Museum of the Convent of San Francisco

The Convent of San Francisco was the capital’s cemetery until the 1800s. Although now a museum of religious art, it shows hints of its past identity—catacombs, underground tunnels, wells, and the remains of some 25,000 worshippers. Several other places of interest, including churches, museums, and historical centers, can be found within a few blocks, so it may be worth an entire day’s trip.

Plaza Mayor

Located at the center of Lima’s most historic neighbourhood, this town square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an unwitting tribute to the city’s architectural background. The buildings surrounding the area boast wooden balconies, ornate carvings, and palace sculptures, many of which date back to the mid-1600s and were reconstructed in the 1800s.

Larcomar

Larcomar is essentially a cliffside entertainment complex, built seemingly precariously on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. Once you get over the breathtaking view, you can head inland for a wide range of entertainment venues: arcades, restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors, and dozens of stores selling everything from local handmade clothing to souvenirs.

Nazca Lines

All we know about the Nazca lines is that they were probably made by a tribe dating back to 300 BC. The drawings span over 50 square kilometers in the southern Nazca Desert. Some are seemingly random lines, while others clearly represent animals, trees, and flowers. Theories as to what they were range from alien landing strips (as some of the drawings can only be seen from over 1500 feet high) to solar eclipse predictors. Musings aside, the sight is definitely worth a couple of days’ travel out of the city.

Alpamayo

Once dubbed the most beautiful mountain in the world, the Alpamayo is a popular site for hikers because of the area’s calmness, good weather, and picturesque views. You don’t have to do the hike to appreciate its beauty—indeed, hikers warn that the path can be challenging—but its distinct shape can be seen from way off, making it one of the most striking landmarks of northern Peru.

At the center of this practice is ayahuasca, an indigenous herb with an effect not unlike that of magic mushrooms. It’s a hallucinogen, but rather than distort your view of reality, it makes it clearer. One is said to have a heightened sense of awareness, all five senses taking in his surroundings. This gives the feeling that the traveler is one with nature, offering a form of relaxation that’s not quite like a day at the spa. It opens doors for meditation, reflection, mental healing, and all manner of possibilities.

The practice isn’t new; its main proponent outside South America is probably William Burroughs, who wrote about it in his book The Yagé Letters. Here he details his trip to the Amazon jungle to find the elusive herb, locally known as yagé, which he said would be his “final fix.” Curiosities were piqued, not to anyone’s great surprise, and locals were quick to rise to the occasion. They began singling out areas where ayahusca grew in abundance, and arranging trips to the most peaceful, scenic parts of the forest.

Ayahuasca has been used by American Indian healers as early as the 1770s, purportedly to find “lost souls and bodies.” The name translates to “the vine of souls.”  A typical tour takes you deep in the jungle, where nature lends itself well to quiet musings and meditation. People are encouraged, before taking the herb, to ask themselves a question about their career, future, or something equally important—and assured that at the end of the experience they would have an answer.

There’s no telling whether mystic tourism will catch on, or whether it will even push past scientific skeptics and become mainstream. For the moment it’s an exotic alternative to the usual route, drawing mostly people who want to take the road less traveled. One thing’s for sure: with locals eagerly offering it, more than a few curious souls will be waiting to give it a try.

Islas Ballestas: Nicknamed the “Peruvian Galápagos” (referring to the famous islands off neighboring Ecuador), this small cluster is home to rare sea lions, turtles, penguins, and a variety of wild, endangered seabirds. It forms the bulk of the Paracas Natural Reserve. From offshore, the bird droppings (guano) on top of the beautiful rock formations can be mistaken for polar ice caps.

Colca Valley: Travel guide Arthur Frommer calls this the best place to see giant condors in South America. Visitors are treated to scenic volcanoes capped with (real) snow, gorges cutting through verdant valleys, and vast patches of desert. The trip there takes you through a couple of nature reserves, where on a good day you may spot local wildlife like llamas and alpacas.

Manu National Park: If you’re up for a long drive, this biosphere reserve—the country’s second largest protected area—is well worth the trip. Because it’s so remote, it has one of the best-preserved flora and fauna in the continent, with habitats ranging from cloud forests to the Andes highlands to tropical rainforests. It also has the world’s highest level of plant, bird, and mammal diversity.

