Peru and Panama

Founded in 1535, in the days of the Conquest Lima used to be one of the wealthiest, mightiest cities in in South America. Its historic centre (UNESCO World Heritage Site) still boasts the beautiful Plaza Mayor, with the old palaces of politic and religious life. The soul of the city, however, has drifted to the modern towns of Miraflores and San Isidro, and to the lively sea town of Barranco.

Arequipa, rising between the imposing volcanoes El Misti (5,821 m) and Ampato (6,288), is Peru’s second city, and a major business and cultural centre. It owes its long-standing fame to its stunning, high-rise location (2,335 m a.s.l.), to its mild weather, and to its beautiful colonial buildings made of lava stone. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The road to Puno runs across a wild, beautiful landscape, with the occasional lake, village, and small herd of grazing llamas and alpacas. There will be a few photo stops, including the Lagunillas pass (4,410 m) to see the pink flamingos in the lagoon. Puno, rising on the border with Bolivia at a height of 3,810 m, overlooks Lake Titicaca. Though not exceptionally interesting in itself, the town makes for the perfect base to visit the rest of the region.

We cross the Andes, passing a stunning variety of landscapes. Stop at Raqchi, known for the massive walls of an Inca temple built to appease the wrath of the god Viracocha; at the provincial Andahuaylillas, featuring a beautiful 17th-century colonial church; and at the village of Pucarà, famous for its colourful ceramics. The top altitude reached during the journey is 4,335 m, at the La Raya pass. Rising at an height of 3,400 m, Cuczo, once the capital of the Inca empire, was rebuilt by the Spaniards on the vestiges of its ancient palaces, using the remains of the Inca temples and edifices. Today, Cuzco is a lively, fascinating town. Even in the busy summer months, when the Sacred Valley literally swarms with tourists, it preserves its charm.

Aguas Calientes, auch bekannt als Machu Picchu Pueblo, ist eine kleine Stadt am Fuße der berühmten Ruinen von Machu Picchu im Herzen der peruanischen Anden. Sie ist der wichtigste Ausgangspunkt für alle, die die archäologische Stätte von Machu Picchu besuchen möchten. Die Stadt ist von üppigem Tropenwald umgeben und wird vom Fluss Urubamba durchflossen. Sie ist bekannt für ihre natürlichen heißen Quellen, daher auch ihr Name Aguas Calientes", was auf Spanisch heißes Wasser" bedeutet. Aguas Calientes ist eine lebendige und pulsierende Stadt mit einer Vielzahl von Restaurants, Cafés, Kunsthandwerksläden und lokalen Märkten, die eine Vielzahl von traditionellen Produkten und Souvenirs anbieten.

Panama City is located at the exact point where the Panama Canal connects with the Pacific Ocean and is a dynamic and constantly expanding city. Founded in 1519 by Pedro Aria de Avila, it quickly became the starting point for the conquest of Peru. Although the city was sacked and burned by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671, Panama City proudly showcases to visitors the old city known as Panama la Vieja. Casco Viejo, in particular, is the old historic center rebuilt in 1673 southwest of the original city. Its strategic location, between tropical forests and the Pacific Ocean, makes it an important showcase for displaying the country's great biodiversity. In Panama, you can find the Metropolitan Natural Park, which is home to various types of birds, tapirs, felines, and alligators, as well as the Marine Exhibitions Center, which allows for a deeper understanding of underwater ecology.

The San Blas archipelago, located in the Caribbean Sea off the Atlantic coast of the Panamanian isthmus and east of the eponymous channel, is a pristine corner of the world, a true paradise on earth! The name San Blas is not widely used in favor of Kuna Yala, which means land of the Kuna. The islands are indeed inhabited by this indigenous population that lives according to their own laws and ancient traditions. The archipelago is composed of 378 islets - although sources disagree on this, some believe there are only 365 - which dot the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, from the Gulf of San Blas almost to the border with Colombia.