Mancora, Peru

This blog post is about my final week in Peru, spent on the beach in Mancora.  This post is long overdue, as many of you know.  I am currently in Ecuador, and look forward to posting about my new adventures soon.

Mancora is on the coast in the far north of Peru, close to the Ecuadorian border.  When asking around amongst locals and travelers alike about the Peruvian beaches, mostly the reaction was underwhelming.  With one exception.  Mancora.

When people described Mancora the words “the best” always came up.  The best beaches in Peru.  The best sunsets you will ever see. Or simply, Mancora is the best. Continue reading “Mancora, Peru”

Amazon Junlge – Iquitos, Peru

You may know by know that I am quite enamored with the rainforest.  Iquitos, Peru is another launching point to the Amazon.  The main reason to visit Iquitos is preparation before a jungle excursion and rest afterwards.  Iquitos boasts that it is the world’s largest city inaccessible by car.   Continue reading “Amazon Junlge – Iquitos, Peru”

¡Jungle Crafts!

By now you know that I have spent a good bit of time exploring the Amazon rainforest.  One of many things that fascinates me about Amazon culture is the impressive knowledge of the jungle’s natural resources.

Indigenous communities throughout the Amazon have learned over centuries how to utilize the rainforest for survival.  These cultures rely almost entirely on plants and plant materials for survival.  The plants provide them with food, medicine and materials for shelter and clothing.   Continue reading “¡Jungle Crafts!”

Paracas – Peru’s “Little Galopagos”

Paracas is located on the shores in the Ica provence south of Lima.  The bay waters are peaceful and the Humbolt Current runs just a little ways offshore all the way up to the Galapagos Islands in Equador.  The current stirs up nutrients attracting wild sea life in great variety.  A short boat trip away, Peru’s famous Ballestas Islands, popularly referred to as “The Little Galapagos”, rest along this current.  The islands are home to sea lions, penguins, pelicans, sharks, dolphins, whales, turtles and a hundred other bird species.  Not to mention, this place is a fisherman’s dream come true. Continue reading “Paracas – Peru’s “Little Galopagos””

A Desert Oasis – Huacachina, Peru

Moving right on along in my South American adventure… I stopped at a respite for a couple days of absolute joy in the sandy dunes of Huacachina, Peru.  As the blog title suggests, Huacachina is a real-life, actual desert oasis.  The small lake surrounded by mountains of sand as far as the eye can see, attracts people looking for a short and fun getaway. Continue reading “A Desert Oasis – Huacachina, Peru”

Nazca, Peru

Two millennia before the Inca would exist to create Machu Picchu in Eastern Peru, the Nazca people ruled the deserts 197 miles (317 km) to the West.  The region is scattered with ruins, leaving behind clues to this ancient civilization.   Continue reading “Nazca, Peru”

Butterflies of the Amazon

I apologize for the serious content of this post.  Haha, no I don’t!  It’s butterflies.  And they are just delightful.  My latest video has been described as “joyful”. Continue reading “Butterflies of the Amazon”

Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata, The Jungle of Southern Peru

You thought I was done exploring the Amazon?  Think again.

When I initially decided to visit the Southern jungle in Peru, I was a bit confused as to how to go about it.   Continue reading “Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata, The Jungle of Southern Peru”

How Not To Do Machu Picchu

First of all, Machu Picchu is amazing.  Even if your tour is as terrible as mine was.  No matter how you choose to do Machu Picchu, you should choose to do Machu Picchu.

With that said, I would do it very differently with the hindsight I now have. Continue reading “How Not To Do Machu Picchu”

The Ruins of Cusco & The Sacred Valley – Learn From My Mistakes.

I don’t think I saw this region properly.  I don’t often say that.  But considering that the Inca Ruins were among the places that I was most excited to explore in South America, I have to be honest and say that if I ever do it a second time in life, I will do it differently.  Don’t get me wrong, I had a wonderful time and am thrilled that I finally made it here.  But those of you planning your Cusco trips, please learn from my mistakes! Continue reading “The Ruins of Cusco & The Sacred Valley – Learn From My Mistakes.”