Peru Highlights

PERU

Planning for this trip began a year ago and throughout the past 12 months we had lots of fun getting to know everyone.  We held weekly local walks in the coulees, had a special Peruvian meal planned by Bavaru Catering, held a couple of information evenings and did one long hike prior to us all meeting up in Lima.

We planned our group trip to Peru for August purposefully so we would have the best chance of dry weather for the Inca Trail.  We were very fortunate and enjoyed rain free days for the entire stay.

Some of the highlights of the trip included:

• Learning how to make Pisco Sours, they were delicious and one of Peru’s specialties.
• Cheering Team Canada on in field hockey was an added bonus for some of our group as our trip coincided with the PANAM games. The spectators had lots of fun with our enthusiastic Canadians dressed in red and white.
• We visited a local Women’s Weaving Co-op where our tour provider has helped the local community retain and teach their traditions.  We learned how the women clean and dye the Alpaca, Llama or Sheep wool and watched as several women worked around a central area creating beautiful sweaters, toques and scarves.  It was wonderful to see how this has helped improve their economy and keeps families together in their villages instead of leaving for larger cities.
• The Inca Trail was truly special. We hiked for four days through the mountains where we enjoyed wonderful company, toured several Incan sites, had wild Llamas cross our paths and marvelled at the trails built by the Incas.  Reaching Machu Picchu at day break on the 4^th day was very moving as the sun rose on the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
• Rainbow Mountain was a highlight for some. The elevation is even higher than Cuzco and the colourful mountain and the Red Valley were awe inspiring.
• And we’d be remiss to not mention the friendships that grew and strengthened by sharing in the journey. Our guides Wenny and Melky were outstanding and we all came home with new, special memories of our travels.

More Entertaining Things to Do in Lima, Peru

Lima is the capital and largest city in Peru. With its bustling city life, rich culture and eye-catching architecture, there’s so much to see and do that it could take several vacations to the land just to truly encounter it all. The entertainment found within the city’s borders surely is a treat to all tourists. Since there’s no shortage of things to do and Lima may overwhelm its newcomers, we’ve narrowed it down to five things that all tourists should experience during their visit.

Street Food Carts

One of the city’s most sought-after features is its abundance of street food vendors. The inexpensive street food options are endless and an absolute delight to the palette. The street carts found in Lima are primarily owned by famous chefs and hold a high standard on the quality of the food they decide to offer.

Primitive Architecture

Large colonial structures with meticulously detailed features are all over the City of Lima. The vibrant golds and rich colors are certain to catch your attention as you walk through the streets and head downtown.

Try Pisco

Native to Peru, Pisco is a light brandy that is created by the winemakers of the nation. The foamy sour drink infused with bitters is one of the most favored by connoisseurs from all over the world. If Pisco is a little too bitter for your palette have it mixed with ginger ale, splashes of lime juice and topped with a cherry. This tasty alternative is called the Chilcano.

Explore Boho Barranco

As the country’s trendiest and most artistic region, Boho Barranco attracts many sightseers. Sitting atop a ravine, the views from the district seem to go on forever as you wind through the streets to find all the sweet little art galleries, museums and boutiques buy souvenirs from. Many of the galleries showcase the making of their art forms and let their guests reach into their own artistic side by getting hands on.

Cruise Along the Coastline

Along the coastline, you will find an assortment of entertaining things to do as you cruise aside the water’s edge taking in all of its beauty. Enjoy ongoing views from a cliff’s edge at El Malecon de Miraflores, take pictures with your loved one at the sculpture of two lovers, or head to the beach for some fun in the Pacific Ocean.

If you are thinking of going to Peru, we would LOVE to help you plan and book your trip! Get in touch with us as we have so many ideas for you! Or you could possibly join our group in 2020!

YQL2PERU 2019: