Although Marcahuamachuco has been around for about 1600 years, only recently has it started being promoted as an archaeological site that could one day rival Machu Picchu. The site is a pre-Incan ...

Paucartambo is a small town a few hours from Cusco. It’s not well traveled except for one time a year when people come from all over Peru and abroad for the festival ...

Travelers heading to Cusco, Peru are usually there for one main reason – to see the wonder that is Machu Picchu.  All travelers have their own way of seeing Machu Picchu.  Some ...

I like to think I’m in fairly good shape. I exercise regularly and other than stove-top popcorn I’m pretty much a healthy eater. I wouldn’t call myself an avid trekker (because carrying ...

Few tourists spend much time in Lima which is a real shame, especially for those interested in learning more about Peru’s long and fascinating history and culture. Lima is home to Peru’s ...

There are two foods that are ubiquitous across the Peruvian Andes. One is potatoes and the other is corn. This isn’t the corn we’re used to back home. Peruvian corn, choclo, comes ...

Ollantaytambo is a small town with a long name and an even longer list of hidden treasures awaiting the visitor who wishes to take a break on the crowded route to Machu ...

The Amateur Traveler goes to South America (Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru) with Sasha: erupting volcanoes, visiting the equator, shrunken heads, wooing with stones, walking trees in th amazon, colonial cities, dealing with altitude, ...