Huascarán National Park: Nature lovers and adventure-seekers will love the wild topography of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which runs almost the entire length of the Cordillera Blanca in the north. You’ll need the whole day and a good deal of stamina to explore its hundreds of glaciers and alpine lakes, and enjoy the unparalleled views from its peaks.

Llanganuco Lakes: Just a short distance from Huascarán, the Lagunas Llanganuco offer a quiet respite from the Cordilleras. The twin turquoise lakes are tucked away in a valley, fed by glaciers and always clear enough to reflect the mountains around it. Some 35 miles off, you’ll also find giant bromeliads called the Puya Raimondi, which rise up to 40 feet high and bloom just every hundred years.

If you are looking for cuisine that is both diverse and full of flavour then eating at a Peruvian restaurant is a good choice.  Cuisine from Peru has two main influences, the Spanish and also the traditional native Peruvians.  The Spanish influence can be seen in many of the dishes that have come to define Peru’s cuisine as well as the use of traditional Peruvian ingredients.  Many of the immigrants especially those from Spain modified traditional Spanish dishes to include Peruvian native ingredients as these were in more abundance than foods from Spain during this period of early settlement.

When dining at a Peruvian restaurant you will notice that many of the dishes contain the traditional staples of Peruvian cuisine corn, potatoes and beans.  Traditional Peruvian dishes also include staples that originated in Spain such as rice, wheat and meats such as beef and pork.  Peruvian food is also influenced by the region of Peru as well as the staple foods that are cultivated in different regions.

For people who are lucky enough to visit and stay in one or more of the cities in Peru, the choice of food at the many Peruvian restaurants is excellent.  Many people who visit Peru take this opportunity to try local cuisine especially the traditional dishes and foods they have not tried before.  One of the most popular dishes that is served in most Peruvian restaurants is ceviche which is the national dish of Peru and consists of seafood marinated in lemon, aji, coriander and garlic.  As you travel through the different regions you will experience changes in the dishes such as alpaca and other meat used in dishes eaten in the highland areas of Peru.  These dishes differ from the coastal cuisines which have rich sauces to cuisine served in these highland areas which are rich in spices.  The jungle regions of Peru also have some unique dishes with much of the focus on the unique fruits and vegetables that grow in these areas.

If you are travelling in Peru and you love to sample local foods and cuisine then you will not be disappointed when it comes to eating out in Peru.  Many restaurants will have traditional dishes you can try and many of these restaurants are also quite cheap in price.  For people who are travelling around the different regions of Peru it is a great opportunity to sample the different dishes that have made Peruvian food quite popular.

Of course, a great vacation starts with smart planning—and that’s where Island Getaway comes in. With links to a wide range of accommodations, it’s the best way to get the best deals on lodging and see as much of Hilton Head South Carolina as your time allows. Villas, condos, waterfront suites, budget hotels—there’s something here for every type of traveler. And if it’s your first time to visit, the site also offers ample information on the area’s history, culture, and local attractions.

Golf is one of the most popular activities on Hilton Head Island, with dozens of golf courses each boasting magnificent views and championship-level greens. The Heritage Golf Classic tournament takes place in spring every year and attracts thousands of players, from beginners to pros. Celebrity sightings aren’t uncommon here. Other popular golf sites include the Harbour Town Golf Links, the Robert Trent Jones course in Palmetto Dunes, and the Golf Club at Indigo Run.

Nature lovers will love Hilton Head’s diverse wildlife, which includes dolphins, alligators, various bird species, and the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle. If you have a few hours to spare, get on a bike and explore the island on two wheels—the hard-packed sandy beaches and generous cycling trails make it easy and particularly scenic. Make sure to check out the Hilton Head Island lighthouse at Harbor Town Marina, one of the busiest areas on the island.

