Taking a chiva tour is a touristy way to get acquainted with some of the highlights of Cartagena. A chiva is a colorful bus that was historically used in more rural parts of Colombia (and sometimes used today). Many cities now use them to give tours or as party buses.
Getsemaní is a historic neighborhood just outside the Old Town of Cartagena. It’s a popular place for tourists to stay and has a few minor attractions. It’s also part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing of Cartagena.
Quinchía is a town in the Coffee Region of Colombia. It has been described as one of the more beautiful towns in the region and has a large indigenous population.
Nothing really stands out about the town of Guática except for its dramatic setting among green mountains of the Colombian Coffee Region.
Just the thought of an amusement park with a coffee theme was intriguing to me. Parque del Café, part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, is located in a beautiful green valley in the heart of Coffee Country near the town of Montenegro in the department of Quindío.
The Promenade of the Naval Heroes (Paseo de los Héroes Navales) is located a few blocks south of Plaza San Martín in the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city center of Lima. It’s a long park filled with sculptures, bushes, and flowers.
The capital of the Spanish Empire in the Americas and the Viceroyalty of Peru couldn’t have a grander plaza than Plaza Mayor in Lima. With its trademark yellow buildings, balconies, cathedral, and presidential palace, there may not be a finer example of a Spanish plaza in the world. The plaza is fitting for Lima’s nickname, “The City of Kings”.
San Francisco Convent (Convento de San Francisco) is one of the most important and most visited monasteries and churches in Lima. It was built in 1557 and rebuilt in 1672 after an earthquake, and was finally completed in 1774.
The historic center of Lima has some beautiful colonial churches dating from the 16th century. They’re included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the city.
The UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city center of Lima has several of interesting sites, beautiful architecture, and plazas. Unfortunately, many of the buildings were closed because my visit fell on Peru’s Independence Day. The city center is easily accessible via the Lima Metropolitano.