Whilst you are in Peri, you must definitely explore the surroundings of Ica. Who would have believed that the country is home to an oasis and a desert, penguins, Pisco and everything, all in such a small place? A journey to the heart of the region can offer you incredible diversity and an unforgettable experience with nature.

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Huaraz is the perfect departure point for excursions into both the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra. It's in the heights of the Sierra that you will truly discover all the fantastic features that the Ancash region has to offer.

Huarez: a jewel nestled between snow-covered peaks

Arriving in Iquitos by air gives a foretaste of what awaits you in the dense jungle. From above, all you see is a thick forest that covers the land as far as the eye can see, where only the river and its tributaries stand out from an immense green carpet.

In the heart of the Amazon rainforest: Iquitos and its floating shantytown

Located between the Selva and the Cordillera of the Andes, the Huancavélica and Cerro Pasco region will put you under its spell, with its incredible landscapes, the welcoming nature of the local inhabitants and the old traditions that are still very much alive

Pasco and Huancavélica: a voyage combining nature and tradition

Machu Picchu

Puerto Maldonado

Llanganuco

Choquequirao

 Paracas is a charming, little seaside town and departure point for the Ballestas Islands or the Paracas National Reserve. 

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I have wonderful memories of this small, Peruvian town. I particularly enjoyed my walk along Paracas Beach at sunset! A colony of pelicans live there; watching them fly and dive to catch fish is spectacular. The less timid ones will even approach you! Whilst waiting for the boat to take you to the Ballestas Islands, I suggest you visit the Paracas Museum. You'll learn loads about the wildlife that you're bound to encounter during your boat trip. What's more the museum has a lot of regional information including the extensive birdlife found in the natural reserve.

Paracas is a charming, little seaside town and departure point for the Ballestas Islands or the Paracas National Reserve.

Now, Paracas isn't an absolutely essential place to visit. There is little to see and the town itself is not particularly welcoming. Nevertheless, making a two-day detour to Paracas was a good idea because it allowed me to visit the nature reserve near to the town. One day is enough to visit the Paracas National Reserve. Long stretches of sand await you here. Amongst the dunes and the wind-whipped sands, take some time to stroll along the natural salt paths. In this same reserve you will find the famous beaches of red sand, where you can swim! Further on, near to the cliffs, you are sure to have the opportunity on your travels to see some of the animal life here: seals and penguins lolling below in the sun. In the reserve itself you will come across a little spot with a rather nice restaurant. The pelicans have learned that food isn't far away and they don't hesitate to nip into the kitchens to swipe a few tasty morsels. This is the only "civilised" place in the entire reserve, so if you are afraid of large spaces with no sign of human occupation, enjoy it to the maximum.

The town of Paracas isn't much in itself but the Paracas desert makes it worth a little detour. 

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