Cristo Blanco Overlooking Cuzco

This statue is on the ridge that overlooks the city of Cuzco in Peru. It’s next to the Saqsayhuaman  (pronounced roughly like Steve Martin saying “sexy woman” in his ambiguously ethnic “wild and crazy guy” accent) Incan site. There is an interesting story behind the statue, which was donated by Christian Palestinians in 1945 who were refugees in … Continue reading →

Convento de Santa Catalina in Arequipa

A must-see location when visiting Arequipa, Peru is the Convent of Santa Catalina. The labyrinthine convent has quite a history. One will see countless domed wood-fired ovens both in the individual cells and in the once operational bakery that was associated with the convent. The convent is colorful and beautiful flowers and trees grace the courtyards and … Continue reading →

Uyu Uyu Pre-Incan Ruins at Yanque

On the way to Colca Canyon to see the condors, we stayed a night in the village of Yanque. Our hotel seemed to be brand new, and, while only eight units, was perhaps the nicest hotel we stayed at in Peru. It had trendy modern bath fixtures and wood paneling. (It was also the only hotel … Continue reading →

Colca Canyon Condors

 On our recent trip to Peru we visited the Colca Canyon. Peruvians are quick to point out that it is over twice as deep as the United States’ Grand Canyon.  While we didn’t see the deepest point, our objective was primarily to see the Andean Condors and not a really deep hole. I am told that some of the physical impressiveness of … Continue reading →