Travels Jessica Knowlden Travels Jessica Knowlden

Machu Picchu: A Dream Come True

At almost 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Set above the Urubamba River valley, the site was built in the 15th century and later abandoned. Even today, it carries an air of mystery with its exact purpose still debated.

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Travels Jessica Knowlden Travels Jessica Knowlden

Once the Capital of the Inca Empire

Once capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is famed for its rich history, culture and architecture. Cobblestone streets lead visitors to Plaza de Armas, alongside archaeological remains like the Twelve-Angled Stone. It's also the spot for freshwater trout ceviche and the perfect jumping off point for Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain.

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Travels Jessica Knowlden Travels Jessica Knowlden

Sacred Valley & Peru's Andean Highlands

Sacred Valley is a region in Peru's Andean highlands known for fertile farmland and Spanish colonial villages, stretching from Pisac to Ollantaytambo. Together, with Machu Picchu and the nearby city of Cusco, they formed the heart of the Inca Empire in the late 1500's.

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Travels Jessica Knowlden Travels Jessica Knowlden

Near-Death Experience on Rainbow Mountain

A two hour drive from Cusco, Vinicunca, also called Mountain of Seven Colors, is a mountain in the Andes of Peru with an altitude of 16,522 feet above sea level and extremely harsh conditions. The seven colors come from mineral composition but are only visible during Augustsโ€™s dry season.

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Travels Jessica Knowlden Travels Jessica Knowlden

Hiking Peru's Epic Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is a river canyon in southern Peru famed as one of the deepest in the world. Itโ€™s a trekking and rafting destination with canyons, valleys and remote traditional villages with terraced agriculture predating the Incas. And the giant Andean condor can often be spotted from viewpoints like Cruz del Condor.

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Travels Jessica Knowlden Travels Jessica Knowlden

The White City of Arequipa

Known as the โ€œWhite Cityโ€ because of its baroque style buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic stone, Arequipa feels warm and welcoming and is filled with live music, spicy food, antique stores and a lively historic center. The town is also surrounded by four imposing volcanoes.

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Travels Jessica Knowlden Travels Jessica Knowlden

Dune Buggy Rides & Wine Tastings in Huacachina

Sunsets, sandboarding, lagoons and dune buggy rides. Huacachina is a tiny village and desert oasis west of Ica in southwestern Peru. Its center is filled with emerald green waters of the Huacachina Lagoon, thought to have therapeutic properties.

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Travels Jessica Knowlden Travels Jessica Knowlden

24 Hours in Lima

Founded in 1535 as the Ciudad de los Reyes, Lima is a coastal city full of life. Surfing, paragliding and dancing, cathedrals, parks and museums, nightlife, restaurants and plazas, Lima has it all.

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