No visit to Hilton Head is complete without swinging by the beach, of course. The town offers four public beaches: Alder Lane Beach, Coligny Circle, Driessen Beach Park, and Folly Field Beach Park. Activities range from swimming and sunbathing to diving, fishing, and parasailing. Each beach has its own safety rules and may ban certain activities according to weather conditions, so make sure to plan your activities ahead. Check Island Getaway’s informative guides and reserve your accommodations as early as possible—it’s the best way to ensure a great vacation!

Just four hours from the Arizona border, Puerto Peñasco has been called Arizona’s Mexican Beach, especially since it’s a popular weekend hub for locals. Online rentals such as Seaside Mexico make it all the more convenient—with dates, accommodations, and activities all at your fingertips, you can plan your Mexican getaway in minutes and start packing right away. Seaside Mexico also offers rental services for Barra de Navidad in Jalisco, Riviera Nayarita in Nayarit, and San Carlos in Sonora.

Puerto Peñasco golf attracts as many visitors as its beaches, thanks to its picturesque views and the mild weather it enjoys for much of the year. The Puerto Peñasco Mayan Resort boasts a signature golf course designed by professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, and is easily accessible from local tourist destinations. Other courses can be found in nearby hotels in and around the hotel zone. Whether you’re after a few swings or a complete golf vacation, planning your stay is easy with Seaside Mexico and its wide selection of accommodations.

Fishing is also a major activity in Puerto Peñasco, where it has always been a major source of livelihood. It still is today, although the area is leaning more heavily recreational fishing from tourists. Many people come to the beaches to fish, especially during the Puerto Peñasco fishing festival which kicks off in June every year. It’s a heavy season, though, so it’s best to make your reservations early. Months before your trip, check out the dates on Seaside Mexico and book your hotel and activities to get the best spots.

Other points of interest include the sand dunes at the Altar Desert, one of the driest in the world; Bird Island, a cluster of rocky outcroppings along the shore and home to the largest sea lion population in Mexico; and a public marine research center. No matter what you’re into, there’s sure to be something for you in Puerto Peñasco—and with Seaside Mexico, you can get dibs on your favorite activities any time of the year.

Callao is a coastal suburb which is part of Lima and is a popular destination for tourists and also an important port city for Peru.  Tourists are attracted to this area especially during the summer as Callao has beautiful sandy beaches and views out to the Pacific Ocean.   This location is a favourite with tourists as the capital Peru is close by and Callao has developed to cater for tourism by building and developing infrastructure such as accommodation for the numerous tourists that visit every year.

Callao is sometimes referred to as a city but is actually part of the metropolitan area of Lima.  Many people who visit this area come from nearby Lima and are delighted by the many tourist attractions and also the beautiful sandy beaches.  A part from the beaches in and around La Punta there are a number of other tourist attractions in this area such as Puerto del Callao which has been a departure point for many ships over the last 500 years and also the Isla El Fronton and other Islands which are a short boat trip from the main land.  Many of these attractions offer a glimpse at the history of Callao especially the history surrounding the ports in this area.

Other tourist attractions in Callao include various landmarks which show the importance of this area to Peru’s history.  While visiting parts of Callao you will see many monuments and statues that celebrate the life and achievements of many important people who influenced both this area and Peru.  The district of Callao is also home to the National University and for people who enjoy looking at a country’s history Callao is also home to the Fortaleza del Real Felipe an impressive fortress that was built in the 1740s.  Another tourist attraction is the Plaza Grau which celebrates the life of Miguel Maria Grau Seminario who was Peru’s most famous admiral.  There are also many statues and monuments to other great Peruvians and many are within walking distance of the larger tourist attractions.

For visitors who are thinking of spending some time in Callao there are many great places to eat, stay and visit.  Walking around this area is a great way to see and immerse yourself in this great area of Peru.  The weather can be just beautiful so remember to take your swimmers and towel for a great day at La Punta on the beach.

Overall, however, Peru climate is classified as dry and subtropical. Much of the country gets little rainfall, except for the Andes where summers are wet and winters decidedly dry. Going into the eastern lowlands, the weather warms up considerably with rains scattered throughout the year. The coastal regions have moderate temperatures, except up north where it warms up near the equator. The mountainous regions get frequent rain, and get noticeably cooler as it nears the Andes.

