PERU: MOUNTAINS, JUNGLES, AND MORE!
Looking for a destination that offers something for everyone? In Peru, you can enjoy world class cities, archeological treasures, beaches, deserts, mountains, jungles, a strong indigenous culture, exotic wildlife, and renowned cuisine. Add in a time zone that eliminates jet lag from the equation for travelers in the western hemisphere and you have travel perfection! I am just back from a ten day tour of this vibrant country and couldn’t be more excited to share my impressions.
Adventure Travel
Many travelers think Peru is for the young and adventurous, for the backpacker and hostel set, for mountain climbers, jungle trekkers, and desert explorers. Peru is for all of these but it is also for those who are interested in cultural travel, art and architecture, food and wine, and activities like surfing, hiking, and biking. When planning custom trips to destinations with a broad range of experiences, we work closely with our local partner to design the experience that fits you perfectly. In Peru, this may mean meeting your university-educated guide at the airport upon arrival who will be with you each day, sharing a deep understanding of the place and the people and providing the support needed to get you exactly where you want to go and in your comfort zone.
LIMA
The capital city is the entry-point for Peru, located on the central coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With 11 million residents, Lima is one of the largest cities in the Americas. There are Andean, African, European, and Asian influences due to colonization and immigration. It is precisely this melting pot that makes the culture, architecture, arts, and cuisine so interesting. Lima’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the restaurant scene is one of the best in the world.
CUzCO
As the historical capital of the Incan Empire before the Spanish conquest, Cuzco is a treasure of archeological sites and Spanish architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination near the Andes Mountains. Due to its elevation above 11,000 feet, knowing how to acclimate is key. Our guide met us at the airport and whisked us off to lunch on the main plaza where he provided an overview of the city and its history. We had time to try the local cuisine, see the views, and take a few photos before heading down to lower altitudes in the Sacred Valley. Later in the trip, we returned to Cuzco to explore the city’s highlights, hidden nooks, fabulous hotels, and shopping. This was brilliant planning which ensured we did not lose vacation days to altitude sickness.
SACRED VALLEY
Formed by the Urubamba River that flows through the Andes, the valley was sacred to the Incas and the heartland of maize production, their most important crop. Agricultural terraces were built up hillsides flanking the valley floor and are today the most visible signs of the Inca civilization. At 9500’ elevation, it is the perfect base to enjoy the mountains and villages while easing into the altitude.
Our guide led us into the hills above the valley for an easy trail walk to a remote village. We met local farmers and weavers, learned about the lifestyle and traditions of these Inca descendants, tasted the food, and received a traditional shaman blessing for our upcoming trek to Machu Picchu. After a few hours above 13,000’ and a gorgeous picnic overlooking the valley, we descended back to Urubamba to enjoy a beautiful evening and prepare for our hike to Machu Picchu. There are several lovely hotels with top service and excellent dining. Given the remoteness of the area, stargazing is out of this world!
MACHU PICCHU
The Lost City of the Incas is the most famous site in Peru and deserves to be at the top of any Bucket List. The setting in the mountains is dramatic and the archeological ruins are well-preserved and awe inspiring. We boarded the early train that takes visitors into the town just below Machu Picchu but we disembarked before the end point to hike the Inca Trail in peace and quiet. There are well-preserved ruins and stunning views along the way; if you are active, this is not to be missed! We arrived to the Sun Gate overview above Machu Picchu at sunset and enjoyed the most spectacular descent to the citadel after all the tourists had left for the day. This was magical and all thanks to our incredible guide who knew how to pace it just right! The next morning, we arose early to hike the peak at Machu Picchu. It was steep and relentless but the views and lack of crowds made it well worth the effort! Our guide secured the necessary tickets, ensured we had required paperwork, knew just where to go and when, and carried extra water and gear so we could just enjoy the experience.
AMAZON RIVER SAFARI
The final part of my Peru tour was into the Amazon. Due to thick jungle and a lack of roads, the only way to explore this incredible region is by boat. And the most beautiful option is the swanky Aqua Nera with stylish and spacious accommodations. This was our home base as we traveled deep into the Amazon jungle and the wow factor was on high! It is a deluxe safari camp on the water with locally-sourced cuisine, top naturalist guides, and daily activities on and off the boutique boat. We used skiffs each day to follow the small waterways back into the jungle for wildlife viewing, village visits, piranha fishing, and even swimming! Offering 3, 4, and 7 night itineraries, it is an essential add-on to your Peru visit.
Crafting custom spirits with local herbs at a Sacred Valley distillery
takeaway
Not everyone is looking for serious adventure on vacation. Some travelers prefer destinations that are different from home but not too different. Of course, most of the world is NOT like home and this is what makes international travel so intriguing. The answer to having it both ways - familiar and different - is guided travel. Travelers have long joined group tours/cruises for the full support offered but you can also design your own trip, on your own timeline, with just family and friends. Go where you want, when you want, without fitting into a cookie cutter plan. Private travel is luxury travel that isn’t about crystal and butlers (although we do that too if it suits your style). Custom travel is our wheelhouse: Planning made simple, Travel made perfect!