n 2011, Lima’s Astrid & Gastón was ranked #42 on a list of the world’s 50 best restaurants. It was one of only three restaurants in Latin America to make the illustrious list, with the majority being located in Europe and the USA. Even if I had been planning to travel in these regions, I knew such [...]
is for Alpaca. The most versatile, delicious, and nutritious creature in Peru. I became enamored with these soft and friendly, llama-like creatures during my stay in Cusco. For thousands of years, alpacas have been raised in Peru for two primary purposes: fiber and meat. Alpaca Fibers Alpaca fiber is used for knitting blankets and clothes. [...]
I’m excited to announce that I will be traveling to Patagonia on March 3, 2012 in partnership with G Adventures! Departing from Buenos Aires, the 15-day End of the Earth trip encompasses the best of Patagonia, in both Chile and Argentina. Hiking in the mountains of Patagonia, and standing in awe of its glaciers, has been [...]
he streets of Aguas Calientes were dark and empty at 4:20 AM, when I met up with the others from the Salkantay Trek. Together, we began the 20-minute walk down the road to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. We arrived at 4:45 AM, just as the entrance was opened. This is the same entrance [...]
he highlight of the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the opportunity to walk in the shadow of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain (6,264 meters). Unlike the classic 3-day Inca Trail trek, which requires you book a spot at least 5-6 weeks in advance (in the low season), the Salkantay Trek can be booked in Cusco [...]
The Plaza de Armas is ground zero for tourists visiting Cusco en route to Machu Picchu. Surrounded by restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour company offices, it’s also a popular meeting point since everybody is staying in the same area. The Peruvian national flag is red and white, while the city flag for Cusco reflects the [...]
Cusco put up a few lights in the central square, and central Lima even more, but the decorations in Peru were nothing compared to what you get in Medellin, Colombia. My favorite display was in Envigado, where the streets were literally blanketed with millions of little lights. Merry Christmas!
