Paracas National Reserve is known for its natural beauty and surprising wildlife which includes numerous penguin and sea lion colonies. You can reach it by taking a bus from Lima to Pisco, a trip of about 3-4 hours. (Pisco’s a stop on most buses covering the Lima-Arequipa route, with the most frequent Lima-Ica-Pisco buses being Ormeño.)
For all of its colonial and pre-Columbian charm, many of travelers will attest that the city of Cusco seems to be covered in a fine layer of dust… Add in a trek or two in the mountains or along the Inca trail, and you’ve got a recipe for some pretty dirty clothing and gear. Luckily, laundry services tend to be cheaper in Cusco than in Lima, Aguas Calientes, and other tourist destinations.
Peru is blessed with a rich and varied landscape that is generally classified into three parts: the Andean mountains and high plains (altiplano), the desert coast, and the Amazon rainforest. Some travelers dream about exploring the colorful Sacred Valley of the Incas, while others would like to watch the sun rise over the jungle. If you’ve been wondering when is the best time to visit the different regions of Peru, taking into account prices, crowds, comfort, festivals, and other considerations, read on to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each season:
Machu Picchu is considered the crown jewel of Peru’s many breathtaking tourist attractions, but as a result of its popularity the site has suffered considerable damage. For decades, visitors wandered freely among the ruins, spending the entire day to daydream among its structures and trails, doing yoga and meditating atop the terraces and Huayna Picchu Peak, and taking all the time and photos that they desired. Unfortunately, with so many visitors, this approach is no longer feasible. Areas of the sanctuary have become more restricted in recent years, and slowly more order has been imposed.
Although Peru’s main Vendimia Festival takes place in Ica, Lima’s Surco neighborhood offers a smaller version for locals and visitors in Lima. The historically agricultural district celebrates grapes and all its derivatives in a fun multiday festival that begins with the Vendimia Queen 2014 competition. Before the crown is passed from last year’s queen to this year’s, all of the aspirants will be featured during the First Grand Parade and will perform the traditional stepping of the grapes. This year’s festival will take place from March 13th through 16th.