Iquitos is well-known as being the most remote city in the world, only accessible by air or river.
For those wanting to experience the latter, there are several ways of going about it.
Amazon River on Local Transport
Walking Tour of Central Lima
Despite living in Lima, it is seldom that I actually go to the centre. Over the last 30 years, the economic, cultural and tourist focus has largely shifted to the coastal districts of San Isidro, Barranco and Miraflores, and there are few practical reasons to visit.
So the visit of my photographer friend, James Brunker, offered a great excuse to explore once again, in the company of someone with a keen eye for the details, contrasts and absurdities that central Lima offers in abundance.
The 3rd ... or 5th ... or 16th Highest Waterfall in the World
Do you know which is the world’s 3rd highest waterfall? And the 5th? And the 16th? Well, depending on which source you read, they are all Gocta Falls, in the Department of Amazonas.
Whatever their official ranking, it is incredible that they have only recently come to general attention.
Riding with Elvis ... to Three Forests
Peru is well known for its diversity, with the much-quoted triumvirate of Coast (Pacific), Mountains (Andes) and Jungle (Amazon) only providing a hint at the number of distinct eco-systems within her borders. To get an intense feel for this diversity, Peru North can recommend making the drive from Tarapoto in the department of San Martin, to Chiclayo in Lambayeque, on Peru's northern coast. And who better to have at the wheel for a journey as intensely spectacular as this, in the company of one's parents, than a driver called 'Elvis'. (This was not a nickname.)
Pointless Jobs in Lima
Fighting Cock Bags
Health & Safety in the Central Jungle
Lomas de Lachay
The Pisco Earthquake
Santa Rosa de Lima
And then the kitchen blew up ...
Lima - Huancayo train line is 2nd highest in the world.
A remarkable engineering feat: begun in 1870 - finished in 1907.
Only runs intermittently, for benefit of tourists.
A must for rail enthusiasts.
I had been interested in the historic Lima to Huancayo train for some time, and can finally give a first-hand account of the journey.
