Claudia Looi - Freelance Writer

10 Non-Touristy Ways to Experience Lima Peru

4 Dec

It was a late Tuesday afternoon in the historic part of Lima when the big yellow truck stopped in front of the Kamana Hotel. We arrived at our last destination after 45 days on the road from Rio de Janeiro, winding through Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and almost the entire country of ... Read More about 10 Non-Touristy Ways to Experience Lima Peru

One Day in NYC – A Sample Itinerary

By Claudia Looi Leave a Comment

8 Nov

This is an actual itinerary that I put together for a friend, her husband and her two teenage daughters visiting from Ecuador. Our plan was to start at 10 a.m. and end at 9 p.m. on a Saturday. They had five days to experience NYC and had a 3-day New York Pass that they purchased online. This pass ... Read More about One Day in NYC – A Sample Itinerary

Peru Rail to Machu Picchu: Visit Machu Picchu Without Trekking the Inca Trail

By Claudia Looi 4 Comments

19 Oct

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu and dislike trekking the Inca Trail, taking Peru Rail is the best alternative. Peru Rail offers three categories of service to Machu Picchu: Expedition Vistadome Belmond Hiram Bingham Expedition Expedition is the most affordable. Our ... Read More about Peru Rail to Machu Picchu: Visit Machu Picchu Without Trekking the Inca Trail

The Ultimate Road Trip from Mendoza to Montevideo

By Claudia Looi Leave a Comment

8 Oct

Looking for ways to get from Mendoza to Montevideo without flying? Our plan was to take the long distance bus (over 800 miles) from Mendoza to Montevideo. When our tour guide in Mendoza offered a door-to-door service - we said yes immediately. Who wouldn't? He'd pick us up at the front door of ... Read More about The Ultimate Road Trip from Mendoza to Montevideo

Francis Mallmann 1884 Restaurant in Mendoza – A Tourist Haunt?

By Claudia Looi Leave a Comment

7 Sep

The ride We had a dinner reservation for 10:30 p.m., the last seating at Francis Mallmann 1884 Restaurant. It is customary for Argentinians to eat late but 10:30 p.m. was a little too late for us even after staying in Argentina for over two weeks. We'd either have to take that time slot or miss our ... Read More about Francis Mallmann 1884 Restaurant in Mendoza – A Tourist Haunt?