrooms aren't free.
• Sunglasses - The salt flats are blinding.
• Camera, extra battery and loads of memory cards - There are no better pictures than here. If doing the 3 day tour you will usually be able to recharge batteries on the first evening (24h electricity) and a bit on the second evening (2h electricity with a generator).
• Extra water - Very important!! The tour usually provides an inadequate supply. An extra 2L bottle per day.
•  Sunblock and hat - At 3.5km above sea level there is significantly less atmosphere to absorb the sun's ultraviolet radiation.
•  Sleeping bag - You can rent one with the tour. Down is best, and check to see that the zipper works. This is mainly needed in the winter time. Outside of winter this was not needed.
• Warm clothes - Layered is best.
•  Flip-flops - The restroom facilities are shared.
• Towel - None are available during the tour.
• Extra snacks, especially fruit and protein - The food is adequate in quantity but tends to be heavy on starches.
•  Lip Balm - Sun, wind and dry air will crack them up.
• Satellite phones and oxygen tanks are extremely important for emergencies.

  

First Day - The World's Largest Salt Flat

On the first day you will visit the salt flats. In the dry season this will be a hallucinogenic white landscape. In the rain it is mostly submerged and will show a perfect reflection of the sky.

Uyuni Plaza Arce (3669m, 20.463 S, 66.823 W) - Most trips start here next to the train station at 10:30am, although hotel pickup is usually available.

Train Graveyard (3669m, 20.479 S, 66.834 W) - Usually the first thing of the tour, but some operators prefer to finish the tour with it. A place with a lot of wrecked old steam locomotives.

Colchani, Bloques de Sal (3653m, 20.301 S, 66.938 W) - a village 7 kilometers north of Uyuni that survives off of the processing of salt. Salt souvenirs are available, a salt museum that has carvings of animals created with salt (they make you pay the fee upon exit), some examples of furniture and home-building techniques using salt. Bathrooms available for 1B.

Salt-Mining Area (3653m, 20.321 S, 66.994 W) - an area where salt is dug from the plane into piles weighing a ton each, and left to dry in the sun before transport to a refinery then to your table.

Salt Hotels (3653m, 20.331 S, 67.047 W)- Several hotels made completely out of salt. It is necessary to purchase a candy-bar to go inside.

Isla de los Pescados, or Isla Incahuasi (3653m, 20.243 S, 67.625 W) - The name originates from the fish-like appearance of the island's reflection in the wet season. There is a fee of BOB30 to visit this island of fossilized coral covered in 1000-year-old cacti in the middle of the Uyuni Salar. These cacti (the highest of them being 9-10 m) grow at a rate of 1cm per year, so you can easily calculate their age. You may see a Viscacha or two here, also. Most tour groups eat lunch on the western "shore" of this island. Bathrooms available for BOB1.

Accommodation can be found at San Juan (3660m, 20.983 S, 67.767 W), though for a real treat try to get the agency to use to accommodation closer to the Salar: you will then be able to get up before dawn and reach the flats by 4x4 to see the most spectacular sunrise of your life. The more basic "salt hotels" may have showers for 10B. and a camera recharge station.

Second Day - heading south past colourful lakes to Laguna Colorada

Laguna Hedionda (4186m, 21.568 S, 68.05 W) - a lagoon full of flamingos and a popular spot for lunch. Bathrooms available for BOB1. Often you will have lunch at the outdoor picnic shelters here.

Viscacha Area - A short stop at a rocky outcropping reveals a colony of Viscachas. The tour guides feed them carrots to train them to come out for food.

Arbol de Piedra (4412m) - a stone tree that has been carved out of the howling, sandy winds.

Laguna Colorada (4278m, 22.2 S, 67.8 W) - a lake coloured red by the algae that live in it. Also you will see lots of flamingos. A 30Bs (Bolivian citizen) or 150Bs (foreigner) fee to enter the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa is required to go any further.

Accommodation - Laguna Colorada area has many basic accommodations in adobe shacks without heating. Beds and blankets are provided. There is electricity for a few hours, but usually no station to recharge batteries. Outside Temperature can be below -20°C at night in July. You may be able to talk the host into firing up the heater for hot water (15B pp) but the showers are located outside the lodge and require stalking through the icy night.

