Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The next trip . . . not to Lima this time.

For the past few months I have been watching the airfares to Lima, watching them climb higher and higher.  There had been hopes for a June visit, but with fares nearing $1300 it was not to be.  Two weeks ago we happened upon a much better fare in early July and I snapped it up.

It turned out that the dates of the flights corresponded with the new vacation dates for my special someone.  It was suggested that this time we get out of Lima and see more of what Peru has to offer.  The first thought was Cusco, high in the Andes and the gateway to Machu Pichu.  But the airfares were once again a brick wall we could not climb and the 22 hour bus trip in the mountains was something I am not prepared to do. 

Next thought was Paracas, which is approximately 235 km south of Lima and part of the South Coast of Peru.  The National Reserve is often given the appellation the Galapagos of Peru.  It is in this region that you can also visit the Nasca Lines, the town of Pisco and I have been told lovely beaches.  Though I won't be visiting any of these in July.

It was finally decided that the destination of choice for our holiday will be . . . Arequipa! 

Dubbed the White City, a reference to the volcanic sillar rock used to build most colonial buildings, Arequipa is located 766 km southeast of Lima.  The second largest city in Peru is 2380 meters above sea level and surrounded by three magnificent volcanoes.  I look forward to exploring the city and taking a hike or possibly a horse back ride in the hills.  I have read that the Canon del Colca (100 miles from the city and a top tourist attraction) is the second deepest in the world, twice as deep as our own Grand Canyon. 

There is still much planning to do, and of course I have to decide what to pack.  (I was advised yesterday that I can't take as much as I usually do. This is going to be challenge.)

Please check back here in July for pictures and reviews of Arequipa, museums, restaurants and the activities in the surrounding area.