Peru is full of hidden gems, and you can spend months/years discovering things to see in Peru. These were just a few of my favourites.
1. Chauchilla Cemetery
Archaeological Site in Nazca.
History: Dating back to the Ica-Chincha culture around AD 1000, the mummies were originally scattered haphazardly across the desert, left by ransacking tomb-robbers. Now they are seen carefully rearranged inside a dozen or so tombs, though cloth fragments and pottery and bone shards still litter the ground outside the demarcated trail.
My thoughts: This archaeological site near Nazca will satisfy any urge you every had to see an ancient burial ground with dug up graves, mummies and human bones. If that's not something you want to see, I do not recommend this place. When you go, you can pay for a tour (I highly recommend this, as they give you so much insight into the life the Nasca's lead). What got me was how similar their culture was to the Egyptians, even though they are on different continents.
Pricing: For the basic 2 hour tour with a guide is around S60 per person (£14)
Top tip: The wind gets very strong! I would tell anyone with long hair to take a hairband. Also, a scarf is advisable to keep the wind off your face.
2. Monasterio D'Santa Catalina
Arequipa
History: This Monastery is unlike any other you will see. It is literally it's own city within the centre of the city, Arequipa. This convent was built in the late 1570's, years after the Spanish Invasion. Many women from all walks of life have came here as cloistered nuns. It is constructed with Sillar (a white volcanic rock) and was turned into a tourist attraction in the 1970's.
My thoughts: The convent is pretty self explanatory, I really don't think you need to have a tour of this place to fully appreciate it. We spent hours exploring and reading the history of the place. They way these ladies lived, is unlike anything we would experience. It is so calm and quiet, you could spend a long time in there with a good book, drinking some amazing coffee (that they make in the coffee shop inside).
Pricing: For general admission for 1 adult is S/.40 (£9)
Top Tips: This is the most Instagram-able place! I would recommend taking a really good camera to get some amazing shots.
3. Uros Floating Islands
Lake Titicaca
History: The Uros are a unique indigenous race who migrated to Lake Titicaca around 3,700 years ago. When political uncertainty hit the region, with the arrival of the Incas, the Uros built these floating islands in order to evade their enemies. The islands are made of totora reeds and have to be properly maintained constantly by the locals, otherwise the reeds start to rot away and eventually disintegrate. The locals embrace modern technology, using solar panels to power their houses and charge mobile phones.
My thoughts: The way the Uros people live is incredible. When you step foot on these islands, your first instinct is to hesitate, because the ground feels unsteady under your feet. But as you stay on for a while you realise how sturdy these islands are. My only concern is that because they have so many tourist, it is disintergrating the reeds quicker and so the local people have to work harder to keep their island afloat.
Pricing: We used Edgar Adventures for our tour, they charge S/.55 per person (£13) for half a day. You have to go with a tour and I do recommend Edgar Adventures. http://www.edgaradventures.com/
Top Tips: Buy something from these local people. They don't earn too much from the tours coming to their islands and so they rely on tourists buy items they make. Everything they make is well crafted and a perfect keepsake from your journey.
I was lucky to spend a month in Peru and loved every minute. These are just a few of my recommendations. See some of my other blog posts (under the 'Peru' Category) to see what else I got up to while I was there.
Stay safe out there!
Love from,
Kesvi
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