Third Morning - Geysers and Hot Springs down to Laguna Verde and Back

It will begin at an ungodly hour (5am) to visit some of the following:

Solar de Manaña geyser basin (4850m) - a collection of bubbling sulfur pools and a geyser, normally visited just as the sun is rising. There are no railings here, the ground can be slippery and cave in, and that water looks hot.

Termas de Polques hot springs (4400m, 22.536 S, 67.649 W) - adjacent to Salar de Chalviri - bring something to swim in if you want to enjoy the hot springs. A popular spot for Breakfast. Primitive bathrooms available for 6B.

Laguna Verde (4400m, 22.795 S, 67.84 W) - (coloured green by Arsenic, Lead, Copper and other heavy metals) with a perfect reflection of Vulcán Lincacabur (5960m). Note that very often you won't actually see the green of this laguna... The green color only appears when it's windy, which is often not the vase in the early morning when tours visit the laguna.

Next will be a long drive backto Uyuni, or you can also branch off here to San Pedro de Atacama. If going to San Pedro the bus usually leaves around 9.30am. Bolivian immigration office available at the border, charging Bs15 for the service (March 2016).

Third Afternoon - Eastward toward Tupiza

If you opt for the four day tour to Tupiza, then you will go off the beaten track, and visit some small communities. You will see the previous and some of the following:

• Laguna Celeste - A clear-blue lake coloured by magnesium and manganese.
• Laguna Amarilla - A yellow sulphur lake, some old cave paintings nearby.
• Ruinas de San Antonio - an abandoned 16th century mining town where prospectors used slave labour. Depending on who you talk to the town was abandoned because either, there was a slave rebellion or, men started to go blind / missing. Regardless an attempt in the 70s to repopulate the town failed and people now live in a town of the same name that is close by but not overlooked by the ominous Volcano Uturuncu (6020m).

Third Afternoon - Northward Toward Uyuni

The road back to Uyuni is very bumpy. It usually takes 7h from the Laguna Verde. You will stop in various small communities on the way.

Valles de Rocas - many strange valleys of rocks popping up out of the altiplano. The guide will point out patterns in the rocks that resemble familiar objects.

Accommodation - Tours stay at various small towns en route to their final destination. Heating and showers are dependent upon where the driver decides to stop. The small town of Alota is relatively popular with tours.

Fourth Day - ending in Tupiza

tour will be a long ride through beautiful landscape. The last attraction before arriving in Tupiza is:

Sillar (21.44 S, 65.8 W) - which are giant columns of clay formed by erosion.

Fourth Day - ending in Uyuni

San Cristobal (21.095 S, 67.21 W) - a town with a 350-year-old church containing a silver altar.

Train Graveyard (20.479 S, 66.834 W) - a collection of many old trains 3km southwest of Uyuni.

Travel to Paracas - Peru

What to Do in Paracas

Paracas also known as El Chaco is a small beach resort on the Southern coast of Peru, 145 miles (235km) south of Lima. Paracas means raining sand in Quechua, this is spot on as the town encounters many, many sandstorms.  An earthquake hit the region on August 15^th 2007 and destroyed a lot of its infrastructure. But the region is bouncing back with new builds and reconstruction. The region has a lot to offer, historically and biologically.  The Paracas culture dates back to 900 BC until AD 200. So what is there to do in Paracas? The Ballestas Islands, lie roughly an hour away by boat. The Paracas Peninsula is also part of the National Reserve. peru tours

Islas Ballestas

These islands also known as “the poor man’s Galapagos”, can be visited by boat from the Paracas harbor. It’s usually a guided half day trip that includes the sights of the Candelabra and the islands. Guides typically speak a number of languages so no one misses out. As you wait in the harbor for your boat to prepare and board you might be fortunate enough to see a pod of dolphins fishing or just playing. Peruvian Pelicans take advantage of the fishing dolphins and dive beak first for any left overs. You’ll hear the “oohs and aahs” of other adults mesmerized by the mammals and birds.  Finally onboard the boat remember to put your sunnies on, the water can be choppy with a lot of splashing. And make sure that hat is secure!!! It can get rather windy!

