Peru Destinations | Blog Magical Cuzco Tours

Top Things to do in Paracas and Nazca

Paracas and Nazca are often in touristic itineraries, they are two beautiful towns located in Ica region, approximately 3 hours south of Lima. If you are planning to visit just Paracas you can even embark in a day trip. You can reach Paracas by bus or by private transportation from Lima in about 3 hours. There are plenty of things you can do there, many different adventurous activities and beautiful landscapes to enjoy. Here a list of things you must see once there:

Ballestas Island: Early in the morning motor boat leave to Ballestas Islands, in Paracas National Reserve, to observe sea lions, boobies, pelicans, penguins and other marine birds, among the many other species which converge there looking for shelter. On the boat trip tourists can see the famous «Candelabro», an enigmatic form that many people believe is related to the Nazca lines.

Paracas Reserve: Paracas National Reserve has been declared World Heritage Natural Side by UNESCO. You can visit the Julio C. Tello Museum, the Cathedral and “la Boyeda”, where you can have a short walk around the sea going in to the cave. You can also enjoy the beautiful landscapes from several viewpoints, such as the Wolves and Lagunillas beach. Due to its geographical location the area has the strangest and richest ecosystems in the world.

Chauchilla Cemetery: the Chauchilla Cemetery, 30 km south of Nazca, consists of several tombs containing remarkably well-preserved mummies from the Nazca culture. This is also a very mysterious and spiritual spot.

Nazca Lines: Located on the plains of San Jose and on an extension of 50 km, the geoglyphs represent figures of animals and plants, some of these figures may reach up to 984,3 feet in length and cover an area of 1000 m². These lines constitute one of humankind’s enduring mysteries, as for some recent studies these lines were made by UFOs. So there is a lot of mystery on their existence.

Cahuachi: This immense ceremonial and pilgrimage centre stands in the middle of the desert, and consists of more than 40 mounds, topped with the remains of adobe constructions, with several intact pyramids, cemeteries and elaborate underground tombs –only partially excavated. A wealth of pottery has been discovered here, as well as graves containing only trophy heads. The sands around the area are eerily littered with ancient pottery fragments as well as human femurs and skulls. Cahuachi is reached via a rough 25 km dirt-and-gravel road from Nazca.

Cerro Blanco: Located east of the city of Nazca, the largest sand dune in Peru; ideal for adventure sports such as sand boarding, boogie and paragliding. Here you will have plenty of fun and you will definitely enjoy wonderful landscapes and sunny days! So bring your sun block and a hat.

Ica region is a very nice place to visit in Peru, where you can embark in many different activities and you can enjoy the Pacific Ocean breeze and the sun.

On 3 noviembre, 2017 • By magicalblog

Peru• Peru Destinations• Puno• Titicaca• Travel• Travel Tips• What to do• World travel

Top Things to do While in Puno

Puno is located in the south-east region of Peru, located on the shores of the beautiful and mysterious Titicaca Lake, the highest navigable lake in the world. Once you get to Puno, the first thing you should do is to relax and get some rest, since the altitude could make you feel sick. The “soroche” is very common for tourists in this area. Also have a hot coca tea that is very effective to deal with altitude sickness in local people’s opinion. I can swear it actually helps!

Here some sights you should definitely visit:

Jiron Lima: This is Puno’s main street, where you can find restaurants, pubs and several shops. You should not miss a walk along this vibrant street to have an idea of how local people live. This is a pedestrian street which will bring you to Puno’s main square where you can find the Cathedral, Saint John Church and more.

Sillustani: It is an ancient burial ground near Lake Titicaca. The tombs are built above the ground, and filled with symbolism. The inside of the tombs are shaped like a woman’s uterus. The ancient people in Peru believed in a mother earth that created and regulated life. So, when a person died, they were mummified in the fetal position, just like they came into the world. The doors of the tombs face east, because it is believed that is where the sun is born from the mother earth each and every day.

Uros Island: The residents of Uros Island are the Aimaras who have inherited the way of life of the long-gone Uros. Their livelihood is based on the benefits of a unique plant: the “totora” reed. They use it to build their homes, boats and even the floating islands they live on, periodically adding new layers of reeds.

Amantani Island: This Island has lovely landscapes and a community organized like in the ancient time. It is less visited, making it attractive to those seeking peace, quiet and eager to get in touch with local people ad learn their charming traditions. Here you can also opt to spend the night with the villagers in one of their houses; this is a very nice experience that will allow you to fully get in touch with the local community.

