The Delfines Hotel is probably best known for its casino—one of the best in Peru—but non-poker enthusiasts will also appreciate the gourmet dining options, a view of the nearby scenic golf course, and cozy, professionally designed rooms. The hotel itself is named after its two resident dolphins, Yaku and Wayra, who are sure to charm visitors as much as the breathtaking views and impeccable service.

Art and culture enthusiasts will definitely appreciate a stay in the Country Club Lima Hotel, located in the upscale district of San Isidro. The boutique hotel is housed in a 1927 building featuring colonial artwork, marble baths, and a generous range of amenities including a health club, sauna, and outdoor pool. This gives visitors all the comfort of a large hotel while maintaining an intimate, personalized feel. All 75 suites feature elegant modern designs, and most have beautiful city views.

The Miraflores Park Hotel is the first choice for most visitors who want the best in comfort, luxury, and convenience. It offers the best access to most of the city’s top attractions, and has consistently been recognized for its service and facilities. Although geared largely toward business travelers—its business amenities are the best in the country—it also offers excellent views of the Pacific Ocean from many of its rooms and includes a fitness center, spa, and outdoor pool. It’s also a great takeoff point for many activities including biking, golf, and theatre and museum visits.

The Casa Andina is also a top choice for art appreciators, with its exclusive art collection featuring the work of many contemporary local artists alongside classic pieces. The 148 rooms are spread across 17 floors, and most have great views of the city and the Pacific. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and a luxurious modern design. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of amenities, which include a heated pool, terrace, state-of-the-art gym, massage room, and a range of business centers and meeting rooms.

Medications and insurance: First, make sure you have adequate travel insurance on hand, as medical treatment can be costly. Malaria vaccines usually take ten days to kick in, so plan in advance. Bring medications for common discomforts, such as aspirin for headaches, antibiotics for cuts and scrapes, and antihistamines for insect bites and allergies. You can ask your doctor for a list of recommendations when you come for your vaccine.

Skin protection: Bring a good sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, especially if you’re going in the high summer. Insects are common year-round, so a good insect repellent is essential—experts recommend one with a high DEET content as opposed to “natural” products like citronella, which are much less effective.

Footwear: You’ll probably be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are essential. Your best bet is a pair of tennis shoes or sneakers, or anything light and canvas-topped that’s already broken in. You may also want to bring an old pair you can afford to lose for when you have to wade in water or trudge on muddy trails. Rubber or gum boots may also be necessary. You can get most of these in Peru, but size options may be limited.

Vision: Waterproof lightweight binoculars can help you see more of the wildlife. If you’re not sure of the weather, get fog-resistant ones. Polarized sunglasses are also useful for really bright days, as the sun can sometimes be too strong for comfort. Alternatively, you can bring a wide-brimmed hat—it provides shade and also comes in handy when it rains.

Clothing: Much of it depends on the season, but since most tourists come in the summer, lightweight clothing is recommended. Jeans aren’t ideal as they’re heavy and take a while to dry. Stick to breathable fabrics such as cotton, and bring both short and long-sleeved shirts as temperature changes can be drastic throughout the day. Other items to consider include wool socks (great for padding rubber boots), swimsuits, and a light jacket or parka if you’re traveling in the highlands.

Donations: Although not essential, gifts to small villages you pass on the way will be greatly appreciated. Books (in Spanish), school supplies, clothes, and food are some of the more popular donations.

This is where travel insurance, of the kind offered by major insurance providers such as Endsleigh, is so important for anyone planning to spend time in a foreign country. This kind of insurance is designed to offer protection to those traveling abroad for a range of potential problems that they could encounter either before during or after the trip. The kinds of situations that cheap travel insurance can offer protection against include: the airline company that a holiday flight is booked with going out of business, theft of valuable items while on holiday, loss of luggage due to negligence on the part of the airline company, and medical expenses incurred as a result of injury or illness sustained abroad.

This latter point particularly illustrates the importance of travel insurance, as it is bad enough if either yourself or a member of your family suffers injury or illness on holiday abroad – but this situation can be a great deal worse if you do not have travel insurance and are thus liable for the costs of any medical care and expenses required to get back to the UK. Health care systems vary considerably between different countries, and there is no guarantee that another country will offer health care for those who cannot afford to pay the costs of it.

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.