For Peru I have to start with the Cordillera Blanca (Huaraz) - Easily the most spectacular and dramatic scenery I have ever seen anywhere in the world.
Huaraz is definitely a 'must-see' place with really stunning lakes surrounded by countless perfect snow-capped peaks! Cuzco and Machu Picchu of course have to get a mention here as well... Although we've all seen loads of photos of Machu Picchu, when you get there it still somehow manages to impress and exceed expectation. Food-wise, they eat some pretty weird stuff like Alpacas and Guinea Pigs, but it's generally a bit more spicy and interesting and I really liked it, especially after spending time with the rather culinary-challenged Venezuelans and Colombians! In general, Peru is brimming with activity, there's just so much stuff to see and do!Argentina came as a bit of surprise, especially after Bolivia! I felt as though I had just jumped the Atlantic back to Spain or Italy or something! But despite the very mediterranean and un-Latin American feel, I really really liked Argentina. For a country that emerged from a military dictatorship and a terrible genocide only a few decades ago, it really feels so sorted and is maybe even somewhere I would be happy to live. Good food, cheap steak, the 'late night' life-style, Buenos Aires, friendly people, amazing ice cream, the list goes on and on. Better get there while the economy is still in a mess, as I'm sure it won't stay that cheap for long!
So, last but certainly not least, my favourite country: Colombia. We visited Colombia quite early in our trip and I wasn't really doing this blogging thing very much, so now's my chance to say a few more words. Colombia is the only country we visited in which I can honestly say I enjoyed every single minute. It's just such a beautiful country and, although it doesn't have any big attractions like Machu Picchu or Iguazu, it has a fantastic laid-back feel and is a great place to be. In fact, it's great because all the tourists that are only interested in ticking boxes and have no interest in the actual country, don't go there!
The landscape is lush and green, the Caribbean coast is amazing, the architecture is stunning and perfectly preserved, and everywhere you go the people are so friendly, open and relaxed - You'll never feel like anyone is getting impatient if you can't pull up enough Spanish! Before we crossed the border we were a little apprehensive as to what we might find, and there's no point in pretending: Yes, there is a war going on and in the past tourists have been kidnapped, but you'd be a fool to let that stop you. We had an amazing time in Colombia with expectations constantly exceeded and my preconceptions, whatever they may have been, were totally blown away. If you travel around South America and don't go there, you're missing out on one of the best bits.Steve x
Disclaimer: This blog is just my opinion. If you visit Colombia or any other South American country based on my recommendation and don't like it, it's your own fault and you only have yourself to blame! You should know better than to listen to me!!
Revised: 07-May-2007.
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