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wanderadventures, Luxembourg (2024)

19/06/2024

🇵🇪 TIPS & INFOS for Peru

Here's our little overview and all you need to know before traveling to Peru 😊

⏩️ Swipe right to read them.

Sources:
Lonely Planet guidebook 2023, Personal experiences,

12/06/2024

Homestay at Lake Titicaca ☀️

Although we were still in Peru, the region around Lake Titicaca gave us the feeling that we had landet in a different country.

We never understood how a lake can be so famous. After all, it is sung in countless songs, books have been written about it, and everyone who sees it seems to be enchanted by it.
Believe it or not, as soon as we catched a glimpse on it, we understood. It's beautiful, blue, huge, calm, there's definitely a special energy.

We had the chance to stay with .de.luisyantonia and their family, while they let us participate in their daily lives for 3 days.

Between knitting bracelets, having a dress up in their traditional clothes, looking after the sheep, the house, helping preparing their land, cooking and playing with the kids & pets, we felt fully immersed in the simple and slow paced Titicaca-life 😌🙏

We also visited the Uros Titinos islands, one of the few inhabited floating islands on the lake.
The island is small, and we get an amazing introduction to the construction, history, income, and their way of living. The islands are made out of Tatora, the plant that grows in the Titicaca lake (which we also tasted, called the Titicaca banana🍌), and has to be partially renewed every month. 🤯
Some other floating islands are now made out of plastic bottles, as it requires a bit less maintenance and... well, there is so much of it..🚮

Don't hesitate to write to us if you'd like more information for a homestay at Lake titicaca.

09/06/2024

"Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax" - Mark Black 🧘

After the mountains, we took some time to regather our strength in this little surfer town in the north of Peru 🏄‍♀️

We had a lot of planning to do, catched up with our families, focused on healthy food, yoga, walks along the beach and we couldn't have found a better place to do this than at . Heartfelt recommendation if you are in the area, especially if you like to surf. 🫶

🛕 The reason we came here, were the ruins of Trujillo, which were home to the pre-incan Moche and Chimu civilization, known for their advanced irrigation systems and impressive architectural achievements.
We only visited the archaeological site of ChanChan. Entirely made out of Adobe, Chanchan was once the largest city in pre-Columbian South America and served as the capital of the Chimu Kingdom.

ℹ️🛕 Entrance: 10S + 60S for a guide that we shared with another couple.

01/06/2024

Huayhuash 8D-trek • Trek data and price 🏁💰 (2/3)

There are different treks in the national park which range from 4 days (~35km) to 12 days (~120km). In addition to the distances, there are daily elevation gains of ~800 metres. 🏔

Head to instagram to find the data of our trek 👇 https://www.instagram.com/p/C7qmWgnipiL/?igsh=MmRoZWk4czhxMWlz

30/05/2024

The Cordillera Huayhuash 🏔 🥾 🇵🇪 (1/3)

Considered as one of the 10 best hiking circuits in the world, the Huayhuash trek has often been compared to the Mount Everest base camp trek and is regarded as one of the world's greatest alpine trekking circuits. 🌎🌟

It is also known as one of the most physically and emotionally challenging treks in Peru (ask Sarah 🙈), but also one of the most rewarding. 🏔😍

The trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and picturesque valleys and is unique because it takes you through remote and untouched landscapes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty and rough nature of the Peruvian Andes.

While this trek was definitely the hardest trek we've ever done in our life, we take with us a whole bunch of wonderful memories full of unreal alpine landscapes 🏔, friends we will never forget 🫶, dogs & mules that carved their way into our hearts 🐶, first time experiences that pushed us over our limits 🥲 and a deep deep sense of connection. 💫

All in all, this trek is a truly remarkable journey for those seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

We'll give you some more information & pictures about the Huayhuash trek in the next posts 🤗

19/01/2024

Silencio 🤫 🏰 ✨

Arequipa is a photographers paradise. So many beautiful buildings, so much life in the streets, imposing volcanoes all around, and a pleasant sunny light 📸😍