On route to the islands you will see a huge three-pronged candle stick looking symbol in the high sand dunes. This is a candelabra with many stories behind its existence and creation. Be sure to listen to the different theories and then make your own mind up. Landing on the islands is banned, but the boats’ captains try to get as close as possible for the best views. The beaches are packed with sea lions and cliffs above are full of birds. Depending on the time of year you could be lucky to see throngs of baby sea lions tucked in beside their mothers on the beaches. You’ll see the larger male sea lions patrolling the waters to protect the females and babies. The sound of the sea lions barking can be booming at times but don’t be afraid to join in and do some impressions!  The closer the boat gets, the stronger the smell gets. That’s the smell of guano (seabird droppings). Guano was once a multi-million dollar company, that Peru reaped many rewards from. The guano was used as a natural fertilizer. peru tours

A number of birds endemic to the desert coast of Peru can be spotted from your seat. The Peruvian Booby and Peruvian Pelicans can be seen plunge diving to feed on schools of fish.  This is an exciting and remarkable show so have your cameras at the ready.  The Humboldt Penguin, a definite crowd pleaser, can be seen shuffling up and down the cliffs and are year round inhabitants of the islands. Keep your eyes peeled and you might glimpse one swimming speedily through the water. The elegant and breathtaking Andean Condor can be seen soaring above, if you see one you’ll immediately know it’s a condor from its startling 10 ft. wide wingspan.

Paracas National Reserve

A visit to the National Reserve is another well worth trip to do while in Paracas. The reserve encompasses an expanse of desert created to protect the areas biodiversity and archaeological sites.  Beyond all the sand there are some interesting sites. You will see where the desert meets the sea in the reserve. You can spend some time on some deserted beaches. Some of beaches are quite different to one another because of volcanic rock, sedimentary rock and animal and fish remains. You can spot some wildlife too; flamingos and other birds, lizards and other marine life. peru tours

There is a visitor’s center next to the entrance, alongside the Museo J.C. Tello. The center has many exhibits on the conservation of local marine and land life and ecosystems. You can easily pass an hour in the center reading and learning about how marine life has survived and also how humans have lived and survived in this desert area for thousands of years. The museum houses a collection of some of the excavated archaeological remains. The collection includes intricate weavings and embroideries and trepanned skulls discovered by the Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello in 1925.

Huaraz Natural Paradise - Capital of international friendship

How to get to Huaraz

To the city of Huaraz can be reached by two means: Aerial and terrestrial.

By air: There is a daily flight from Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport to Anta Airport which lasts 60 minutes; Anta is located 15 minutes north of the city of Huaraz by car. Of course from Anta to Huaraz there are many vehicles that provide the transport service. These flights are offered by LC Peru Airline. Peru tours

The terrestrial means: the most used service, because to the city of Huaraz many buses arrive that leave from Lima, Trujillo, Chimbote, Chiclayo and other cities of Peru. The moyoría of these buses offer an excellent service (you only have to know how to choose well), they offer TV service with DVD, hygienic services, reclining seats, air conditioning, normal seats, semi-bed, bus bed, etc. The cost of this services Vary according to quality.

Season to visit Huaraz

In Huaraz the rainy season is from November until the first half of April and therefore it is more convenient to make your visits to the Callejon de Huaylas, Conchucos Zone and other places around from April to October. Of course conventional tours, day hikes and others are performed without any problem throughout the year as highways and roads are in good condition even in rainy seasons. explore peru

What can you see? 

Alley of Huaylas

It is an Andean valley that begins in the Laguna Conococha at 4100 m.s.n.m. And ends in Huallanca, its extension is 180 km. This valley is formed by the Cordilleras Blanca and Negra, which in their entire length are crossed by the Rio Santa, presents a diversity of microclimates due to the altitude in which it is, this altitude ranges from 1000 to 6746 m.s.n.m. Alley of HuaylasForman part of the Alley of Huaylas the provinces of Recuay, Huaraz, Carhuaz, Yungay and Huaylas (Caraz); Whose people keep alive their customs and traditions which manifest them continuously in activities like the feast of the Lord of May in Huaraz, the feast in honor of the virgin of the Mercedes in Carhuaz; The feast in honor of the Virgin Asunción in Huata, Caraz; See the tourist calendar of this part of the region.

