A Trip to Peru it Will Put a Good Dent in your Bucket List

As we age people like to take stock in what they have done in their lives. People start to think about what they have accomplished, what they have seen and what they still want to do. This causes many of us to make a wish list, or as Morgan Freeman called it in his movie with Jack Nicholson; The Bucket List. It can be overwhelming looking at the amount of goals that one has yet to accomplish and frustrating to not know where to begin. But there is one country in the world that is affordable, exciting and filled with activities that will most like be on your list. You will actually feel that you have accomplished something after you have visited Peru.

There are so many exciting activities that can be done in this South American country. It only takes a short time to see many of its sights and even if only have a couple of weeks, you will be able to check of many of your life goals after a trip to Peru.

Machu Picchu is at the top of most peoples list. If there is one thing that you must see in your life is one of the greatest ruins on the planet and this one is as good as it gets. Located in the Andes Mountains it is a mesmerizing Inca Ruin top a 2500 meter mountain. Take in the sight as you sit on another peak overlooking Machu Picchu and try to imagine how it was built over 600 years ago with no technology. Make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds and feel the magic as the cloud and mist burns off. Machu Picchu consists of 200 buildings that terrace down the side of a steep mountain leading in to the deep valley below. Whether you hike the Inca Trail visit Macchu Picchu, or take the train on a breathtaking journey through the Andes, you will not be disappointed.

Is sky diving at the top of your life list? People are often looking for something that will make them feel alive, something that will give them an adrenaline rush and thrill and something that is unique and exciting. If you are in Lima, head down to the waterfront of Mira Flores. You will see dozens of parachutes floating above the city. Just follow them and you will find a patch of grass on a high cliff overlooking the ocean. It is here that for just $20 you will be able to take a tandem jump off of the cliff to catch some air riding high over skyscrapers, the ocean and along Lima's coast.

Not only do people want to visit a desert at least once in their life, but to sand board or dune buggy on some of the highest sand dunes in the world only makes another popular life list activity even more special. Head out to the Ica region where you can hire a dune buggy to take you on a thrill ride that you won't soon forget. While you are at it, stop high atop a peak and hop on a board as you slalom your way down deep soft sand. To stand on a dune and see nothing but desert far into the horizon as you plunge into its deep valleys will give you something to talk about for years to come.

Not many people are lucky enough to visit a real oasis in their lives. But in the middle of this vast desert is the Oasis of America. The small village of Huacachina is built around the water and you will find a few guest houses and restaurants to relax at and enjoy the view. You can rent a boat to paddle around the Oasis or simply relax at your hotel by the pool as the giant dunes tower overhead.

If wild life is on your list, you will be in for a real treat when you visit Isla Ballestas. Located near Pisco, you can catch a tour boat to take you out to sea to view sea lions, penguins, Peruvian boobies and condors as well as millions of birds in this nature reserve. Your boat will take you out to beautiful rock formations located off shore where wildlife is free to live and play in a protected area. Take the once in a lifetime opportunity to see actual penguins play in their natural setting and watch the hundreds of sea lions bask in the sun on the beach or on the rocks. You will not be disappointed, although make sure to ask your operator if they are sensitive to the animal and do not take their boats too close to shore disrupting the wildlife with exhaust pollution and the loud engines of the boats. Responsible tourism is a must.

Peru is an amazing country to start living out your dreams. The list above is only the tip of the iceberg of all the things that you can see and do there. It boasts the Amazon Rainforest and a visit to the jungle is a must for anyone. It has the world highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca and it has rich history in Lima. If you can't make it to the catacombs in Paris, check out the eerie catacombs in Lima. Wanting to see mysterious markings? Fly over the Nazca Lines dating back 2000 years. Giant etchings in the sand sending messages to the Gods. Or are they built for extraterrestrials to find their way home. Nobody knows, but it is a sight to remember.

So stop wishing that you could check off some of your life list, visit Peru and actually start living your life list. You will never be disappointed fulfilling your goals and dreams.

About the Author

Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill are an adventure travel duo from Canada. Together they have trekked, hiked, biked and climbed to over 30 countries all over the planet. Visit their website theplanetd.com for more tips, advice and information on travel and adventure destinations. To see their photo gallery from their world travels go to picturetheplanet.com