After a lot of wildlife shootings, which honestly can be quite frustrating (moving animals, moving base, short zoom, too much backlight, not enough light,...😆), we had some creative moments with the camera again, and it felt great 😍

One of the most picturesque attractions in Arequipa is the Monastery of Santa Catalina. A city inside the city, a stunning complex of buildings that dates back to the 16th century and is still active today. 🏰

With its distinctive architecture, historical significance and colourful streets, the convent was off-limits to the public for centuries, now some parts have been opened to the public but it continues to be a place of religious worship, contemplation, and community for the Dominican nuns who still reside there. 🏠

ℹ️ You need a ticket to enter (45PEN for +21 aged foreigners). After entering, you have the option to hire a guide directly on site.

💡 If you don't want to pay the entrance but still want a picture with the Santa Catalina colours, head to the restaurant right in front of the Monastery (📷 10)

17/01/2024

Arequipa "The White City" 🌋

Located in the southern region of Peru, Arequipa is a city known for its architectural beauty, rich history, and spectacular natural surroundings. ❣️

With its pleasant climate, impressive surroundings, and beautiful architecture, Arequipa knocked Cuenca off our top spot. 🥇

⛪️ Founded in 1540, the city's well-preserved and charmful historical center, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is named the 'White City', because of its colonial buildings made of the white volcanic sillar stone.

📍🌋 Guarded by 3 imposing volcanoes (Misti, Chachani & Pichu Pichu), the city lies at an altitude of 2335 masl, which makes it a perfect acclimatisation stopover from Lima to Cusco or Puno. It's also the gateway to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.

We loved the decontracted vibe of the city, the people were very friendly, the climate perfect and the food delicious (we finally tried the 🐹 🙊).

14/01/2024

Manu National Park, a gem in the Amazon 🌿✨

This was our first time in the Amazon and we had an incredible time at Manu National Park.
It is renowned for its majestic jaguars, in fact they say that there is a 15% chance of spotting them, making it one of the best places to witness their beauty and we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.🐆

While we were amazed by the park's natural wonders, we must admit that first we were a bit disappointed as we were expecting to see more abundance of mammals (especially compared to other places we've visited). However, those animals are not used to humans (which is rare in ecotourism) and have to fight for their life every day (which means they are shy and will run aways when they see or hear a threat), you start to get an idea of how gigantic the forest is, how little we are in comparison and how lucky you need to be, to be at that right spot at the right moment to observe an animal. Which in our opinion is a beautiful thought and we are happy we could support the protection of this area with our visit.🫶

ℹ️ Before planning your visit, we recommend doing thorough research to find the area that aligns best with your preferences. Keep in mind that for example the region where Manu National Park is located, doesn't inhabit pink dolphins and the chances of spotting an anaconda are lower compared to Iquitos, as an example.

Pro tip: If you're considering a visit, make sure to learn about the cultural and reserved zones in advance. Also, keep in mind that transportation to and from the reserved zone takes at least 3 full days.

Don't hesitate to write us your questions and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the biggest and most important forest on earth! 🌎💫

03/01/2024

🌿 The Amazon - the lungs of our planet 🌎

Even though the amazon might seem far away for us europeans, the work it does is important for the whole planet and its protection too.

The amazon rainforest is the biggest forest in the world and as such, it is important for all of us due to its significant contributions to global ecosystems, climate regulation and for its ability to store large amounts of carbon dioxide. The rainforest also plays a crucial role in maintaining global water cycles, influencing rainfall patterns and providing freshwater to surrounding regions. 🌱

Additionally, it is home to many indigenous cultures and numerous plant and animal species, many of which are unique and have yet to be discovered a 🦗

But the amazon faces several threats, the biggest ones being:
• Agricultural expansion and extensive livestock breeding
• Poorly planned infrastructure
• Illegal or unsustainable extraction of natural resources
• Climate deregulation

Although we knew about those threats, we were surprised by how many places are inhabited by a large number of people, have modern infrastructures, and are easily accessible for tourists.
As we wanted to experience the amazon as untouched as possible and see some unique wildlife, we decided to visit the Manu reserve zone with .

