Why not use your South American vacation to rejoice in the good and bad of the old year and get a vigorous jump into the fresh one? Who knows, you might even get to check off a few New Year’s resolutions ahead of time!

The mainly Catholic Christmas traditions of the continent below the equator, where the seasons are inverted with those of the northern hemisphere, have flair of their own. Generally, the major festivities with friends and family are held on Christmas Eve. After mass at the local church, neighborhoods ring with traditional music and food-filled parties (centered on an immense turkey) that continue until the early morning. Fireworks are also shot off in the dark of night. On Christmas Day however, much of South America is closed for rest. That means you get to explore your destination in a unique atmosphere of peace and quiet!

Here are our top suggestions for the best places in South America to spend your holiday season.

Doesn’t Paraty, Brazil look like the perfect place to spend your holidays and launch into the New Year?

Paraty, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro might steal the spotlight the rest of the year, but come New Year’s Eve, it’s Paraty’s time to shine. The ocean waters are pristine cerulean, the nearby jungle gives way to an exotic escape, and the fully developed region has all the modern comforts and indulgences for ending 2011 in style. Travel to Brazil for the ultimate New Year’s where dozens and dozens of nightlife options, from the trendiest clubs to the finest restaurants, await. When you begin to seek some new sights, just venture up and down the brilliant Brazilian coast to other beachside corners such as Ubatuba and Trindade.

Wake up to the dawn of a new year in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Full of life, laughter, and soul, Buenos Aires is the cultural capital of Argentina and arguably the entire continent. Its nickname as “The Paris of South America” draws from its cosmopolitan air, charming wide avenues with sidewalk hangouts, and chic population. It’s the ideal place to spend the end of the year surrounded by fashion and style. But to party where the Argentines are on New Year’s Eve, you’ll have to take a short trip to one of the nearby beaches, particularly Punta del Este. Dress in your fanciest, drink, and dance at some of the glitziest clubs and bars in the area. Learn to dance the tango, a must-do on any Argentina trip, and then spend the rest of the first day of the new year resting as the locals do.

Although a great milestone for celebrating the holidays, Machu Picchu is great any time of the year.

Machu Picchu, Peru

This may seem a most unconventional location for spending your holidays, but that’s exactly what makes it so amazing! Machu Picchu is great at any time of the year, but what better place to spend Christmas and ring in the new year than by gazing at and wandering the grounds of the more than 600-year-old Inca citadel? The archeological site is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, and as such, regularly tops lists for being the ultimate travel destination. It will likely give you the inspirational boost you might be looking for! If seeing the ruins isn’t enough for you, then also look into climbing Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak that lurks in the background of most Machu Picchu photographs. However, you probably won’t be the only ones hoping to get here during the holidays, so make sure to book your Machu Picchu travel packages as soon as possible in order to snag a ticket.

The massive fireworks display of Valparaiso, a colorful Chilean town along the Pacific coast, makes it the ultimate celebration spot.

Valparaiso, Chile

Although the capital city, Santiago, might be your first stop in Chile, the real place to be for Christmas is Valparaiso just 1.5 hours by vehicle. On New Year’s Eve, the streets of Valparaiso come alive with a major carnival and spectacular, out-of-this-world fireworks display, guaranteed to add some “oohs” and “ahhs” to your Chile vacation. Almost a million audience members have been known to come out to see the presentation, so get there early if you want to find a good spot to watch the show. The next day as you are regaining your energy, relax on the hot beaches and go for a dip in the Pacific Ocean.

Upcoming visitors to Peru should be aware that the Peruvian Ministry of Culture has announced Machu Picchu will be closed on July 6-7 2011.

This is to accommodate for massive celebrations scheduled to commemorate the centennial of the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu. In 1911, local villagers led Yale University explorer Hiram Bingham to the citadel, and he sequentially brought the site to the world’s attention.