Also in the area of ​​Callejón de Huaylas are important archaeological sites, such as Pueblo Viejo in Recuay, Wilchuain in Huaraz, Cave of Guitarrero in Yungay, Tumshucaico in Caraz, Etc. As well as dozens of recreation and recreation centers. travel Peru

Tour to the Llanganuco Lagoons

Laguna LlanganucoVisit to the north of the city of Huaraz, in the Callejón de Huaylas, under the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra; On the way we visit villages like: Jangas, Anta, Marcará, Carhuaz (well known for the ice creams that are produced), Mancos, Campo Santo in Yungay - Lagoons of Llanganuco (3850 m) inside the Huascarán National Park, surrounded by snow covered Huascaran, Huandoy, Pisco, Yanapaccha - Caraz (a village where the best delicacies are produced in the region). Return to Taricá (Artisan Center of Callejón de Huaylas).

Tour to Chavín de Huantar

Travel to the south of the city, on the way we visit the villages of Recuay and Catac, in the latter we take the road to the east and visit the lagoon of Querococha 3980 m, which is below the snowy Pucaraju, we cross the tunnel of Kawish , The highest of the Andes 4450 m and access point to the Callejón de Conchucos, the town of Machac, Tour to the archaeological center Chavín de Huantar, later to the temple of Chavín de Huantar, which is located on the Huachecsa and Mosna rivers, Its beginnings must be located in the 1200 AD, in it is a set of internal galleries, where the interior is the Lanzón de Chavín, external walls adorned with heads claves. peru destinations

Tour of the Pastoruri Glacier

Glacier of Pastoruri Explore to the south of Huaraz, on the way we visit: the town of Recuay, where is the grotto of San Patricio, Ticapampa, Catac, the Carpa ravine where we visited, the duck pond (Patococha), the gasified waters of Pumapashimin And we observe the Puya Raymondi, which is the most representative plant of the Andes, the Rock paintings; And later we arrive at the Nevado Pastoruri where we have the opportunity to walk very close to ice more than 5000 m, and observe the effects of climate change in this part of the Andes of Peru. Vacations in Peru

Tour to the Puyas de Winchus

Puyas de Winchus Visit to the north of the city of Huaraz, in the Callejón de Huaylas; On the way, we visit the villages of Jangas, Anta, Carhuaz, Yungay and Pueblo Libre, from the latter we take the road to the west to finally arrive at Winchus, a natural viewpoint located in the upper part of Caraz, in the Cordillera Negra, from This point is observed most of the peaks of the Cordillera, as well as observe the Puyas Raimondi that are to the surroundings.

Tour to the ruins of Honcopampa

Visit to the north of the city of Huaraz, in the Callejón de Huaylas; On the way we visit villages such as: Taricá, Pariahuanca, San Miguel Aco, then we arrive at the archaeological complex Honcopampa, which is characterized by its archaeological remains dating from the same period of the Wilcahuain remains (700 - 1000 AD). Located on the western flank of the Cordillera Blanca and consists of a large set of rectangular houses with central courtyard and a necropolis of chullpas or two-story mausoleums, the largest of which has six doors and a twenty-first floor. Then we walked a bit and visited Yuracyacu, a waterfall with 30 meters of waterfall. Peru tours

Things to do at Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is not always the top item on one’s agenda when planning a trip to Peru.  It wasn’t exactly the first destination on our list either; in fact, it was second on our back-up plan! When we had to cancel our Inca Trail trek due to a lingering injury, we scrambled to fill our two weeks in Peru with something other than the obligatory (but rewarding) visit to Machu Picchu.

After reading about the floating islands of the Uros people and the cultural significance of Puno, Peru’s folklore capital, we decided that a visit to Lake Titicaca would allow us a glimpse into Peru’s history, culture, and geography that we would not find elsewhere in our travels. It was simply too intriguing to pass up.

We scheduled a four day, three night stay.

This famous lake derives its name from the Quechua terms Titi, meaning puma, and Kaka, meaning stone. Most visitors to Lake Titicaca (on the Peruvian side) start their exploration in the commercialized port city of Puno.