To do a roundtrip into the reserve we had to travel during a few days, the advantage: you get deep into the jungle where appart from very little indigenous communities and uncontacted people, no humans influence is around.
For visitors, everything is strictly regulated to minimise human interference, which we think is good. The downside (maybe for some) is that it isn't super 'adventurous', but you'll learn a lot.

We were hungry for Amazon-knowledge, and we learned so, so much from our guide Michel 🙏 He even converted us to getting interested in birds, something we never had much patience for.😆🦜

26/12/2023

Entering the Amazon 🌿🌴🐒

Choosing where to enter the amazon basin has proven to be quite a challenge. With a covering area of 7'000'000 km2 (almost the size of Brazil), it sits in 9 different countries, 4 of which we wanted to visit. So we were quite spoilt for choice. 🙃

All the places seemed amazing, but the Manu National Park held some special things:
As an UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve, it highlights the importance of conservation and scientific research.
It is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, housing a crazy variety of plant and animal species, including numerous endangered species like the jaguar, giant otter, and giant anteater. 🦦

The Manu National Park is also known for its highly protected rainforest. It encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, from lowland tropical rainforests to high-altitude cloud forests, providing a unique habitat for a very diverse flora and fauna.🐅

On top of all this, it is inhabited by indigenous communities & uncontacted people who have lived in harmony with the environment for centuries, adding cultural significance to the area. 🌱

Although we didn't even know about this entry point to the Amazon, Manu National Park with its exceptional biodiversity, untouched rainforest, protected status, and the coexistence of indigenous communities made us add this unplanned step to our Peruvian itinerary 📍

Have you been to the amazon? If yes, which area did you visit? 🦜

24/11/2023

Machu Picchu [the old mountain] ⛰️

This iconic archaeological site was built during the 15th century by the Inca civilization. It served as a remarkable citadel and religious sanctuary, nestled high in the Andes Mountains. Machu Picchu is still shrouded in mystery, as its exact purpose remains a subject of debate among historians. However, it is believed to have been a royal estate, with highly luxurious civil and religious buildings, for the visionary (and maybe a bit megalomaniac) Inca emperor Pachacutec.🤴🏽

It is believed that people of a high social rank lived there, but after only about a century of existence (~1572), Machu Picchu was mysteriously abandoned by the Incas. Likely due to the Spanish conquest and the resulting disruption of their empire and/or smallpox. The site was left hidden and forgotten, concealed by the dense vegetation of the surrounding mountains ⛰️🌿

Although the locals knew about the ruins, and other western people had already discovered the site, it wasn't until 1911 that Machu Picchu was made famous by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. While searching for the lost city of the Incas, their last refuge 'Vilcabamba', he stumbled upon the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu. With Yale & the National Geographic team as supporters, Bingham's findings sparked international interest and led to extensive research and preservation efforts (📸10 - Machu Picchu taken by Hiram Bingham in 1911).

Today, Machu Picchu stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and got ellected as one of the 7 new wonders of the world in 2007. 🏅

Its remarkable architecture, breathtaking greenish, lush mountain views, enigmatic history and captivating spiritual energy is definitely something unique on this planet and we feel very grateful for having been able to visit 💫🛕⛰️

21/11/2023

Following the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu ⛰️🛕

The Inka Trail is nowadays often considered the only true Inka path to Machu Picchu. However, between southern Colombia, central Argentina and Chile, there are countless paths of the ancient culture and if you visit Cuzco and its surroundings, you will most likely end up walking on one of them. It consists of a network spanning thousands of kilometres, some of which are still hidden in the mountains and jungle.
The classic 4D Inka trail, which attracts numerous tourists every year, connects Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu. But in reality, you could also hike directly from Cuzco to Ollantaytambo along this over 500-year-old route as the Inkas did.

During 4 days, we walked between 4 to 8 hours each day, covering over 45 kilometres to the lost city. Today, this is the only route where you can access Machu Picchu directly while hiking and you will encounter countless of other beautiful ruins on the way.

