Paracas National Reserve is alluring for travelers not just for the famous penguin and sea lion colonies on its islands, but for the pristine virginity of the coastal landscape. The reserve comprises both land and sea, but whether you opt to visit to the Ballestas Islands or to explore the land part of Paracas reserve, or both, your excursion will begin at the palm-studded Chaco Port.
Landing at the tiny Puerto Maldonado airport takes you into a different world. First off, the heat and humidity hits you immediately. The city center is lively and colorful, and hopefully you’ll take the time to explore Puerto Maldonado city proper during your trip. If you only have enough time to visit one of the national parks surrounding the city, however, than you’ll probably head directly for the Madre de Dios River or the Tambopata River to embark on a thin, roofed canoe and continue your journey.
Lima’s Parque de la Exposición, Exhibition Park, was built in 1872 for an international exhibition. Today, it’s a tranquil and scenic park boasting ample gardens, a lake and fountains alongside the city’s main art museum, a theater, pavilions, and an open-air amphitheater. It’s not just a peaceful park for lounging and people-watching; it also offers travelers a look into the artistic and cultural life of Lima.
Each year during the final days of October and the first week of November, the small, dusty city of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca celebrates its founding anniversary. As can be expected for a city known as Peru’s ‘Capital of Folklore’, the event is a riot of color and activity. During the two weeks of celebrations, lucky visitors can watch fireworks shows and concerts and attend food and handicraft fairs.
If you don’t feel like dressing up for Halloween in Peru, don’t worry, there’s another option: Peru has celebrated Día de la Canción Criolla, Creole Music Day, on October 31st for the past 71 years. Here are our suggestions for how to have a memorable time celebrating the day in Lima at different price levels, from free to modest to expensive.