Peru: Lake Titicaca – Taquile

Taquile is an island on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca 45 km offshore from the city of Puno. About 2,200 people live on the island, which is 5.5 by 1.6 kilometres in size, with an area of 5.72 km². The highest point of the island is 4,050 metres above sea level and the main village is at 3,950 metres. The community of “Knitting Men”, people of Taquile Island are living the lifestyle they’ve preserved for centuries. When a man wants to marry a woman, he needs to prove his worth by drinking water out of his knitted hat. If the hat is knitted so tightly that the water doesn’t drip, he has successfully proved his abilities.

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Peru: Lake Titicaca – Uros & Amantani

Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains, is one of South America's largest lakes and the world’s highest navigable body of water. Said to be the birthplace of the Incas, it’s home to numerous ruins. Its waters are famously still and brightly reflective. Around it is Titicaca National Reserve, sheltering rare aquatic wildlife such as giant frogs. The Uros islands are a group of 70 man-made totora reed islands floating on Peru's Lake Titicaca. Its inhabitants, the Uros tribe, pre-date Incan civilization and continue to hunt and fish the plentiful land and waters they occupy. Amantani is an island on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca and is the highest island in the world at 4,115m on Pachatata. According to a 1988 census, it had a population of 3,663 Quechua speakers divided among about 800 families. The island is circular and about 9.28 km² in size.

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Peru: Arequipa to Chivay

Arequipa is the colonial-era capital of Peru’s Arequipa Region. Framed by 3 volcanoes, it's filled with baroque buildings constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone. Its historic center is anchored by the Plaza de Armas, a stately main square flanked on its north by the 17th-century neoclassical Basilica Cathedral, which houses a museum displaying religious objects and artwork.

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Peru: Ballestas Islands 

The Ballestas Islands are a group of small islands near the town of Paracas within the Paracas District of the Pisco Province in the Ica Region, on the south coast of Peru. The Ballestas Islands is an important wildlife reserve, with over 160 species of marine birds, including Humboldt penguins, cormorants, boobies and pelicans. There is also animal life, including vast numbers of sea lions. Condors can sometimes be seen flying overhead, especially in February and March, as they feed on the carcasses of dead sea lions. Dolphins and even whales can also be seen at times.

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Peru: Amazon – Delfin 1 – Day 3

At a height of over 85 feet and extending for one-third of a mile, the Canopy Walkway provided a view of the rainforest from the treetops, the best vantage point for observing Amazon wildlife and vegetation. Spread between 14 of the area’s largest rainforest trees, the suspended walkway is one of the longest in the world. At night, the biodiversity of the jungle totally changes. We searched for caimans, bats and more nocturnal creatures that are were interesting and uniquely different from the daytime.

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Peru: Amazon – Delfin 1 – Day 2

Nauta Caño Creek is known for squirrel and silver back tamarillo monkeys, birds, dolphins and sloths. We skimmed the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders, as well as insects of all colours, shapes and sizes. The walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will took us deep into the rainforest on terra firme where the guide pointed out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. It is unbelievable how every step reveals something along the way. Almost definitely (! - lol!)) anaconda, rainbow boas, tarantulas, poison frogs and most recently, porcupines have been spotted. This is one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where one can spot the ever so elusive two-toed sloth. This National Reserve is a vast area of Amazonian jungle and floodable forest in northeastern Peru, bordered by the Marañón and Ucayali rivers. Known for its biodiversity, it shelters animals from pink dolphins to spider monkeys and giant South American turtles. It's also home to hundreds of bird species, like colourful macaws.

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Peru: Amazon – Delfin 1 – Day 1

The Amazon River is located in South America and actually originates from a glacier in Colca Canyon, Peru. It's just south of Iquitos, where the Marañón River and the Ucayali river converge, that the Amazon River first shows up on a map. From there, it flows eastward. The spacious yet intimate river cruiser, Delfin 1 features only 4 oversized suites, all with private panoramic terraces, 2 of which offer a private whirlpool for the ultimate treat. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow nature to be part of the natural suite décor, and cabin service 3 times a day ensures that you enjoy the most personalised experience. On the top deck there is a lounge area, bar and entertainment centre which are perfect places to relax in while the jungle unfolds before your very eyes.

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Italy: Amalfi Coast 2015

The Amalfi Coast is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, in the Campania region. It’s a popular holiday destination, with sheer cliffs and a rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento winds past grand villas, terraced vineyards and cliffside lemon groves.

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Italy: Amalfi Coast 2014

The Amalfi Coast is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, in the Campania region. It’s a popular holiday destination, with sheer cliffs and a rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento winds past grand villas, terraced vineyards and cliffside lemon groves.

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Portugal: Lagos

Lagos is a town in southern Portugal's Algarve region. It’s known for its walled old town, cliffs and Atlantic beaches. Steep wooden steps lead to the sandy cove of Praia do Camilo. The nearby cliffs of Ponta de Piedade offer sweeping headland views and a lighthouse. Igreja de Santo António, an ornate 18th-century church, sits across from the Castelo dos Governadores, a castle with a baroque facade and watchtowers.

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