The coastal climate is often compared to Greece or Italy, although there are some differences. Winter, for example, is cloudy and humid in these areas, but is less rainy than Mediterranean coastlines. This season, which is summer in North America, has comfortable temperatures down to 14°C. Summer is hot and humid, with seasonal highs of around 38°C.

Further down the coast, including the central region where Lima sits, it gets considerably cooler, with temperatures running from 8°C to 29°C and about 30% less rainfall. In the summer the temperature can go down to 18°C, but is generally between 22°C and 25°C. Rain, when it does fall, is more common during the night. Winters are noticeably foggy from the coast to a few kilometers inland, known locally as garua.

The Andes is no doubt the country’s most diverse area in terms of climate. The higher up, the lower the temperatures get, with the coldest areas reaching or dropping slightly below freezing point in the winter. Rains occur frequently from January to March. Areas directly to the east of the mountain can get close to 400 inches of rain in a year. Snow is usually seen only at altitudes over 5,000 meters early in the year, and above 3,800 meters from May to August.

The eastern lowlands, which include Iquitos, have the same climate as the neighboring Amazon Rainforest. Here the climate is steadily hot and rainy, save for brief cool periods from May to September where temperatures can drop to 10°C. Most of the time, however, temperatures are in the mid-20s with lows of 18°C and highs of 36°C.

That’s why South America, and especially Peru, is a popular destination for aspiring Spanish speakers. As a former Spanish colony, Peru has ties with the Spanish on more than the linguistic level. In a Peruvian school, you’ll learn more than just the words—you’ll also learn the stories behind these words, and gain a new appreciation for the culture.

Peruvian Spanish schools can be found all over the country, but are more common in touristy areas like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. They range from large institutions, sometimes affiliated with national universities, to small private outfits. Teachers can be language professionals, writers, or journalists, or people from unrelated fields who are simply doing it for fun. An intensive full-time course usually involves two or more mentors, allowing you to get used to different accents.

Courses can be designed for absolute beginners, meaning your Spanish is limited to sí, no, and buenos dias, if even that. If you already speak it a little, there are intermediate and low intermediate courses. Advanced courses are for those who are already quite conversational and would like to work on their accents, refine their grammar, or widen their vocabulary. Doing all these levels can take up to a year, after which a typical student can usually get around on his own.

What’s great about learning Spanish in Peru, besides the immersion factor, is that you get to meet people from all over the world as well. Language learners in Peru can come from all walks of life—professionals looking to further their career in Latin America, new immigrants, or tourists learning for the fun of it. If you don’t have a common language and are forced to speak in Spanish all the time, you’ll pick it up even faster.

If you have the time and budget, consider signing up for a cultural Spanish course—a program that teaches you not just the language, but Peruvian culture and history as well. It’s a great way to use your newfound skills beyond introducing yourself and talking to hotel clerks, and you’ll have more than just a new vocabulary to bring home with you.

Having a plan for your holiday is the best way to ensure that you will get the most out of your money especially when it comes to booking and paying for flights.  Both international and domestic flights can be expensive so booking ahead of time can save you significant amounts of money.  For people who are looking to take a holiday in Peru and want the most affordable flights then Air Peru or Peruvian Airlines may be the airline that can provide you with the best choice when it comes to affordable air fares.

Peruvian Airlines or Air Peru is one of the major domestic airlines which provides competitive prices on many routes to the major centres of Peru such as Lima, Cuzco, Piura, Tacna and Arequipa.  This air line is relatively small in comparison with carriers in other countries such as Australia however the fleet services most areas of Peru.

Travellers to Peru who wish to fly domestically can book flights with Peruvian Airlines over the internet,  telephone and through travel agents.  Booking over the internet is the preferred way to book as travellers can easily compare prices with other domestic airlines operating in Peru to ensure that they are getting the best and most affordable price for the tickets before purchasing.

Tourists who are looking to travel around within Peru to major cities such as Lima or to tourist areas such as the Inca Trail there are suitable airline routes to get you in and out of these areas.  Prices for domestic air line tickets are generally affordable with cheaper tickets on sale during the times of the year that are off peak for tourists.