For Gilles, this was a bucket list must-do during our trip, as he is impressed by the Inka culture 👨‍🔬
What could be more exciting than discovering an ancient world wonder on the same paths that the Inkas once visited?

💡 The tickets for the Inka Trail and Machu Picchu normally sell out quite fast, so make sure to keep an eye on the availabilities or book +-6 months in advance.

19/11/2023

Apu Vinicunca 5200m 🌈 & how to avoid the crowds

Due to its fame on instagram, this rainbowmountain has made it to the 2nd most visited place around Cuzco, getting right behind the wonder of the world 'Machu Picchu'.🏅

Vinicunca (aka Rainbowmountain) is not the only colourful mountain in the region, nor is it the easiest one in terms of accessibility, but it is the most famous. Crazy what social media can do, right?

The mountain is indeed beautiful and when the sun shines on it, you get the feeling the colours explode 😍🌈 On the opposite side we got to see the beautiful white mountainpeaks of the Vilcanota mountain range in the Andes, including "the father of all mountains", the highest and most sacred peak in the region: Ausangate. 🏔

The red valley was the actual highlight of our day.
As we avoided the crowds, we also avoided people working there and by that directions, in consequence, we "got lost" in the red valley and took a lot longer way as planned. Thank god our taxi driver waited for us, even though he was a bit angry at us and had filled up his car 🙈

❗️Remember to acclimatize before visiting! When we arrived at the head of the trail, a girl welcomed us puking severely 🤮

Here are some tips on how you can avoid the crowds on Rainbowmountain:
🌈¹ - Do the Ausangate trekk and/or be there for sunrise
🌈² - Visit an alternative rainbow mountain (Palccoyo easier to reach / Pallay punchu harder to reach)
🌈³ - Go later than the crowds, that's what we did (find the details in our Polarsteps).
+ The pros: not a lot of people, having the view and moment for yourself. Sometimes, too many people can spoil a beautiful place.
- The cons: The weather. The weather often changes in the afternoon, lots of wind, clouds, maybe even rain or/and snow.
It was freeeezing when we were there, even more so on the viewpoint as there was a lot of wind getting into our bones. 🥶

06/11/2023

The Sacred Valley II 🌌

The archaeological sites in this valley showcase the remarkable engineering and architectural skills of the Incas and left us in awe quite some times.😍

But why was it particularly this valley, that was considered 'sacred' for the Incas?
The name "Sacred Valley" comes mainly from the spiritual significance attributed to the area by the Incas.

Because of the andean cosmovision, they considered the Willkamayu river (today Urubamba) to be the reflection of the Amarumayu (milkyway) on earth, like being its complementary sibling connecting the heavens with earth.🌌
Additionally, the whole valley, is and has always been a very fertile place, making it sacred to the Incas. 🥔

We also felt like this place had a special and unique energy, so we decided to come back here to rest a bit, more on that later.

📸 1-7 Ollantaytambo: A well-preserved Inca fortress and town with impressive stone terraces and structures, including Viracocha, the stone face protecting their storehouses (1-4). // Typical inca terrace steps (5) // Pre-incan ruins (6) // The temple of the sun, aligned in a way, that on the winter solstice (june 21st) the first rays of sunlight hit the Chacana relief carved on the perfectly polished rocks (7) | 8-10. Pisac:
A huge archaeological site and terraced ruins in the shape of the andean bird 'Puna Partridge'.
The ruins of pisac are also home to one of the largest and best-preserved Inca cemeteries. Around 10'000 people were mummified and buried at this site. Most of them were destroyed by Huaqueros (tomb robbers) since the Incas used to bury their dead with gifts and belongings.

