Traditional Foods in Ecuador and Peru

Got a hankering for something sweet? Buy a hunk of sugar cane and chew out the cane juice
This entry is part 11 of 12 in the series Peru

As a vegetarian, the traditional foods in Ecuador and Peru presented a challenge, as they focus heavily on meat. The national dish of Peru is “cuy chactado,” or fried guinea pig. Most Peruanos and Ecuadorianos who live in the highlands raise guinea pigs in pens beneath their homes in order to have a ready supply … Read more

Shining City By the Sea – Lima, Peru

The Government Palace dominates one side of Plaza de Armas in the historic center of Lima
This entry is part 10 of 12 in the series Peru

I’d been riding the bright red double-decker tour bus for less than ten minutes when I realized there was something very special about Lima. At every stoplight, people standing on street corners smiled up and waved effusively; it was obvious that Limeños wanted tourists to feel welcome. At this point, Lima was just an overnight … Read more

The Most Fun You Can Have in Lima, Peru for the Least Amount of Money

Tunnel of Surprises at Lima's Water Park
This entry is part 9 of 12 in the series Peru

As my open-air double-decker tour bus turned the corner our guide pointed out Circuito Mágico del Agua, the Magic Water Circuit in Lima’s Parque de la Reserva. Named the largest fountain complex in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records, the water park features 13 fountains, including one that shoots more than 260 … Read more

Arequipa, the One City in Peru I Could Have Skipped

The Basilica Cathedral, built of pearly white volcanic rock that gave Arequipa its nickname of the "White City," is backdrop for the central Plaza de Armas, where pigeons roam by the thousands
This entry is part 8 of 12 in the series Peru

I tried to like Arequipa. Really, I did. But try as I might, I just couldn’t get past the feeling of boredom in Peru‘s second largest city, despite the fact that the historic city center, known as the “White City” due to the many buildings constructed from a white volcanic rock known as sillar, is … Read more

Condors of Colca Canyon Survive on a Wing and a Prayer

Magnificent female condor soars over Colca Canyon at Cruz del Condor lookout
This entry is part 7 of 12 in the series Peru

“We probably will not see condors today,” our guide announced as we pulled up at the Mirador de los Volcanes. “In December and January they migrate to the coast of Peru to feed on dead sea lions.” The tour bus erupted with complaints. “Why weren’t we told this when we booked the tour? Seeing the … Read more