Lima is a big city, and if spending hours in traffic trying to get to museums isn't your thing, getting out of the city could be one way to spend a day.
We did just this when we booked a half day tour of Palomino Island, a short boat ride from the port suburb of Callao. The drive itself was insightful as we passed so many old and dilapidated colonial buildings as we passed through the old port town of Lima.
Shortly after we were en route to the islands; a sort of mini Galapagos in Peru. Take a closer look at the beautiful animals we saw and see our top tips for a pleasant trip below.
Blue footed booby
Humboldt Penguins
Inca Tern
Pelicans
Sea lions
Top tips for your Palomino Island tour
We booked our tour through Viator, and would recommend it to anyone looking for an up-close experience with Sea lions. Here's some other tips from us:
Be prepared: The area where the Sea lions nest is exactly that - their home - and there's a stink you won't be able to forget for a while. This also means the water isn't as crystal clear as you might like. Try not to get any in your mouth when you jump in.
Take a snack and water: We were lucky enough to get some juice and crisps (chips) for the return journey, but just in case this isn't on offer, we'd recommend bringing a small snack to help you deal the bad taste that might be left in your mouth after your swim.
Enjoy it: There's not many opportunities to have real life encounters with animals in their natural habitat, so make the most of it, and enjoy that these animals are happy and curious about you and not stuck in a zoo doing tricks for food.
Exploring the Sacred Valley is top of many people's lists when visiting Cusco, or Peru in general. The valley is home to many ancient sites built by the Inca's, the people who lived in the area immediately before, and slightly after the arrival of the Spanish.
A short Inca history lesson
Incan tribes had been living in the Cusco area since the 12th Century, but the Incan empire existed formally from 1438 - 1533 and stretched along the western ridge of South America, centering in the Peruvian Andes. Patchacuti is thought to be responsible for the rapid expansion of the empire, and commissioned the building of sites such as Machu Picchu.
When Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador (am I in an Indiana Jones movie?), arrived from Panama in 1529 he returned to Spain to received royal approval to conquer the region and be its viceroy, then captured the Inca King Atahualpa and used him to demand gold as ransom from the Inca's, before killing him.
The Inca's were eventually wiped out, their history and traditions with them, in 1572 when Tupac Amaru was killed following 36 years of Neo-Incan survival in the mountains.
With no written language, there's very little in terms of historical proof to help us understand the purpose of some of the ancient sites in the sacred valley. Many have been lost to the mountains, and more are still being excavated as we speak.
Pisac
Your first stop on a tour of the Sacred Valley from Cusco is likely to be Pisac. From Cusco you will climb through the mountains and stunning scenery before reaching the valley. The Inca site had been build into the hillside and in framed by terraces. It's these terraces which you'll see time and time again in the Sacred Valley.
It's a windy road to the city, but once there you're treated to breathtaking views and a chance to explore the pathways. The burial chambers in Pisac are of particular note, and I recommend making the walk to the "city centre" on the far side.
Pisac is also home to a market with lots of souvenirs available, however these are no different to the items you will find in Cusco or any other market in the Sacred Valley. There's lots to tempt you, and it's certainly worth picking up a gift or two, but don't be disheartened if you don't have time - enjoy seeing the sites and shop back in Cusco.
Ollantaytambo
Next on your Sacred Valley tour will be Ollantaytambo. This ancient city is still active and a real treat to explore if you have the time. Unlike other Inca sites, in Ollantaytambo the city was built in the valley - thanks to a pre-existing community when the Incas arrived - so the mountians were dedicated to the building of temples. The steep stairs take you to the temple of the sun and some stunning examples in Inca architecture.
Keep an eye out got the watchtowers on the neighbouring hills. Ollantaytambo was well guarded and it's believed the face of god can be seen in the mountain opposite the temple.
Quechua girls in Ollantaytambo - by @clairemgale on Instagram
In the town below the ancient site, you'll find Inca streets, with their channels of running water, and quint squares in the colonial style brought by the Spanish.
Many people stay in Ollantaytambo before starting the Inca Trail and it's on the train line to Machu Picchu, so if you've an evening to spare, I'd recommend staying the night and soaking up the atmosphere.
Other places of interest
In addition to the cities of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, a typical tour of the Sacred Valley may also include a trip to the salt mines at Maras, the Inca site as Moray, meeting typical Quechua weavers at a women's co-operative, a visit to a llama farm and Chinchero.
We booked our Sacred Valley tour with Viator - check it out! Below: Patchacuti statue at Aguas Calientes, greeting people on their way to Machu Picchu
Booking a hotel opposite a chocolate museum and workshop could be seen as a cruel joke, or an invitation to get messy.
If you're looking for something a little sweeter than Pisco Sours to play with in Peru, Choco Museum's range of workshops could be right up your street. Choco Museum uses fresh Peruvian cocoa in all their products and has a delicious range of bars, jams and other chocolaty treats for sale.
Their workshops include "from bean to bar" and farm tours, and whilst in Lima we tried the truffle and ganache workshop.
