Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Secret Restaurant Review in Miraflores | Peru Food Guide

Today is our last day of a long stay in Lima. I'm feeling kind of sad because we had a lot of fun here the past few weeks, but Im hoping I won't be back in too long. We took it easy today and went to our favourite place - the seaside of Miraflores. We wanted to have lunch, so naturally we went to Larcomar and decided on Vivaldino's. Just below is the view from our table. I think this view will be what I miss the most about Lima!

miraflores view from vivaldino

Sunday, August 10, 2014

7 Reasons to Visit Lima the City of Kings | Things to do in Lima

When the Spaniards arrived in South America, they renamed Lima "The City of Kings". However, its original name in the native language has prevailed until today.

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When people think of South America's great cities they think of Rio de Janiero and Buenos Aires. However, I think Lima is one of the undiscovered gems of South America. Lush green gardens surrounding the main square and buildings that recount the history of the city, the entire historic centre has been declared a World Heritage Site. Of course, like every city, not every aspect of the city is so golden. There are a large number of pickpocketers that operate in the area, the traffic is loud and impossible to navigate, so most tourists do prefer to book a hotel in Miraflores during their stay in Lima. Fortunately, Miraflores is not so far from the historic centre, so you can either take a cheap taxi or public transport. I've already written about a few places I really liked in the historic centre like Casa Aliaga and the Museum of Italian Art, but there is a lot more to see when you begin to wander about.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

La Rosa Nautica - Peru's Dazzling Restaurant in the Sea (A Must Visit!)

Since its conception in 1983, Lima's most romantic restaurant has been conquering the tastebuds of Peruvians and tourists alike.

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Today I visited my most favourite restaurant in Lima - La Rosa Nautica - one of the most romantic restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. The restaurant is located on a pier under the cliffs that tumble down the coast of Miraflores, giving the best oceanside views Lima has to offer.

Monday, July 14, 2014

6 Attractions You Can't Miss in Miraflores | Lima Travel Guide

Situated on the coast of Lima - a trendy and upscale hub, Miraflores is the happening place in Lima.

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Miraflores is the district we've been staying in during our time in Lima. When I travel to an unknown city I try to book a hotel near the city centre - the main attractions and transport is usually located near the city centre so its much more convenient. But Lima is a bit different for me. As beautiful as the historic centre is, it is loud, crowded, and carrying your luggage with you isn't typically the best thing to do in an area that is well known for pickpocketers and thieves. If you want to visit Lima the best place to stay is Miraflores. Miraflores is famous for its immaculate parks, shopping, cliffs, and its amazing ocean view. If you look on the bottom left corner below you can see crowds of people in one of Miraflores most popular restaurants. This is the happening place of Lima.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Top 5 Things to do in Arequipa | Arequipa Travel Guide

Arequipa, or as its colloquially known, the White City, gets its name from the fact that the entire city centre has white buildings, made from the volcanic stone that surrounds the city.

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After returning from our Colca Canyon adventure, we spent a few nights in Arequipa. One of the most distinguishing features of the city is the fact that the city is surrounded by three volcanoes, Misti, Chachani and Pichupichu. For this reason, the entire city centre is made from white stone quarried from the surrounding volcanoes.

Without a doubt, Cuzco and Machu Picchu are Peru's most famous landmarks. Travellers with less time will most probably overlook other charming cities in Peru. But this doesn't make Arequipa any less interesting or important than the other famous cities in Peru. Personally, I found Arequipa charming and interesting, with the perfect mix of Spanish and Indigenous culture. Arequipa is pretty, the food is fantastic (and cheap!), and its the gateway to the Colca Canyon. I really liked the atmosphere here too, it was chilled and laid back, I didn't feel like there were vendors competing for my attention which I had felt in many other cities.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

The Ultimate Colca Canyon 2 Day Tour (Trek the Colca!) | Things to do in Peru

Home to the condors, deeper than the Grand Canyon, I had a whirlwind 2 day adventure trekking the Colca.

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After leaving the Peruvian Amazon I flew back to Lima and hopped on a flight straight to Arequipa. As soon I stepped off the plane I felt an instant change in the atmosphere. Peru has vastly different regions, from the cosmopolitan coastal dwellers to the rural Amazonian communities and then the mountain inhabitants of the Andes. Each region varies greatly in lifestyle and culture, which is expressed through their food, clothing and customs. My experience in Arequipa and the Colca Canyon was totally different to the lifestyle I had just experienced in the Amazon.

Friday, June 6, 2014

The Tourist's Guide to the Peruvian Amazon (Surviving the Peruvian Jungle)

The Amazon region of Peru is a vibrant expanse of strange and sweltering biodiversity.

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After spending 2 nights and 3 days in the Peruvian Amazon, not only did I discover living conditions I had never encountered before (good and bad), I was forced to confront many of my phobias. I've driven all around the Australian bush, taken the train from top to bottom of Europe and Japan, but travelling deep into the Amazon Rainforest was one of the first times in my life I've felt like I was walking head-on into another world.

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Everything You Need To Know About Iguazu Falls | Argentina Travel Guide

Treading the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls consists of 275 magnificent drops and is unlike any other waterfall on Earth.

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Today we visited the amazing Iguazu Falls! One of Argentina's treasured natural wonders, it was one of the most incredible sights I have ever seen and exceeded my every expectation.

WHATS SO SPECIAL ABOUT IGUAZU FALLS?


For those that don't know about it, Iguazu Falls is a cascade of 275 individual falls that lie on the border between Argentina and Brazil. There is one gargantuan drop called The Devil's Throat, and a series of smaller falls that can be seen in a 3km trek. The falls can be viewed from both the Argentinian and Brazilian side (however we opted to stay on the Argentinian side only).

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Top 5 Things To Do in Puerto Iguazu | Argentina Travel Guide

Overshadowed by the nearby Iguazu Falls, there is plenty to do in this sleepy town.

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Without expectations, we arrived in Puerto Iguazu a few days ago. The only thing we had heard about this quiet town was its only infrastructure was built around bussing tourists to Iguazu Falls and there's not much to do. While I can't deny it is a sleepy town and does lack a lot of basic infrastructure, we found plenty of fun things to do and see.

Friday, May 9, 2014

My Authentic Argentinian Experience (Don Silvano Ranch Day) | Things to do in Buenos Aires

Ingrained in Argentinian culture, the gaucho lifestyle has always been a little bit mystical, sometimes mischievous, but always noble.

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Yesterday we visited the traditional Argentinian ranch Don Silvano on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. With a few spare days to fill we found a tourist agency that convinced us a trip to Argentina would be incomplete unless we had a full day experience on a ranch. All inclusive with food, transport and a full days entertainment, we booked it in.