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Scheduling Your Visit: Is the Sunrise Over Machu Picchu Worth It?

Scheduling Your Visit: Is the Sunrise Over Machu Picchu Worth It?

Visiting the ruins of Machu Picchu Citadel near Cusco, Peru“Sunrise over Machu Picchu” is such an evocative phrase that it’s no surprise that so many travelers are seduced by its promise. The fourth day of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins at 4am precisely so that hikers will arrive at the Intipunku sun gate in time to enjoy a panoramic view of Machu Picchu Citadel as first light hits. Many a traveler who’s arrived at Aguas Calientes by an alternative hike or by train will also wake up at around 4am, with the aim of hiking up to the ruins in the darkness, or competing for a seat on the first bus up, in order to watch first light hit the ruins as well. Is the hurry worth it- or are their better times of day to visit?

Pirwa Travel Guide: Discover the Surreal Beauty of Uyuni Salar

Pirwa Travel Guide: Discover the Surreal Beauty of Uyuni Salar

Uyuni Salar Salt Flats in BoliviaOne of the most striking geological wonders Bolivia offers is the Uyuni Salt Flats. This child of prehistoric lakes, with its peaks of ancient submerged volcanoes referred to as ‘islands’ and carved by erosion into a delicate filigree, its brine lake under a salt crust, picturesque lagoons where flamingos breed, and giant cacti, deserves a spot on the list. During the rainy season, a light layer of water converts it into a giant mirror, and it’s expanse and flatness makes it more preferable for calibrating satellites than the oceans. Multi-day tours of Uyuni don’t only include the world’s largest salt flats themselves, but also the surreal surrounding landscape, marked by gigantic cacti, red and green lagoons, feeding flamingos, ‘islands’ of prehistoric coral, shooting geysers, hotels made entirely of salt, and bizarre eroded rock structures.

Buying Alpaca in Peru

Buying Alpaca in Peru

Shopping for goods in the Sacred Valley of the IncasAug 1st is National Alpaca Day in Peru. In honor of this, and of the fact that alpaca wool is a more ecologically sustainable choice than cashmere, we’re focusing on purchasing alpaca in Peru.

Alpaca sweaters and scarves are one of the most common purchases during visits to Peru, as they can be used during the trip (Andean nights are chilly), are highly associated with the Andean region, and are more affordable at the source than abroad. Unfortunately, the majority of these knits are actually made from a mix of lamb’s wool with alpaca. One can tell because it simply isn’t as soft- wool has to be treated with lanolin, which makes it somewhat itchy to most people.

Explore the Beautiful City Center of Arequipa

Explore the Beautiful City Center of Arequipa

Pirwa_Arequipa_Breakfast_25Pirwa Park Hostel Arequipa is fortunate to be located in Arequipa’s striking historical center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s distinguished by its mestizo-baroque buildings constructed of pearly volcanic sillar stone, whose façades are marked by intricate carvings mixing European and pre-Columbian symbols. Although merely walking around the center is a nice way to pass the day, there’s plenty to see and do in Arequipa’s historical center:

The Amazon Rainforest & Puerto Maldonado in Peru

The Amazon Rainforest & Puerto Maldonado in Peru

Exploring Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon Rainforest in PeruA visit to the small city of Puerto Maldonado lays the Peruvian Amazon at your feet. It acts as a port for travelers to take boats along the Madre de Dios River to their eco lodges, which will act as a base for canoe trips, treks into the virgin jungle, and more. It’s an amazing combination of vibrant forest, huge rivers and swamps, and diverse flora and fauna. You’ll see exotic plants, animals, and insects that you never knew existed, such as pig-like capybara and pink river dolphins.