Today I had my first taste of guinea pig, and almost set myself on fire. The guinea pig, or “cuy” as it is known in Peru, wasn’t a surprise. I knew I was likely going to be presented with a taste after reading about the cooking class we were taking. Lots of local delicacies in the form of … Read more
Let me be controversial: Machu Picchu is not the most impressive place to visit in Peru. I spent four days hiking the Inca Trail hike to the lost city of the Incas, and I can absolutely recommend the experience. But in the end, some of the most remarkable sights in the area were on the streets and the surrounding … Read more
Just like many cities, there are several versions of Lima that you can experience. There is Lima during the day, with all of its historic sites, shops and restaurants. And then there is Lima at night, when the music gets a little louder, crowds of locals get a little thicker and the smell of street food starts … Read more
When we told people that we planned to spend a month in Lima, Peru, we got more than a few raised eyebrows. The same was true when we first arrived and mentioned to some locals that we planned to visit for a month. A month? Many people look at Lima as a place to stay on … Read more
Our guide Ytalo stretched out his arms, gesturing at the view for the small group of us. “They call it Lima the gray, or Lima the ugly. It’s always overcast here, but it never rains.” This statement was an introduction to a guided tour we were about to take along the coast Lima, Peru. The sights … Read more
#1: Beaches. Cartagena sits in northern Colombia directly on the Caribbean Ocean, and the main tourist and hotel area is virtually surrounded by the ocean. There are long stretches of beach with protected, jettied swimming areas. While the sand isn’t bright white and the water isn’t the characteristic light blue that that you see in many … Read more
Medellin, Colombia generally isn’t known as an adrenaline sports haven (unless you count taking the public bus on busy streets), but there is one thrill-seeking activity that can’t be missed: paragliding. If you’re not familiar, paragliding is similar to skydiving, but instead of jumping out of a plane, you utilize the updraft off a mountainside … Read more
Parque Ecoturistico El Salado is a lesser known park in Medellin, Colombia — so much so that during our day trip there we only saw a handful of other people wandering around. With what we found when we got there it was hard to figure out why. The park isn’t difficult to get to. Take the … Read more
Here’s a short-list of things to do in Medellin, Colombia. You could accomplish the whole list in day if you apply yourself. Better yet take a few days and enjoy your time here. There is plenty to savor in this city with a fascinating past and a bright future. Take a free walking tour. This … Read more
The Medellin Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanico Medellin) are an island of calm in the midst of the city. Visitors can stroll around the 40 acre park free of charge. There are a few restaurants on the grounds, or you can opt to purchase or bring a picnic and sip on a bottle of wine while soaking … Read more