South America - Peru

Picture Credit: Wikipedia

One of the places Scott and I most want to visit is South America - In particular Peru. When you first think of Peru you do of course think of Machu Picchu. But we also want to see the rest of the country - from the metropolitan city of Lima, to the beautiful Arequipa and Cusco. Of course we want to see Machu Picchu aswell! Scott loves biology and so is always on the look out for national parks and wildlife sanctuarys in the places we plan to visit - and of course this means that one of the places that caught his eye was The Paracas National reserve in Ica. This is a state protected area of beaches and rock formations and is a refuge to fur seals, otters, penguins, dolphins and more than two hundred species of birds including flamingos! Just a short drive away is Nasca - the home of the Nasca Lines *top* (one of the great mysteries of the ancient World). 

Arequipa is home to Mount Misti - It is a volcano that, despite being active, is not considered to be a threat. Scott wants to climb this on our trip... I personally am not so keen (not sure if the thrill of it would be enough to overcome the blisters) but as it is something he really wants to do I will join in - after all he certainly isn't leaving me at the base camp waiting! I personally am more interested in the cultural side of the countries that we want to visit - not too much mud or bugs and plenty of churches, people watching and eating lots of amazing food! 

Tacna is a beautiful city in the South - 50 kilometres from the border of Chile and is exactly the kind of place I want to visit. It is a beautiful city - known for its baroque churches, wineries and monuments from the War for Independance. 

Puno and Lake Titicaca are definate must-sees for both of us - here you can visit the Chullpas de Sillustani - a complex of burial chambers built by the Kollas, beautiful Colonial churches, and Pucara known for its amazing pottery. The lake itself is home to many tribes who live on man-made *floating islands* made out of reeds. Apparently this is an amazing site and I can just imagine the enjoyment that comes from photographing such a place. 

I can't wait... maybe we will even make Peru our honeymoon... :-)

xxx