At over 12,300 feet, Puno poses some challenge to those who are not acclimated to the high altitude. Visitors starting their journey here should allow a few days to adjust before moving to higher altitude. The city’s geographic location lends it to very hot days and cold nights. It’s also not uncommon for rain or hail to come on suddenly. In fact, we saw some of the most beautiful storms we have ever seen during our three days at Lake Titicaca.

To truly take advantage of all that Lake Titicaca has to offer, you should plan to spend at least three days there.

1.) Take a boat ride on Lake Titicaca.

It’s impossible to just go to Lake Titicaca; you have to go out on Lake Titicaca. Going out onto the lake gives you a much better appreciation for how vast it truly is. Furthermore, the lake changes the further out you go. Closer to the shore, the lake is murky and green; out in the open water, it is crisp and clear, a blue as vibrant as the Mediterranean. You’ll be tempted to jump right in! Cruise the pristine waters while absorbing the dry, mountainous landscape along the shore as you breeze past local fisherman seeking their daily catch.

You can book a half-day tour of the lake at any of the tourist companies lining Lima Street in the city’s center. Or, for those who are a bit more adventurous, or who just have more time, you can connect with a company offering kayaking opportunities on the lake. It is recommended to book at least several weeks in advance for such tours.

2.) Get to know the locals through a Lake Titicaca island home-stay.

An overnight home-stay will significantly enhance your experience on Lake Titicaca, helping you to understand just how rural life on the lake is. At least three of the larger inhabited islands offer the opportunity for home-stays. We opted for Isla Taquile, about a three hour boat ride from the port of Puno.

The home-stay allows you to eat delicious (and all-natural!) meals prepared by your host family, stay with them in their homes, and explore the island in greater depth than if you simply took a quick day tour. Depending on what day you stay, you may even get to help with family chores or attend community meetings or events.

Our host family lived in a compound-like home with several separate rooms and buildings, with a bathroom around back. Bleating sheep grazed in the surrounding yard, while cows roamed nearby. We slept in a nice (but firm) bed with several wool blankets. The building was made of mud-brick, with a dirt floor and corrigated tin roof. Although hotel accommodations are certainly more convenient, we were never uncomfortable during our stay.

This is the type of opportunity that I find difficult to pass up when traveling. This is the type of travel experience that broadens your perspective and shapes your worldview. It’s definitely an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Just don’t forget to bring your own roll of toilet paper

3.) Visit the floating islands of the Uros people.

The Uros Islands were one of the main reasons we chose to visit Lake Titicaca. This cluster of 60 islands is about a forty minute boat ride from the main port at Puno.  

Stop by and visit with the local families whose ancestors have inhabited the islands for decades. Learn how they cook, work, share food, educate their children, and maintain the physical condition of their islands by replacing rotting reeds.

Take a ride in one of the ubiquitous puma-head reed boats, steered by a local guide. These amazing structures take eight men a full day to make — and they only last for two weeks!

The history of the Uros people is fascinating, but their future is uncertain. The temptations and opportunities presented by a more modern, convenient life on the mainland are becoming increasingly more difficult for young people to resist. Plan a visit to these islands while they still exist in their traditional manner.

4.) Shop at the weekend market in Puno.

Every Saturday, local residents hold a public market just a quarter mile from Lake Titicaca’s shore in the center of town. Here they sell fruits, vegetables, bread, and grains. You can even take your pick from dozens of Peru’s more than 3,000 varieties of potato! The market runs through several of the town’s main streets and along its old train tracks.

The public market is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and commerce.

There are also several other attractions in Puno worth a look. Lima Street is in the town center and provides a great place for tourists to shop and eat. It’s particularly lively at night. If you’d like to eat a someplace that caters less to the tourists, just turn down any of the side streets running perpendicular to Lima.

La Catedral, the city’s main cathedral, is also worth a stop. It sits along the Plaza de Armas, or main square, and is open to the public and free of change. Just be aware that masses are conducted throughout the day. You’re welcome to stay, just be courteous to those who are there to worship.

5.) Enjoy a folk festival.

Puno is known as the folklore capital of Peru. You can catch festivals and parades boasting music and dancing in the streets throughout the year. Monthly celebrations are common, and on Sundays military parades are held on the Plaza de Armas. These frequent and colorful celebrations stand in stark contrast to the city’s dry, stark landscape and primarily brown buildings.

