Travel and Vacations

Peru with so Many Things to Do

Story Published on October 26, 2010 ⋅  Email this Story ⋅  Print this Story ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

Everyone at one point or another has taken the time to make a life list. The inspiring and fantastic movie with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman The Bucket List illustrated an amazing journey for two aging men that decided to take their life by the reigns and actually start checking off the things that they wanted to see and do. If you have started your own “Bucket List” and don’t know where to begin checking them off, a great country to start at is in Peru. Not only is it an exotic and fascinating historical destination, it also has many exciting and adventurous things to do.

Even if you only have two weeks in Peru, you can return home knowing that you have just kick started your life list and put a good dent into checking off some of the most incredible activities you will ever do in your life.

Everyone on the planet wants to see one of the great ruins of the world. The Pyramids, Angkor Wat or Tikal are just a few of the famous destinations. At the top of many people’s must see ruin is Machu Picchu. Nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, at 2500 meters it is certainly the most extraordinary ruin on the planet. How did the Incas build this incredible complex so high on the side of a cliff? Built in the 1400s Machu Picchu is remarkably well preserved. Arriving early in the morning, it is shrouded in cloud, but as the sun rises and burns off the fog, a majestic vision unfolds. 200 buildings, terraced high on the side of the mountain surrounded by jungle, vegetation and clear blue skies. You can either hike the Inca trail for another exciting activity to add to your list and visit ancient trails used by the Inca’s or you can take a magical train ride through the Andes Mountain witnessing incredible scenery. Whichever way you choose, you will come away with memories to last a lifetime and a travel on your list that many people in this world only dream of doing.

Many people are looking for a thrill when they make their life list. Jumping out of an airplane seems to be atop many lists. If you happen to visit Lima, you can take that goal and give it a twist to try paragliding. Walk down to the waterfront of Mira Flores and you will soon find a place where people sign up to jump off of a high cliff over the Pacific Ocean. The fun doesn’t stop there however, once your parachute catches the air, you and your instructor will be able to ride the airwaves high above the city as he steers you through sky scapers and over the ocean. It is one of the most unique experiences you will have in your life and you will have the same thrill and excitement as skydiving, but in a more exotic location than your local airstrip.

Many people have never seen a desert. If you visit Peru, you will not only be treated to seeing an absolutely beautiful desert, but you will witness some of the largest sand dunes in the entire world. Take a dune buggy out to explore everything it has to offer. Don’t drive yourself however as desert driving can be tricky. Hire a driver or take a tour and they will give you the thrill of your life. Racing at top speeds your will climb giant dunes only to plunge down a near vertical cliff into the valley below. Don’t forget to try your hand at sand boarding while you are out there. Feel like a kid again as you roll down the gigantic dunes or use your board as a sled to zip to the bottom.

Not many people are lucky enough to visit a real oasis in their lives. But in the middle of this vast desert is the Oasis of America. The small village of Huacachina is built around the water and you will find a few guest houses and restaurants to relax at and enjoy the view. You can rent a boat to paddle around the Oasis or simply relax at your hotel by the pool as the giant dunes tower overhead.

Who doesn’t want to see penguins in their natural habitat? If you go to Peru you must visit their version of the Galapagos Islands at Isla Ballestas. Near the town of Pisco, you can catch a boat out to the islands to see Sea Lions and Penguins frolic around on the gorgeous rock formations in the middle of the sea. It is awesome to see the little guys waddle around and jump in the water. It is a protected nature reserve and the sea life, birds and other wildlife are free to live out their lives with no fear of being hunted killed by man. Although they do have to put up with is the hoards of tourists disrupting their lives each day on loud boats that pollute the air.

Peru is an amazing country to start living out your dreams. The list above is only the tip of the iceberg of all the things that you can see and do there. It boasts the Amazon Rainforest and a visit to the jungle is a must for anyone. It has the world highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca and it has rich history in Lima. If you can’t make it to the catacombs in Paris, check out the eerie catacombs in Lima. Wanting to see mysterious markings? Fly over the Nazca Lines dating back 2000 years. Giant etchings in the sand sending messages to the Gods. Or are they built for extraterrestrials to find their way home. Nobody knows, but it is a sight to remember.

So stop wishing that you could check off some of your life list, visit Peru and actually start living your life list. You will never be disappointed fulfilling your goals and dreams.

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