Jan 25: Lunahuaná, Peru
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Lunahuana is located about three hours outside of Lima at Kilometer 180 on Carretera Panamericana Sur. It is a great spot for adventure sports such
as river rafting on the Cañete river, horse back riding, hiking and ATV riding. You can also visit the Pre-Columbian ruins of Inkawasi (Incahuasi),
which was a historically important site located at the cross roads of the major Inca trails leading from Cusco to Lima. Also, worthy of a visit is the artesenal Pisco Bodega, La Reyna
de Lunahuana, which is the only place to buy some of the strongest, purist Pisco you are likely to find anywhere.
Don't forget to bring your sunscreen! There may be cloud cover, but the suns rays are very strong.
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Fun things to do in and around Lunahuaná:
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River Rafting "Canotaje: It is best to go river rafting during the summer months (December through April)
when the water level is the highest. You can take your pick from class 3, 4 or 5 rapids...if it is your first time, then stick with the class 3 which
will give you all the excitement you could ask for. The journey takes about 2 hours total...1 hour on the river and 1 hour for lessons and transportation.
Ruins of Inkawasi (Incahuasi): Inkawasi was built in the late in the 15th century by the emperor Inca Tupa Yupanqui. It was built as an army base during the battle with a tribe called Huarco. But, after the Huarco tribe was defeated, the military base was abandoned. Visiting the site will take about 30 minutes.
Best places to eat in Lunahuaná:
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There are lots of great local restaurants in town or within a short driving distance. The local delicacy is the river shrimp (actually a crayfish), but
these are not available in late January as this is their mating season. You may opt for some Cui if you've never tried it...it is Guinea Pig, and I wasn't overly impressed
as it was a lot of work for a little bit of fatty meat.