One of the best times to experience Puno’s rich folk history is during the Puno Week celebration the first week of November, when the city celebrates its founding. Puno Day is celebrated November 5th, but the celebration starts several days in advance, with parades starting around 2 pm and lasting until nearly midnight. Live brass bands follow troops of masked, energetic dancers winding their way through the city’s narrow streets as they portray aspects of Peru’s culture and history, starting with the birth of the Inca Empire.

Places of Northern Peru that you should know

Tumbes

Puerto Pizarro

Puerto Pizarro is a beach located 13 kilometers from the city of Tumbes. It has a small group of fishermen and extractors of black shells.

Because the waters of Pizarro port are shallow they facilitate the practice of skiing and boat rides.

In Puerto Pizarro there are guided walks to the national sanctuary, the Mangroves of Tumbes, island of love, Hueso Ballena and Isla de los Pájaros. peru tours

The mangroves of Tumbes

They are forests whose vegetation grows and develops in a zone of circulation between the sea and the earth and that comprises a small area of ​​the left margin of the river Tumbes and with greater surface in the right margin until the zone of the International Channel of Capons.

Manglares in Tumbes

The Tumbes Mangroves are a natural beauty, with labyrinths, tidal channels or marshes, shelter and food source of numerous species of crustaceans, mollusks, fish and varied fauna.

The Island of Love

The Island of Love is located in front of Puerto Pizarro, it is a quiet place.

On this island in summer is filled with campers who come to enjoy the tranquility of the sea.

The Island of Love is called this way because many couples of newlyweds come to spend their honeymoon. travel Peru

Caleta de Cruz Pizarro

It is the place where Don Francisco Pizarro began the conquest of Peru. It shows a replica of the cross he planted in 1532.

Punta Sal

 It is the most elegant and beautiful Tumbesina beach, this place is ideal for water sports, horseback riding and rest.

The cove of Zorritos

 This is where the first oil well in SouthAmerica was drilled. What is attractive in this beach are the great marine riches such as: sole, corvina, snook; The artisanal fishing pier, the lighthouse and the boardwalk.

Aguas Verdes. It is the city in full border line, from where the commercial exchange between Peru and Ecuador takes place.

The architectural set Cabeza de Vaca. Located in the Corrales district. In addition, the pre-Columbian remains of Lizard Head, Loma Saavedra, Cucharola, among others, where remains of old human settlements and ceramic pieces can be found.

Trujillo

Chan Chan

This prehistoric urban center is the largest clay city of America Prehispanica. It was declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1986. Chan Chan would have been the capital of the Chimu kingdom, originally covering more than 20 km2 from the vicinity of the port of Huanchaco to the Campana Center. Archaeologists estimate that it houses more than 100 thousand people. Peru tours

Its structure distinguishes squares, dwellings, warehouses, workshops, streets, ramparts and pyramidal temples. Its huge walls are profusely decorated with reliefs of stylized zoomorphic figures and mythological beings. The tour of the archaeological site is complemented by a visit to the Site Museum.

Chan Chan - Metropoli capital of the vast and powerful Chimu kingdom, the most important on the coast, whose extension is estimated at 18 km. Squares.

Huanchaco

The spa of Huanchaco is located in the district of the same name. It is the most important and beautiful spa of the city of Trujillo capital of the Region the freedom.

The name of Huanchaco comes from Guaukocha (beautiful lagoon with golden pece). Today is a traditional and picturesque seaside resort, obligatorily stop for the tourists that visit the city.

The Rainbow Huanca

4 km from the city of Trujillo. This pyramid of adobe is especially important because if construction had been carried out at the beginning of the Chimú culture and at the end of the Tiahuanaco-Wari culture between the X-XI century D.C. It is estimated that its age is 1100 years. Travel peru

The building has a quadrangular base and walls decorated by high reliefs with zoomorphic and anthropomorphic representations. The name of Dragon is due to one of these figures, a bicephalous being with countless legs similar to a dragon.

