Off of the coast of Peru there are a series of islands known as the Ballestas Islands. They are quite commonly known as the “poor man’s” Galapagos Islands. However, the truth is that they are completely different. The Ballestas Islands are small bird-filled islands on which people can not walk along. Tours travel to, and around, the islands via boats from the nearby town of Paracas. From the boats the visitors will see a wealth of marine bird life including comorants, turns, and of course penguins like the ones photographed above. Moreover, a visit to the island will bring you within reasonable distance of sea lions and perhaps bottle-nosed dolphins if you’re lucky.

Uros Women

Lake Titicaca has a certain magic to it. And even in the parts of the lake that seem to be put on for the enjoyment of tourists there is still something mystic about it. Not only is the lake home to some interesting people, it is a place where a whole culture, an entire people, claim to have originated from. In many ways, this is like the Jerusalem of South American culture. Included in the many lakes of the islands are ones known as the Uros Floating Islands which are made from naturally growing reeds and float on the lake. Living on the islands are a group of people that cater to tourism, and they may be the most colourful people on the continent. Moreover, they are always willing to pose for a photo, share a laugh or, of course, sell you some souvenirs.

When people think of Peru they don’t often think of the cities. They think of Machu Picchu, of Chan Chan, of Lake Titicaca, or perhaps even of the great Andes ranges around Huaraz, Peru. But for people to dismiss the cities in travelling the country, they would be making a huge mistake. The city of Arequipa shines with a type of atmosphere not felt in too many other places on the continent. Not only is it a big city full of big city activities, but it is also one of great colonial pride and character. Its walls are painted in faint colours of white, blue, and red and are given a beautiful backdrop by the majestic volcanoes in the region.

This photo was taken at a less known park in the city of Arequipa. Unknown to most tourists, Arequipa has perhaps more park areas than any other city in all of Peru.