05/11/2023

The Sacred Valley I 🌌

For the Incas, the sacred valley was a crucial centre of agricultural production because of its fertile land and favourable climate.
Surrounded by majestic mountains, the Urubamba river flows through the valley and was once considered the mirror of the milkyway. 🌌
The valley also leads the way to the famous, hidden city of Machu Picchu and is home to other remarkable Inca (and pre-Inca) ruins like Chinchero, Ollantaytambo or Pisac. ⛰️

But the sacred valley also holds a cultural heritage, as it is inhabited by indigenous communities that have preserved their traditional way of life, including farming techniques, textile production, and cultural practices. 🧵

ℹ️ Our first visit to the sacred valley we did with a guided and fully packed tour, that we would only recommend if you are really short in time.🙅 Otherwise, take some days to make your way from Cuzco to Ollantaytambo before heading to Machu Picchu. Explore the towns, stay some nights to stargaze the milkyway, and take your time discovering the huge ruins.

📸 1-2. Chinchero textile making and their renowned weaving techniques. | 3-6. Chinchero archaeological site, which fascinates with its blend of Incan and Spanish colonial architecture and its well-preserved agricultural terraces. | 7. Chuño in the making. Peruvian potatoes, soaked in the cold water of rivers and streams for several days, and then sun dried using the harsh climate of the Andean highlands. Chuño has an extremely long shelf life and is rich in calcium, phosphorus and iron. | 8. Moray ruins, an open seed laboratorium, that was only used for agricultural experiments. | 9-10. Maras Salinas. Ancient salt basins (inmidst of the andes, far away from any ocean) that have been in use since pre-Inca times. Today, every pond belongs to a family in Maras that works with it.

01/11/2023

Cuzco - the capital of the Incan empire...
..and your base for lots of adventures & visits in the region 📍

> Cuzco is perched in between hilles that are filled with incan and pre-incan ruins. This place was a significant political and administrative centre during the inca time. From here, the 4 provinces of their empire would spread like a star.

The Incas, known for their advanced astronomical and architectural achievements, skillfully utilized the sun's position, seasons, and lunar cycles to navigate their world, and Cuzco is a testament to their ingenuity.

While they have been harsh towards other civilizations (and a lot of skills that are attributed to them, actually come from older civilizations), they held great respect for older constructions and nature, often building around or on top of them.
This can be seen in lots of ruins in and around Cuzco, where ancient ruins and structures coexist with more recent architecture, creating a unique blend of history and modernity.

Known as the archaeological capital of the world, its history, spirituality & architecture reflect in the shape of the city itself > a puma/Choqechinchay. Chosen to honour the ancestral Andean divinity by the famous Inca Patchatuket.

Overall, Cuzco's historical significance, architectural marvels, and its connection to Incan mythology make it an incredible captivating destination and is, without a doubt, the most historical city we've ever visited.

Head to the story highlight for our tips for Cuzco, we've been here for quite some time 🙈

📸 1.Plaza de armas | 2-3.Sacsayhuaman | 4.Tambomachay | 5-7.Qorikancha | 8. Plaza de armas - monumento Pachakuteq | 9. Streets of Cuzco | 10. Church of the Society of Jesus

16/10/2023

Is this Planet Mars? 🪐

After our visit to the islands, we rented a scooter to visit the national parc of Paracas.
We saw some more wildlife 🐧, amazing deserted and vast landscapes where we sometimes thought we had landed right on planet Mars. 🪐

Sadly, since we arrived in Peru, we also saw a lot of dead sea lions & birds lying along the coast. 😪

This is due to the so-called "El Niño event."
It's a climate phenomenon about which we've heard a lot since we are in South america.
It occurs in the Pacific Ocean and involves the warming of ocean waters, which has significant impacts on weather patterns and marine ecosystems. During an El Niño event, the sea surface temperatures rise above average, leading to various environmental changes.🐟

One of the consequences of El Niño is the disruption of the marine food chain. The warming waters affect the availability of nutrients, leading to a decline in the abundance of plankton, which is a vital food source for many marine organisms. This disruption can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem, leading to increased mortality rates among animals that struggle to find enough food to survive.😔

While the El Niño events have devastating effects on marine ecosystems, they are natural occurrences and have been happening for centuries. Efforts are being made to monitor and understand these phenomena better, allowing for improved conservation strategies and mitigation measures to protect the affected wildlife populations.🤞

ℹ️ You can visit the national park by foot, by bike, with a van/bus tour or a scooter. As the winds become quite strong in the afternoon, we decided to go with a scooter to be flexible in time & not waste our time struggling against the winds. 🛵 (80S/day)

24/09/2023

🇪🇨 FOOD 🥘

Food is culture and brings everyone together 👐
That's why we love to try local dishes, snacks & and drinks while discussing preparation methods with the locals.

