I fell in love with South America. So different from Europe, intoxicating and exciting, I found backpacking in South America to be easier and safer than I had anticipated. Of course, keep your wits about you, but be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime!
Many people plan a trip to Cusco in Peru just for Machu Picchu, but there is so much to explore here! As well of plenty of things to do in Cusco, there is also a lot to do in the Sacred Valley. While you are in Cusco you could (and should!) take several day trips from Cusco to explore the different towns, landscapes and archaeological sites that surround the city. Some Cusco tours are ideal to help you acclimatize to…
If you are coming to Peru to visit Machu Picchu, it is a good idea to spend a few days in Cusco to explore the city and acclimatize to the altitude before taking on any treks or more strenuous activities. If you want to visit the archaeological sites around Cusco, you will need the Boleto Turistico or Cusco Tourist Ticket. The Boleto Turistico Cusco ticket gives you access to several key sites in and around Cusco, so you can explore…
Backpacking South America was my dream trip. So many beautiful places, delicious cuisines, friendly people and some of the best parties in the world. It was my first proper backpacking adventure, and I jumped right in at the deep end when my plane landed in Bolivia. It took me a few days to find my feet, then it didn’t take long at all for me to fall in love with this incredible continent. What began as a once-in-a-lifetime journey triggered…
Peru is one of the best countries in the world for hiking and trekking. Hiking in Peru you will discover vast mountain ranges and deep canyons, stunning snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes as well as the ruins of ancient civilisations. There aren’t many countries in the world which can match the variety and beauty of trekking in Peru! I asked fellow travel bloggers to share their favourite hikes and multi-day treks in Peru to come up with this epic list…
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and was also known as the bellybutton of the World. Evidence of Inca culture is everywhere, but tourism is big business here and can be overwhelming! I’ve put together this Cusco guide to help you to figure out what to do in Cusco to experience the culture, food and history, so read on for the top things to do in Cusco Peru, whether you’re backpacking in Cusco on a budget or here…
I was excited about my Laguna 69 trek from Huaraz Peru. Laguna 69 may seem like an odd name but there are so many lakes and lagoons around Huaraz that they ran out of names and resorted to numbers instead. The name Laguna 69 may raise an eyebrow among the smutty minded, but this stunning lake is worth the smirks! Read on to see more about trekking Laguna 69 Huaraz and how to get to this beautiful lagoon in Peru….
Ollantaytambo is a fascinating place to visit, and should certainly be on your Peru travel itinerary. Often overlooked, be sure to give Ollantaytambo, or Ollanta as it’s also known, a chance to show you just why it is so special. Here I’ve listed my reasons to hopefully persuade you why you should go from Cusco to Ollantaytambo before heading to Machu Picchu. READ MORE ABOUT PERU: Backpacking Peru Budget Travel Guide Why Go from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Instead of Straight…
I didn’t make it to Patagonia when I briefly visited Argentina, so it is still firmly on my bucket list! Hiking in Patagonia is an incredible adventure which I definitely want to do one day, so I asked Mila from Travel Belles to share her tips and advice for some of the best hikes in Patagonia. Patagonia offers trekkers a wonderfully diverse landscape to explore, which is why it has become such a popular hiking destination. Offering a variety of day…
Peru is on many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. The Inca Citadel at Machu Picchu has graced the cover of countless South American guidebooks and travel magazines, and this iconic UNESCO site is certainly a worthy entry in the New Modern Wonders of the World. However, the altitude at Machu Picchu and the rest of the Andean region of Peru is high enough to cause problems for many visitors to Cusco and Machu Picchu. After spending several months…
Ah, South America! The fourth largest continent in the world comprised of twelve sovereign states, replete with ethnic, linguistic and geographical diversity. Whether this be your first backpacking trip, or you are already a seasoned traveller in other parts of the world, it’s always useful to read up on a few tips and tricks to consider before you get out there. See what we have in store for you as you get geared up for an adventure of a lifetime…
