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Welcome to Amro's travel blogs. We will be updating our blogs with current travel news, destination information and insider knowledge for the gay and lesbian traveller. If you have any questions or comments regarding any of our posted blogs please feel free to contact us at holidays@amroholidays.com

Tuesday 11 March 2008

Amro joins IGLTA Peru Symposium

This years IGLTA symposium in Peru was in one word AMAZING!

When I thought about Peru the only thing that constantly kept coming to mind was Paddington Bear from darkest Peru and of course pictures of Machu Picchu. But there was so much more to this country and even though I was told on arrival that they'd never heard of Paddington Bear, this did not deter me from finding out more.

Lake Titicaca (the worlds highest navigable lake) sits at approx 12500 ft and I could only hope that altitude sickness didnt kick in, but of course I became another statistic. Although it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be (just a hammering migraine for the afternoon) it does slow your pace down, which actually was a bonus because it made you stop and look at things in detail rather than rush around trying to see everything. A tip that's definitely the Real Peru is to drink the coca tea - an infusion of (legal!) coca leaves that many people find helps them adjust.

Of course the highlight to this trip was experiencing one of the New 7 wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Trying to describe this place is so difficult because how many different ways can you use the word Breathtaking! My partner and I bravely took on Huayna Picchu for a different perspective and were greatly rewarded with magnificent views.

The weather was perfect, the people were gracious and the ruins were mind-blowing!

Amro Holidays has trips departing all year round to Peru . Click here for details.

Gay insider tips for Peru

  • Check out Fallen Angel in Cusco, a funky gay friendly bar and restaurant with creative artwork for sale. Check out the toilets!
  • Pick up great souviners at the Pisac Markets
  • For the adventurous try the local cuisine of Cuy (Guinea Pig)
  • Drinks plenty of fluids and Coca tea in Lake Titicaca
  • Get to Machu Picchu early