Travelers who have already purchased Machu Picchu entrance tickets for these dates can use them on July 8, 9, or 10 instead. Those scheduled to arrive via the Inca Trail will be allowed to explore the ruins until 10 a.m., and then use their same entrance ticket to visit the site again on July 8, 9, or 10.

More details about this important event will be forthcoming.

If you have questions about how Machu Picchu’s centennial celebrations may affect your Peru vacation, or if you want to plan a trip to Peru to see this wonderful site for yourself, please contact one of our expert travel advisors.

Patallacta (Llactapata)

Only a few hours of hiking on your first day will lead you to the first superb Inca site.  Patallacta (also called Llactapata) sits on the far left bank of the Cusicancha River, a tributary of the river Urubamba. This archaeological complex was first noticed by the Western world in 1912 when famous Yale University archeologist Hiram Bingham – noted for rediscovering Machu Picchu the year before – stumbled upon it.

Llactapata means “high town” or “town on the hill” in Quechua, which is the Incan language still spoken in some parts of the Andes today. The complex sits at an altitude of 9,318 feet (2,840 meters) and contains massive terraces and hundreds of housing structures. It is believed this was a common stopping point for Incas traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu. From your vantage point across the valley, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the site’s beauty and expanse.

Runkurakay

On the morning of the third day on your Inca Trail trek, you’ll huff and puff your way up the Runkurakay Pass. At the top, this pass is 13,000 feet (3,950 meters) above sea level. About halfway up you will come across the Runkurakay ruins.

These ruins are a small circular complex, a design not common in Inca architecture. Experts believe this site was a tambo, which means it likely served as an inn. It is probable that Runkurakay was primarily a resting, refueling, and relay station for messengers. Refueling stations like this were vital for maintaining communication across the Inca Empire. Chasqui messengers were specialized runners who dashed along Inca roads, carrying important messages—such as the encroachment of the Spaniards.

Sayacmarca

Later on, you will reach Sayacmarca, another impressive site. To enter these ruins, you’ll climb up 98 stone steps carved into the side of the mountain. Also called the “Inaccessible Town,” this site is barricaded on three sides by steep drop-offs. No one is sure how the Incas used this site, but it was originally built by the Colla civilization.

Sayacmarca sits on the edge of a cliff, giving visitors a panoramic view of the scenic Aobamba Valley. The site is divided into two main parts: the Sun Temple and the residential part, consisting of a labyrinth of narrow corridors. The Incas improved upon the Colla construction by building an elaborate water canal to supply the temple and houses with water.

Phuyupatamarca

The sites just keep coming! After Sayacmarca, you’ll journey through an inclined stone tunnel to reach the third and final mountain pass of your third day on the Inca Trail. Enjoy the spectacular view from the top before descending a steep set of stairs to reach Phuyupatamarca, which means “town in the clouds” in Quechua.

These ruins cling to a ravine overlooking the Urubamba Valley, and are surrounded by large and lush terraces. The site is often half covered in a mist that rises from the forests below, creating the impression that it is floating on top of the clouds. This mystical place is full of ceremonial baths, plaza, buildings, and bridges.

Machu Picchu

Let’s hope you haven’t tired of ruins, because the most impressive site of all awaits. On your fourth and final day on the Inca Trail you will finally reach the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel. Words are not sufficient to express the extreme beauty of this site, so you’ll just have to experience it for yourself!

For more information about trekking in Peru and the sites you’ll see, contact one of our expert travel advisors.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site - Machu Picchu

In preparation for the centennial, the Peruvian government and other officials are planning a number of celebratory events in Cusco and Lima, popular destinations for a Peru vacation. While the exact details remain a mystery, there are rumors of international superstars performing a concert in the ruins, and speculation that Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa and the grandchildren of Hiram Bingham will attend the events. Whatever takes place, it is sure to be a grand occasion.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the centennial is the arrival and display of thousands of artifacts that have been in Yale University’s possession since Bingham excavated them from Machu Picchu in 1912. After years of battling with Yale, Peru will finally see the return of the artifacts which include ceramics and bones from both humans and animals. Once the ancient artifacts arrive, they will be displayed for approximately one week in the government palace in Lima before traveling to Cusco where they will displayed at Casa Concha.