Taquile Island: Thirty minutes away from Amantani Island there is Taquile Island, which inhabitants speak only Quechua. Farmers, fishermen and weavers, they wear distinctive outfits, which are usually very colorful. Taquile has several beautiful hills and many archeological sites; from there you will enjoy stunning views of the Titicaca Lake and its beautiful blue sky.

Week-end Market: if you happen to be in Puno on a Saturday you can also visit the local market, located in the city center. There you can find fruit, vegetables, grains, the majority of the varieties of Peruvian potatoes and much more. This is one of the best way to get in contact with local culture.

Also, do not forget that Puno is one of the richest regions when it comes to folklore and traditions; it is actually known as the folklore capital of Peru. You can often see street parades and other kind of celebration during the week-ends or in November, which is the month of the city’s founding and there are many celebrations going on. If you have more tips on Puno, do not hesitate to share it with me in the comments below.

On 16 agosto, 2017 • By magicalblog

Arequipa• Peru• Peru Destinations

What to do in Arequipa

Arequipa, also known as the “White City”, is located in the south of Peru, about 475 miles far away from Lima. You can easily reach the city by plane or by bus if you have more time available. The bus ride will last approximately 16 hours, so it is a long ride as you can see, especially due to the highway conditions. I can say that Arequipa is really worth a visit if you are in Peru for more than a week. Here a list of sights you must visit once there:

The Cathedral and the main square: The construction of this church began in 1544, predominantly in the neoclassic style, with three naves, enormous columns, a great Belgian organ and a French neo-gothic pulpit. It was gutted by fire in 1844, it was then rebuilt and damaged again by the 1868 earthquake. Most of what you see today is what has been rebuilt. It has splendid treasures of gold and silverwork, such as two monstrances of gold and precious stones. The interior is simple and airy, with a luminous quality, and the high vaults are uncluttered. It also has an international flair since both the altar and the 12 columns (symbolizing the 12 Apostles) are made of Italian marble.

Santa Catalina’s Monastery: The Monastery of St. Catherine of Siena, or Convent of Santa Catalina, is a religious building located in the historical center of Arequipa. We believe it is the most fascinating religious complex in Peru. Its architectonic style is mainly colonial; visitors can enjoy walking through the colorful narrow streets and merged into the meditative atmosphere of the place.

Colca Canyon: The fabulous Colca Canyon is reached via three packed dirt roads. All leave from the city of Arequipa and lead to the town of Chivay, crossing the Salinas and Aguada Blanca national reserves. The shortest road (148 km or 4 hours) is the recommended one since it is in good condition. Perhaps one of the major attractions of the area is its spectacular terracing, considered among the most extensive in southern Peru. The possibility of observing the flight of the condor in its native habitat, and the impressive scenery of one of the most beautiful spots on Earth make the Colca Canyon one of the most important travel destinations in the southern Andes. Usually it is better to spend the night in the area, since the daily hike could be tiring.

Tristan del Pozo Old House: a large mansion, finished in 1738 and located in the historic center of the city. The house, built for the General Don Domingo Carlos Tristan del Pozo, is one of the best example of “Arequipeña” architecture. In the house there is an art gallery divided in three areas with more than 40 art pieces from the BBVA Continental collection.

Carmen Alto viewpoint: if you love amazing landscapes you should not miss the Carmen Alto viewpoint. Here you will enjoy the view of Arequipa’s 3 volcanoes: the Chachani, the Misti and the Pichu Pichu. The Viewpoint (Mirador in Spanish language) is located about 6 Kilometers from Arequipa and I suggest you to visit it early in the morning to enjoy a stunning view of the city.

Yanahuara Viewpoint: This scenic viewpoint is located in the picturesque Yanahuara district, perched on a hill overlooking the city, 2 Kilometers far away from the city. Here you can enjoy a stunning view of the traditional neighborhoods of Arequipa.

The last tip that I can give you on Arequipa is that you should not miss a visit to the local market, where you can find local products and traditional handicrafts from the region. The fabric produced in Arequipa is extremely colorful with beautiful floral patterns. So, I am sure you will enjoy a visit to this city and you will be trapped by its colonial and baroque charm.

On 10 julio, 2017 • By magicalblog

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