The researchers believe that one of the functions of this place was ceremonial (it would be linked to rituals in honor of the rainbow and other natural phenomena related to fertility). It was discovered by a treasure seeker in 1943 and cleaned by the Institute of Anthropology of the National University of Trujillo in 1947 and 1948, work that exposed three outer walls and two interior walls with magnificent decorations in patent relief Mythological intention.

Cathedral

Built between 1647 and 1666, its altars are of baroque and rococo style; The canvases that conserves belong to the Cuzco school of painting and Quito. The Cathedral has the Cathedral Museum with works mainly religious from the viceregal period in gold and silver.

Parade ground

The largest of the country, it is surrounded by the Cathedral, harmonious colonial and republican mansions, and by palaces. In the central part is the monument to La Libertad, which represents the process of independence of the country. The statue was made in France, the materials used are marble and copper, the sculptor was Edmund Moeller. In it you will find many statues

Main Square

Beautiful historical setting from where Martin de Estete began the stroke of the city by order of the founder Diego de Almagro in December 1534. In its beginnings the square appeared desaloda, without any monument, until in 1841don pedro de Mandalengoitia Sanzde Zarate owned a pool Made of white stone that was built on his hacienda and obraje of Santa Cruz de Carabamba. In 1867 the pool was illuminated with 8 davits with their respective lanterns and an iron fence was installed to protect it.

To the center is the Monument of the Freedom sculpted by the German Edmundo Moeller and soon armed by Enrique Albretch inaugurated the 4 of July of 1929.

Piura

Main Square

It is an old square that stands out for its beauty, of colonial court is surrounded by a variety of flowers and plants. Located in the center of the city, it is where the residents gather for civic ceremonies. In addition to the middle is the monument to freedom "La Pola", the oldest in the region and the Cathedral of Piura, built in colonial times.

Also highlights the bridge of the city of Piura and La Paloma de la Paz, built in 1982 by the Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin.

The artisanal market of Catacaos

It is located 12 kilometers from Piura, it is distinguished when arriving at the town by its bow in the form of pitcher. It is a town of deep traditions and customs. The place is composed of houses of cane, the central part is the Commerce Street. There is also the San Pedro temple, built in the 17th century. Peru tours

The town is unique in many ways, however the craft market is the highlight of the place. Shows products typical of the region; Among them the straw hats and the filigree gold and silver jewelery stand out. Artisanal work is carried out by peasants and much of the material comes from Cajamarca or Madre de Dios. At present, many visitors come to acquire these products.

Chulucanas

Chulucanas is the capital of Morropón and you can arrive in 45 minutes from the city of Piura. It is a small city with a warm climate with friendly people; Which are farmers, farmers and craftsmen, mostly. It is recognized for being a village of potters and potters, which can be observed in the various workshops along the streets. Many of them still use ancient and ancient techniques (vicus and tallanes). Many of them full of images present the life of the community through their art. Every day the pottery of Chulucanas is recognized in national and international markets, really beautiful and stylized.

Mancora

Máncora is located 182 kilometers from Piura. It is considered one of the most beautiful spas on the north coast of Peru. In addition one of the places frequented more in the summer by the national and international travelers. For many it is the point, where you find the perfect wave and for others it is a place of relaxation or fun.

At present, it is full of tourists and travelers while staying a vacation time. Now if you want to get away from the noise, the best beaches are around as Pocitas or at the height of the bridge Cabo Blanco. Peru Travel

Cabo Blanco, Los Organos and Vichayito

If we plan to relax in front of the sea and spend a surprising moment in the north of Peru, then we have to visit Cabo Blanco, Los Órganos or Vichayito. Cabo Blanco is a mystical beach for many and mythical for others, full of epic waves (ranging from two to four meters) and variety of fish in the sea. You can find swordfish, merlin and tuna. Another attraction is to make the so-called Hemingway route, recommended for those who like to write.

The Organs presents a dry and tropical climate. The pier is handcrafted, it is beautiful to watch the sun go down in the sunset and to look at the rafts sailing on the shore. In addition, the district lives on fishing, ecotourism and commerce. Many surfers come to fight their waves and even come to dive. On the other hand Vichayito grows every day and is the attraction of many young people who come to vacation to the beach. The place has some lodgings and restaurants. The place is sunny but very windy.