Inca Vase

The Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco also plans to open a research center for Yale and Peruvian researchers to continue to study the artifacts; it will be called the Yale International Center for the Study of Machu Picchu and Inca Culture (UNSAAC).

Also released for the centennial of Machu Picchu, is a new luxury service from Inca Rail, one of the train companies that carries travelers to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Named the Inca Princess, this new eight person train car will feature privacy, elegance, and comfort.

The elite service will provide lucky passengers a finely decorated room with a private bar on board. Passengers will sip on cocktails and enjoy food from a spectacular buffet of both hot and cold dishes. Expected to begin operations in April, the service will join Inca Rail’s current travel offerings: The Executive Service and First Class Service. Perhaps Machu Picchu’s expected famous visitors will take the first ride to the stunning archeological wonder.

For more information about how to incorporate the centennial celebrations into your Machu Picchu vacation, please contact one of our expert Travel Advisors who can help you customize your Peru travel plans.

Step 1. Let us assume that by bus, rail, or plane you’ve successfully arrived in Cusco, home of the historical Incan Empire. Good job! After you refresh yourself with a tasty pisco sour in the bustling Plaza de Armas, it is time to head to the train. It would be nice if the train station was located in town, or in walking distance of town, but it is not. The Poroy train station is located eight-miles west of Cusco, or about a 20 minute ride. To get to the station you can take a taxi or a small local bus—your hotel can help you with this. Hint: The bus is less expensive.

Step 2. Once you are at the station, you need to decide what class of ticket you want to buy. Here are the three types in order of cheapest to most expensive: Expedition, Vistadome, and Hiram Bingham. Please note that if you are traveling during high season, you should buy the tickets well in advance, as they often sell out. Tickets can be purchased online at www.perurail.com. If you fail to heed this advice and discover there are no tickets for the day of your planned Machu Picchu adventure, do not despair: you can take a bus to the town of Ollantaytambo (located between Cusco and Machu Picchu), and take a train from there to Machu Picchu.

Train to Machu Picchu. by: Vishanu Bhoja 2010

You should be aware that unlike airplanes, in which all classes travel in the same vehicle, the Cusco-Machu Picchu train has three different types of trains for the three different classes. Therefore, departure times depend on what type of ticket you purchase. As of February 2011, Vistadome leaves the station earliest, right before 7 a.m., giving those who pay the extra 30 soles for first class a head start to the ruins. Expedition leaves around 7:40 a.m., and Hiram Bingham leaves leisurely a little after 9 a.m.

In addition to ticket price, there are slight differences among the trains. Expedition class takes a standard train with seats that face each other and snacks for purchase onboard. Vistadome offers similar service, though the train has panoramic windows, windows on the ceiling, leather forward-facing seats, and complimentary snacks. Then, for all you classy travelers, there is the Hiram Bingham. You’ll feel like you’re in a moving five-star hotel on this train. This is full-service trip with meals served onboard (there are two dining cars) and your train ticket includes a bus ticket to the top of Machu Picchu, the entrance ticket, a guided tour of the site, and afternoon tea at the Machu Picchu lodge.

Step 3. It is important to remember that the train does not actually take you to the Machu Picchu ruin site. It takes you to the small town of Machu Picchu Pueblo, also called Aguas Calientes (just to make things confusing) and the only way to get here is by foot or train. The renowned Machu Picchu site sits teasingly about five miles further on. But take a deep breath, because now you’re almost there. After you exit the train at the last stop you have two options: hike up the steep path that runs near the road (a one-to-two hour journey) or buy a rather costly bus ticket for the 20-minute ride up to Machu Picchu’s entrance. Buses leave every 30 minutes.

Step 4. Congratulations! You’ve made it to Machu Picchu, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Now is the time to forget your travel-induced stress; you’re standing in front of one of the most remarkable architectural and historical sites in the world. It is time to finally enter—if, that is, you remembered to buy your Machu Picchu entrance ticket at the Instituto Nacional de Cultura in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. Otherwise, you have a long trip back down. There is no ticket booth at the site.

