Peru

South America

Travel tips

My Journey to Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail diaries

Making friends in Peru

We’ve all heard that famous saying “It’s not about the destination, it's the journey.” Well, I would say that when it comes to the Inca Trail, it’s most definitely about both! Apart from the research done around when the best time to visit Machu Picchu is and what to pack, I decided to go into the Inca Trail (and Peru as a whole) with an open mind. I wanted to be surprised and also wanted to make up my own mind on whether this truly was one of the world’s greatest...

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South America

Travel tips

Trip planning

What to pack for the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail

I’ve recently returned from an incredible two weeks in Peru, naturally booking myself on to do the famous Inca Trail as part of my trip. Like the majority of travellers, I’d searched online and asked around for tips on what to pack for a four-day adventure that would take me to the lost city of the Incas.

A question I’ve often been asked is why Peru? And why the Inca Trail? What’s so special about this country and this experience that’s so talked about in the travel...

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Recipes

South America

Peruvian Tacu Tacu recipe

Peruvian cuisine might not be on the map in the same way as some of its Latin American neighbours, things are set to change and there’s a lot to shout about. It has a strong identity, whilst empanadas might be Latin American thoroughfare Peruvian dishes are uniquely Peruvian and brilliantly diverse. Not surprising when you consider that Peru has 30 microclimates ranging over the Sechura Desert into the Andes and onto the Amazon jungle.

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Asia

Travel tips

Trip planning

Chinese New Year celebrations from around the world

Chinese New Year

With 2018 in full swing and the month of February finally here, it also marks the beginning of Chinese New Year’s celebrations. 2018 is the year of the Dog, and it’s all about getting together with loved ones in a celebration filled with lights, colour and sound.

Ancient Folklore

Legend has it that Chinese New Year was born from an ancient tale about a mythical Ox-like creature named Year who appeared on the night of New Year’s eve with the...

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Destinations

Obtaining an Inca Trail Permit

This week, the Peruvian government has released the permits for Inca Trail treks running between March and December 2015. Permits often sell out several months in advance, so it’s best to book as early as possible, especially if you’re planning to do the trek in the peak season from June to August. Get the low-down on how to reserve your place here.

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Destinations

About Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is undoubtedly on the top of my list when it comes to highlights in South America. Spanning across the border of Peru and Bolivia it is the highest lake in the world.

On a full day tour of the lake I had the opportunity to visit three islands in particular, and experience the local culture of their inhabitants.

The Uros Islands, also known as the floating reed islands, are fascinating in their structures. They are set on stilts and can be moved to different locations if...

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Destinations

Huacachina Oasis

Huacachina is like a landscape from a sandy planet. Located near a quiet little town of Ica, approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Lima. Huacachina is a small paradise where you can take some time to relax while visiting Peru. The Oasis is a mysterious lagoon in the middle of the Ica desert’s white sands. There are a few places to stay and charming little restaurants which overlook a stunning lagoon but more importantly, it’s surrounded by large sand dunes. You can relax by the lagoon or...

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Destinations

Finding Machu Picchu with Tucan Travel

What's at the top of your bucket list?  If you are among the people who voted for the New 7 Wonders of the World, there is a 1 in 7 chance you would say Machu Picchu.  It was certainly near the top of mine, and enough of a motivating factor for me to plan a week long trip to Peru. Read about the first three days of my tour which took me to the Amazon Jungle here.

Day 4

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Destinations

The Amazon Jungle in Peru

What's at the top of your bucket list?  If you are among the people who voted for the New 7 Wonders of the World, there is a 1 in 7 chance you would say Machu Picchu.  It was certainly near the top of mine, and enough of a motivating factor for me to plan a week long trip to Peru. Approximately a year ago, I rallied up my friend Kristen, and we decided to make this trip happen.  We spent several months researching different tour options and taking into consideration cost, time, and...

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Destinations

Reaching Machu Picchu on the Inca Trek

Early start this morning. Woken up at 3.30am. We were all packed and fed much earlier than planned so we headed off at 4.05am. First stop was the check point which was only a short walk away. We arrived to find we were the first ones there. Opening time was 5.30am so we had a bit of a wait. Meanwhile lots and lots of people joined the queue behind us.

We then had a walk of about an hour to reach the sun gate overlooking Macchu Picchu. We pretty much legged it as we were determined to be...

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