I loved Lima — the city has a ton of character, interesting street art, good food, and a California-esque surf culture that reminded me of living in Santa Monica. I recommend exploring the area around the pier, walking through Barranco, MATE Museo Mario Testino, Jade Rivera gallery, and Punto Azul for authentic Peruvian seafood.
South America
Machu Picchu, Peru
I took the luxury Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu instead of hiking the Inca Trail, as I had limited time in Peru. The Hiram Bingham train is expensive, but delivered a great experience, and included food, unlimited alcohol, and a guide. If you are interested in taking the Hiram Bingham, it’s possible to book
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South America
Salinas de Maras, Peru
Salinas de Maras salt mines date back to Incan times, and are still used to harvest salt today. The hour-long drive from Cusco through the Sacred Valley is also quite beautiful.
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South America
Cusco, Peru
Cusco is a beautiful city, and the jumping off point for Machu Picchu and Salinas de Maras. It’s worth exploring the entire city and main square, but I personally preferred the San Blas district, which was quieter, less touristy, and more artsy. San Blas is also home to the Healing House, which offers daily meditation
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South America
Playa Blanca, Cartagena, Colombia
Ever wanted the luxury of having an exotic beach all to yourself? Here’s how! The crystal blue Caribbean water of Playa Blanca, Cartagena. If you know anything about Cartagena, you know that the beaches and water closest to Cartagena, off Bocadrande and Old City, are not the turquoise water pictured above. To swim in
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South America
La Boquilla, Cartagena, Colombia
La Boquilla is a fishing village on the outskirts of Cartagena, Colombia. It’s not a top tourist destination. It’s not beautiful in the conventional sense. It has deserted beaches, but not the sandy white ones implied by that statement. The food is fantastic, but you won’t be dining at a Michelin-rated restaurant. La Boquilla is
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South America
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is probably best known for its Old City, founded in 1533 in Spanish colonial style and now a famed UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on the Carribean coast of Colombia, Cartagena has everything you’d imagine the Caribbean to have and more – sunshine and palms, turquoise water, white sand beaches, and seafood served fresh