Author: Jess Elford
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Why Sandboarding in Huacachina is One of the Coolest Experiences in Peru
Sand dunes in Peru? That wasn’t the first thing I thought of when planning my trip to Peru, but omg I am so glad that I did! If you’re traveling through Peru and looking for a unique and adrenaline-filled experience, look no further than Huacachina’s dune buggy and sandboarding tours. This tiny desert oasis is…
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My Inca Trail Trekking Journal: 4 Days to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list for years. I’d seen photos, read stories, and dreamed of walking the same stone steps the Incas once carved – but nothing could have prepared me for the reality of just how amazing (and challenging!) it would be. Four days. 42 kilometers on…
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Ultimate Guide to the Golden Shadows Trek at Paracas National Reserve, Peru
If you’re heading to Paracas, Peru, you’ve probably heard about the Islas Ballestas and the dramatic Paracas National Reserve. But there’s a hidden gem in this desert paradise that adventurous travelers definitely shouldn’t miss: the Golden Shadows Trek. This unique hike takes you deep into the reserve’s Mars-like landscapes, where rolling sand dunes meet rugged…
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Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Perfect 1-Week Itinerary
Playa del Carmen is one of those dreamy destinations where you can do everything or absolutely nothing at all – and both feel equally amazing. Located along Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya, this vibrant beach town is the perfect base for exploring ancient Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes, relaxing on powdery beaches, and sipping margaritas until…
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How to See the Nazca Lines: Flights, Viewpoints & Tours
The Nazca Lines are one of Peru’s greatest mysteries – massive ancient geoglyphs carved into the desert that you can only fully appreciate from above. Shaped like hummingbirds, monkeys, spiders, and other mind-boggling designs, these lines have puzzled archaeologists and inspired alien conspiracy theories for decades. But here’s the big question for travelers: What’s the…
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Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Colca Canyon in Peru
If you’re traveling through southern Peru, you’ve probably heard about Colca Canyon – one of the deepest canyons in the world, home to majestic Andean condors, dramatic landscapes, and charming highland villages. And after visiting on my Peru trip, I can confirm… it is all of that and so much more. There are day trips…
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A Guide to the Islas Ballestas Boat Tour in Paracas, Peru (Sea Lions and Dolphins and Birds – Oh My!)
If you’re heading to Paracas, there’s one experience you absolutely can’t miss – a boat tour to the Islas Ballestas, often called the “poor man’s Galápagos.” These small rocky islands off the coast of Peru are teeming with wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and a salty sea breeze that will have you grinning from ear to ear.…
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Peru: Epic 3-Week Itinerary (Including the Inca Trail!)
Planning a trip to Peru can feel a little like staring at a giant buffet – there’s just so many amazing things that you’ll want to try them all! From the lively streets of Lima and its foodie delights, to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, the sun-soaked desert dunes of Huacachina, and the jaw-dropping…
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Epic Things to do in Paracas (And Why You Should Add Them to Your Peru Itinerary!)
If you’ve ever dreamed of a place where golden desert dunes meet turquoise ocean waters, Paracas, Peru is it. Just 3.5 hours south of Lima, this coastal gem is often overlooked on a Peru Itinerary but if you have the time – it is a must-visit! With dramatic landscapes, incredible wildlife, and some of the…
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10 Things to Do in Lima, Peru (as a Solo Traveler)
Planning a solo trip to Peru? Don’t skip Lima! While many travelers rush through the capital en route to Machu Picchu, Lima is a vibrant, flavorful, and unexpectedly fun destination and a great way to ease yourself into your Peruvian life – especially for solo travelers. From its world-renowned food scene and cliffside walks to…
Jess at Sea 