Trip to Peru - (1) Barranco, Lima

Barranco is a district located in Lima known for its romantic and bohemian atmosphere, and for being a hub for artists, musicians, designers, and photographers. In the 19th century, it was a fashionable beach resort. As we strolled around Barranco, we were captivated by the mix of modern and old colonial-style houses, which have been transformed into hotels, galleries, coffee shops, museums, and non-profit organizations. Here are some photos showcasing the colorful architecture of this charming town.

Trip to Peru- A brief guide for traveling to Machu Picchu

While Machu Picchu may be the highlight of many trips to Peru, there is so much more to see and do in this beautiful country. During my 14-day trip, I spent 7 days in Lima, 3 days in Cusco, and 3 days in Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu and more.

In my opinion, you only need about 3 days in Lima, but if you have more time, it's definitely worth exploring further.

I visited in October, which is the beginning of spring in Peru and considered to be in between the dry and wet seasons. While it's a relatively low season, it's a good idea to book your tickets and accommodations ahead of time, especially if you plan on visiting Machu Picchu.

If you plan on visiting Machu Picchu independently, the first thing you should do is purchase your entrance tickets on the official Peru government website, Machupicchu – Página Oficial. There are limited tickets available each day, so it's recommended to book 3-6 months in advance. If you're traveling with a tour company, they'll handle the logistics for you.

To get to Machu Picchu, you'll need to fly from Lima to Cusco, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From there, you can take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu.

Once in Aguas Calientes, you can take a shuttle bus to the top of Machu Picchu, which takes about 30 minutes, or you can hike up from the bottom of the mountain, which takes 2-4 hours depending on your pace.

Fall Forliage-(4) Red Gate Park

Once a glorious golf course, this park now appears abandoned and deserted. However, it provides a great opportunity for those seeking some quiet alone time, as there are hardly any people around most of the time. Whether you're looking for a peaceful place to read or simply want to enjoy the tranquility of nature, this park is an ideal spot.

Fall Forliage-(3) Lake Needwood

The trees at Lake Needwood were particularly stunning this year with their beautiful colors. One of the best times to see them is in the early morning when the water is calm and still, creating mirror images of the trees. I visited in early November and took some photos to capture the moment. Take a look at these stunning reflections!

Fall Forliage-(2) Brookeside Gardens

Every time I visit Brookside Gardens, I am always surprised by its beauty! This year, the fall foliage is particularly vibrant and stunning. I took some photos during my visit in early November and wanted to share them with you. Take a look!

Fall Foliage -(1) Ginkgo trees at Blandy Experimental Farm

Every year, the ginkgo trees at Blandy Experimental Farm, located in the State Arboretum of Virginia, undergo a magical transformation from green to gold. These trees are part of a scientific experiment and most of the 300 trees on the farm are between 80 to 90 years old. They are descendants of a single ginkgo tree located on the grounds of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Here are some photos of what the ginkgo trees looked like in early November 2022