Here are some of our favourite or most unusual culinary discoveries:

Dishes:
• Tigrillo (Gilles' fav breakfast: mashed green plantains with cheese, eggs, onions, tomatoes & cilantro)
• Locro de Papa (Potato soup, served with corn & avocado, yum 😋)
• Encebollado (Fish soup, considered Ecuadors national dish)
• Caldo de pollo (Chicken broth à la Ecuadorian)
• Hornado (long roasted pork, usually served with llapingachos, mote (corn), fried plantains, avocado slices & aji hot sauce
• Ecuadorian Ceviche (raw seafood dish)
• Lots of different seafood & fish dishes on the coast (lots of tuna)

Snacks:
• Avocados
• Fruits
• LLapingachos (Sarahs' fav: potato patties)
• Mote (corn) / Habas ( big green beans)
• Patacones, etc. con salprieta (typical from mexico)
• Chifles (thin sliced and fried plantain chips)
• Queso Helado (Ice cream topped with cheese 🧀)
• Helado de paila (traditional ice cream, mixed in a large metal pan called "paila". In the colder areas, it is sold on the street without any freezing mechanism)

Drinks:
• The freshest juices with any fruit you may desire (always ask without sugar if you don't want some)
• Artesanal beers 🍻
• Canelazo (traditional hot alcoholic beverage made of aguardiente (sugarcane alcohol) & juice)

Here are some other things you can try that we didn't:
• Chugchucara (fried pork, pork cracklings (chicharrones), mote (hominy corn), llapingachos (potato patties), fried plantains, and a variety of accompaniments such as avocado, pickled onions, and a peanut sauce)
• Pajaro Azul (shot)
• Cuy Assado (roasted guinea-pig)

23/09/2023

Cuenca - Ecuador's crown jewel 👑 🇪🇨

Our last stop in Ecuador truly lived up to its reputation 😍
We were captivated by the cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and the captivating craft markets.

Known as the most beautiful city in Ecuador, it effortlessly blends history and natural wonders in a breathtaking symphony. Its city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage & all around there a picturesque landscapes to discover like the Cajas National Park. 🌿

Sadly, both of us catched a 🦠 why we were not able to discover all of it, but we got to know the warmth of the locals and their genuine hospitality that left a big mark on our heart. ❤️

📸 1,3,4 Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción | 2. Helado con queso | 5. Alcaldía de Cuenca | 6. Chill & Chela Beer Garden | 7. Colegio Benigno Malo | 8. Museo Del Sombrero De Paja Toquilla | 9. our lovely hosts, don't hesitate to ask us for the contact | 10. Hornado at Mercado 10 de Agosto

19/09/2023

Planning and Sketching.✏️🗒

We were sure about 3 things:
• we wanted a fixed bed, preferably transverse
• a kitchen with enough work surface
• and the partition wall should remain in the car.
By doing this it would be easier to insulate the vehicle without the cold bridges of the driver's cab.

When it came to the question of whether or not we should build in a shower, we were initially undecided. 🚿

So we drew up sketches for both models and quickly realised that the shower would take too much space. Especially, when the shower is not in use, a large part of the already small space remains unused. For us this was not optimal and so we opted for a system with an outdoor shower connected to the sink (📷 P2).

The table would be designed with a folding or sliding mechanism so that the space beneath it could also be used when necessary.

Above the hob we would install a hatch with a fan, which could be used as an extractor or ventilator.

The layout was thought in a way where we would have storage space under the benches, under the bed, in a hanging cupboard, in the compartment above the driver's cab and of course beneath the kitchen.

What do you think of the layout? What would you have focused on? 📐

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