For more information about how to travel to Machu Picchu and to learn about more Peru travel opportunities contact one of our travel advisors at Peru For Less.

A story in the Canadian online magazine Macleans lists the journey among the Orient Express and the White Pass & Yukon Railway as among those most likely to take your breath away.

The backpacker train to Machu Picchu at Ollantaytambo station

In 2008 the journey was ranked as one of the best rail journeys by Italian Class Magazine.

And sitting in a carriage onboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham service, watching the stunning scenery of the Sacred Valley whizz past, it’s easy to understand why.

The journey originates from the station of Poroy just outside of Cusco from where the route descends from the mountainous heights towards the Sacred Valley. The landscape shifts as you roll onwards, leaving the sierra behind and entering the sub-tropical Urubamba Valley.

The train calls in at Ollantaytambo, an ancient town built by the Inca in their easily recognizable style of impressive stonework, and which has remained continuously inhabited ever since. Many passengers choose to alight at this station, as it gives offers more options to explore the Valley before hand, as well as arrive at Machu Picchu earlier in the morning.

There are three main services running to Machu Picchu from either Poroy or from Ollantaytambo, the luxurious Hiram Bingham, the visually stunning Vistadome and the convenient Backpacker.

Visit our website for details on which train to Machu Picchu you should choose, plus details on how to book.

You can also explore more with our overview on taking the train to Machu Picchu, and for help on what service is best for you, check out our guide on Which Train To Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail Cuzco to Machu Picchu is one of the most well-known, and well-trod, paths in the world.

The Inca Trail once ran from Cuzco to the exclusive religious citadel of Machu Picchu, roughly 100 kilometers of well-preserved trail that the mighty Incas Empire used centuries ago.

Lush greenery is a common sight along the Inca Trail Cuzco to Machu Picchu

Now, the Inca Trail Trek from Cuzco is rarely walked completely. The vast majority of trekkers start at Piscacucho, KM82 on the train line from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, nearly half-way  through the Sacred Valley.

Inca Trail trekkers sign up in Cuzco with a tour agency, which then organizes bus transport to Piscacucho. It is manadory that you go with an INC registered tour group.

It is also mandatory that you obtain an Inca Trail permit. These permits sell out months in advance, especially for the high-season months June-August, so it is advised to book well in advance. The Inca Trail permit is necessary for both The Two Day Inca Trail and The Four Day Inca Trail treks. The numbers allowed on the Inca Trail is now limited to only 500 people per day.

What is today known as “The Inca Trail” is actually only one of many Inca trails that spans the Andean Inca Empire, which was at its height in the 15^th century when the Spanish conquistadors landed.

The Incas’s advanced and well-maintained road system was one of the reasons that the Tupac Inca Empire was able to spread out from Cusco as far north as Ecuador, and as far south as Chile and Argentina. The Inca trail network expedited goods and correspondence, and rest stops and guard posts were placed strategically along the way.

The Spanish also used the network extensively. The Inca outposts, towns, and cities within direct access of the Inca Trail were the ones most easily conquered. In a sense, the extensive network leading to the key Inca outposts of the Empire was part of its downfall.

However, Machu Picchu, the spectacular citadel high atop the Andes, was spared Spanish colonialization.

Walking the Inca Trail is one of the best experiences you can have in Peru. You arrive at the spectacular Sun Gate, the entrance to the mind-blowing Machu Picchu, at 5:30am, before all the crowds and just as the sun rises.

Until my first visit I always thought Machu Picchu was over-rated, but there is something special about the place. It’s calmness and setting are unique. It´s incredible to think that a civilization that did not even use the wheel was able to build such a city in a place that modern man still struggles to reach.

One top of the mountain, you feel separated from the world below and you are surrounded by great peaks that shoot up from he valley’s ground, with snow capped mountains peaking through in the distance.