The 2 hour class is just S75 (Peruvian Soles) or about £20 making it a sweet deal as we also got to take 12 chocolates of our own making home with us.
Here's a little taste of what to expect...
Choco Museum has locations across South & Central America in Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Colombia.
Welcome to part two of our guide to walking the Dorset portion of the South West Coastal Path. The SWCP covers 630 miles of coastline on England's south west peninsula from Poole Harbour in Dorset to Minehead in Somerset.
As part of our training for hiking Peru's Inca Trail, we set out to walk the miles of Dorset coast using the SWCP, and covered the Poole to Weymouth section in part one of this guide.
In part two we will complete our challenge, clocking up over 75 miles along the way!
Chickerell to Abbotsbury
We start our next walk at Chickerell Village just outside of Weymouth. There's plenty of on road parking, but please be considerate of residents. Head through the campsite and onto the path which runs parallel to Chesil beach. This is a flat walk and very peaceful. As you near Abbotsbury, why not stop at the Swannery before catching the X53 bus back to Chickerell and the car.
Top Tip: The bus is £4 each, so have some change Pub Stop: The Swan Inn, Abbotsbury Distance: 8 miles Start Chickerell, End Abbotsbury Gain: 405ft
Abbotsbury to West Bay
One for the Broadchurch fans, the end of this walk leads to the base of these infamous cliffs. From Abbotsbury beach car park (£6 all day) take Burton Lane along the coast. The path gets very pebbly at times which makes it a little challenging, but it eventually gives way to trail again. The reward is an endless choice of fish and chip huts, and delicious tea and cake at West Bay. The X53 bus can drop you back to Abbotsbury too!
Top Tip: Be very careful around the cliffs. Land slips are common and can be deadly Pub Stop: The Custom House, West Bay or The Station Cafe Distance: 8 miles Start Abbotsbury beach car park, End West Bay Gain: 170ft (apparently, but I think this is an error on the may. Expect a few moderate hills)
West Bay to Lyme Regis
Finish the SWCP quite literally on a high with this challenging but very rewarding walk. From West Bay join the path and climb the hills to Eype and a refreshing drink at Seatown. You'll need it for the climb to the top of Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast. Make time to enjoy the views before following the path to Charmouth and Lyme Regis. There is a diversion in place where the path is no longer safe, so be sure to keep an eye out for the markers from Charmouth onwards. Again the X53 bus can ferry you from one end of the route to the other, giving you time to celebrate with a walk on the Cobb at Lyme Regis.
Bath is quite simply the stuff weekends away are made of. It's stunning architecture and endless list of things to do are sure to keep you coming back time and time again. Having visited a few times recently I thought it time I told you my tips for a great 48 hours in Bath!
Where to stay
Bath University
Bath is famously expensive and I've been lucky enough to see both ends of the scale whilst maintaining quality. For a modest budget, book your room at Bath University. During non term time the campus halls double as hotel rooms complete with en suite bathrooms, toiletries and breakfast (canteen style). If you're weekending in a group the kitchens are also open for you to relive your uni day with a few pre-dinner drinks. Be warned, the halls are popular with groups and the wifi is bad at best, but at £40 per person you can't complain.
Moonraker
For a more quaint and country scene, head out at the city to the Moonraker Hotel. This Manor House style inn is complete with resident pigs, herb gardens and Neil's Yard toiletries, and guests are welcomed with homemade flapjacks. A cosy stay here is definitely more about staying in with a good book and roaring fire than going out!
What to do
The Makery
Artists and artisan wannabes should make for The Makery in Bath. Conveniently in the centre of the city it's the perfect place to spend a few hours before heading back to the shops. On offer are all sorts of crafty capers from headbands and knicker making to espadrilles and lampshades. You'll be guided at each step and likely have the helping hand of a sewing machine and endless pots of buttons, sequins and ribbons for to adorn your creations.
Sessions typically last 2 hours and you can take your creations home with you.
Thermae Spa
The Roman Baths get a 21st century upgrade with all the ancient Heath benefits at Bath's Thermae Spa. 3 distinct experiences will leave you soothed and relaxed.
Enjoy the view over the city from the open air roof top pool before hitting the 4 steam rooms, each punching out a different aromatherapy oil. End your trip in the Minerva pool, where the gentle currently guide you around. If that isn't enough the on site spa will work a little harder to get you there.
Where to eat
Sotto Sotto
If there's one thing Bath does well it's underground vibes. Sotto Sotto is a delightfully authentic Italian restaurant set in bricked arches just below street level.
The menu included a tasty burrata with Parma ham and fig, chocolate lentils and mushroom pasta, all of which go very nicely with a glass or two of prosecco.
The Pump Room
For afternoon tea in Bath the only place you need to know about it the Pump Room. Set within the historic Roman Baths, the Pump Room will serenade you with its wide tea selection, decisions cakes and live music.
Not forgetting the astonishing decor, the service at the Pump Room is second to none, with the team breaking all expectations to accommodate the nut allergies and vegan diets in our party.
