Even though the amount of waterfalls and attractions are abundant, not all of Tingo Maria’s landmarks are above the surface. The jungle surrounding Tingo Maria is filled with enough caves to satisfy anyone who craves adventure. From the limestone mountains of the Bella Durmiente to the hills in the jungle, the entire area is filled […]
On top of being tucked away in the center of Peru, Tingo Maria is emerging from a dark history of terrorism. Back in the 80’s and early 90’s, the entire area was under control of the infamous Sendero Luminosos. At first this rogue terrorist group gained the community’s support by publicly hanging thieves and rapists. […]
Out of all the places to visit in Peru, none are more overlooked than Tingo Maria. This isn’t an accident, since even after decades of improvements in transportation this area remains surprisingly remote. Due to the heavy rains and jungle fog, flights to Tingo Maria are scarce. This lack of areal opportunities forces visitors to […]
The International Coca Leaf Festival provides a rare glimpse into a forbidden world. Located in Pichari, the capital of VRAEM, this elaborate series of festivities celebrate the hoja de coca. From the Coca Raymi reenactments to the music dedicated to the sacred leaf, growing coca is the foundation of this area’s culture. This isn’t just […]
Out of all the plants in South America, none are more infamous than coca. Despite being illegal in most countries, the legacy of this plant continues to echo throughout the world. Boasting over 14 helpful minerals and alkaloids, coca is undoubtedly one of the most misunderstood plants in the world. Unfortunately, recently cocaine has stolen […]
Out of all the potential entry points to the selva around Cusco, none are closer than Quillabamba. Thanks to a relatively new paved road that replaced an old rickety train, Quillabamba is only four hours outside Cusco. This convenient location is complemented by a truly immense amount of variations. While the city of Quillabamba is […]
For those who crave a dose of unadulterated jungle, Manu National Park can’t be beaten. This immense stretch of land showcases the untamed beauty of Peru. While the interior of this reserve is filled with untouched wildlife and native tribes, the outskirts are surrounded by clandestine coca plantations and resorts for hippies. Despite having unexpected […]
Nestled in the “cloud forest” of Northeastern Peru, Tarapoto is the jewel of the San Martin Province. Sitting at 356 meters (1,168 ft.) altitude, this city is the prime jump-off point to enter the Amazon rainforest. Its potent mixture of outrageously vast biodiversity and vibrant nightlife make Tarapoto a truly seductive atmosphere. Including the surrounding […]
Out of all the cities in Northern Peru, none are surrounded by more drastic contrasts than Chachapoyas. This capital of the Amazonas Region is situated at a surprisingly high elevation of 2,335 meters (7,661ft.). Their strategic location allows access to both the highlands and the jungle. The city of Chachapoyas was founded in 1538 by […]
Ayahuasca is an amazing psychedelic concoction, but it’s not free of problems. In recent years, this once exotic gift from nature has transformed into a cash cow. Every year thousands of tourists descend upon South America searching for this hypnotic brew. While it’s great that so many people are interested in expanding their consciousness, this […]