I have visited the pyramids and tombs of Egypt and this place compares without any doubt as one of the great wonders of the world.

If you are interested in an Inca Trail Trek or a Cusco to Machu Picchu tour, check out this popular tour, Peru Packages: Heart of the Inca.

Machu Picchu, one of the few Inca architectural masterpieces to escape the razing of Spanish conquistadors, is now the number one Peru travel destination. If you are planning to travel to Machu Picchu, make sure to book your hotel reservation in advance, as hotel availability can be limited, especially during the high season from June to September.

Whether you are traveling to Machu Picchu via train, taking a tour such as the Special 1: Heart of the Inca , or you are walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the classic 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will most likely want to spend one or two nights in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Inkaterra's Machu Picchu Peru hotels, especially Inkaterra El Pueblo, has been named one of the world's best hotels by Travel & Leisure.

Sandwiched between the Urubamba River and the mountains, Aguas Calientes has grown up over the years to accommodate the nearly one million visitors who make the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu each year. The town is named after the hot springs on its outskirts, where, for only a few soles, visitors can enjoy a relaxing bath in the row of naturally-heated pools.

The train PeruRail runs directly from Cusco to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu. Many visitors take the train to Aguas Calientes, spend the night, and wake up early the next morning to get to the Machu Picchu entrance before the crowds. If you get to Machu Picchu early enough, you can also catch the spectacular sunrise.

If you are traveling to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail trek, you will camp in the beautiful Sacred Valley. But after your trek, you most likely will want to rest and spend a night in Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to Cusco.

There are numerous Machu Picchu Peru Hotels in town, from luxury resorts to budget hostels.

A Bungalow overlooking the orchid gardens at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Peru Hotels El Pueblo.

The most luxurious hotels are those in the Inkaterra hotel chain. Inkaterra has two Machu Picchu Peru hotels, the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and the El Mapi Hotel, plus one in Cusco called La Casona Hotel , and an Amazon lodge, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, in the Puerto Maldonado Amazon Rainforest.

These Inkaterra hotels, especially the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel , have consistently been named one of the world’s finest hotels by Travel&Leisure. The exquisite five-star Spanish colonial-style Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is perched in the cloud forest on the edge of town.

Hand-crafted wood beams, hand-cut stones, and white-washed adobe walls give this luxury lodge a rustic edge perfectly situated among green palms and tropical foliage. Guests can relax on private red-tile verandas overlooking the cloud forest gardens or take a guided tour of the gardens filled with orchids, medicinal plants, butterflies, and tropical birds.

In each of El Pueblo’s 86 bungalows, gorgeous cast iron bed frames draped in hand-woven duvets make each room a destination in itself. After your Inca Trail hike, relaxing in the luxury spa or at the side of the hot tub nestled in the jungle is the perfect way to cap off your Machu Picchu vacation.

Visitors to El Pueblo Hotel can enjoy a cocktail in the Hiram Bingham Bar, try seasonal and organic dishes in the Café Inkaterra, dine or breakfast in the glass house restaurant, relax in the library, take a refreshing dip in the pool fed by a pure mountain spring, or get pampered in the luxury spa.

The chic bar at El Mapi, one of Inkaterra's Machu Picchu Peru Hotels

Inkaterra’s other specialty hotel, the El Mapi Hotel, is located in the center of Aguas Calientes and is only a stone’s throw away from the bus and train station. Recently renovated with completely recycled wood, this four-star hotel has focused on offering a trendy environmentally-friendly hotel that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

Besides flat screen TVs and mini-bars, each of El Mapi’s 48 rooms comes equipped with hypoallergenic pillows, natural herbal amenities, and energy-saving reading lights. The rooms boast terrific views of the immaculately landscaped gardens built into the lush cloud forest surrounding Aguas Calientes.

You can also enjoy a coffee and a sandwich in the El Mapi café, grab a Pisco sour from the bar, or sit down for a meal in the restaurant that serves Peruvian specialties along with international favorites.