Day 1: Arrive to Peru & Fly to Cusco

Machu Picchu may seem like a far away, unreachable destination, but on the contrary, it’s very accessible. Even if you don’t have much time, you can easily organize your trip and check it off your travel list for 2012 in just a weekend! International flights arrive in the airport in Lima, the hectic and vibrant capital of Peru. From there, you can catch a connecting flight to Cusco. The flight is only a little over 1 hour to reach the magnificent former capital of the Inca Empire where you can spend the night and relax.

Day 2: Visit Cusco

In Cusco, you’ll revel in the myriad luxury hotels, delicious restaurants, and most of all, the impressive architecture. From the grandiose Cathedral and tall, resplendent church of La Compania de Jesus on the main square, to the marvelous Inca stonework of the Korikancha temple and 12 Stone Wall, Cusco is one of the highlights of any Peru vacation. It is best to spend at least one day in Cusco to get acclimatized to the altitude and visit its many wonders before you start on your Machu Picchu travel adventure.

Day 3: Machu Picchu & Overnight in the Sacred Valley

Rise early and catch the train to Machu Picchu for one of the most unforgettable travel experiences of your life! You can take the train around 5 a.m. in Cusco and reach Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, in about 4.5 hours. From here, Machu Picchu is only a quick 20-minute bus ride away. The train and bus ride themselves make for an incredible journey through the beautiful highlands of Peru.

You’ll arrive in the morning at the ruins and have the entire day to explore the site. If you wish to learn more about the history of this majestic fortress and its former inhabitants, it’s best to hire a guide who will provide you with all details and insights you can ask for because there are no informational signs on display among the ruins. Tours generally last around 2 hours, leaving you time afterwards to explore the ruins on your own. Don’t forget to hike up to the Sun Gate, the highest point of the archeological site, for the most beautiful views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andean range.

Once you’ve had your fill of the ruins, just hop on a bus down to Aguas Calientes and catch a train back. For a full Machu Picchu holiday experience, stop in Ollantaytambo and spend the night in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, once the mighty empire’s agricultural breadbasket. You can also visit the impressive Inca fortress that still sits in this small village and relax in the beautiful Andean countryside before returning to Cusco.

Day 4: Return to Cusco & Fly to Lima

In the morning, you can take the train to Cusco and fly back to Lima to catch you flight back home. If you have some time to spare, make sure to hop into town and take a look at Lima’s modern Miraflores district for some shopping, or the historic district to admire the colonial architecture. International flights often depart at night so you may even have time to try some of the delicious restaurants in town. We recommend Astrid y Gaston for a full Peruvian gastronomic experience, or the restaurant at the Huaca Pucllana ruins.

Read more about how to get to Machu Picchu or contact one of our travel advisors to start planning your trip today!

I recently had the chance to visit the Peruvian highlands for the first time, and the experience was richer than I ever imagined. After a breathtaking 12-hour train ride from Lima to Huancayo, the cultural and geographical heart of Peru more than 10,730 feet above sea level, my friends and I took a few days to explore the Andean countryside and enjoy its rural charms.

The Andean highlands of Peru provide some of the most stunning views and authentic cultural experiences in the country.

Beyond the incredibly friendly people and spectacular green and golden landscape of the Mantaro Valley, we also got to indulge in the most iconic Peruvian foods, directly from the origins of their source. As well, learning about the Andean handicrafts gave a fascinating insight into the old traditions that have been passed on generation upon generation. So whether you find yourself in the Andes in the northern city of Chachapoyas, Huancayo in the center, or Cusco in the south on your way to an Inca Trail hike or Machu Picchu holiday, be sure to experience some of these outstanding cuisines and arts.

Food

Noodle and grain-based soups, both vegetarian and meat options, are extremely popular starters throughout Peru.

Hot soups – In many areas, clean and fresh water is difficult to come by and the days and nights can get seriously chilly depending on the season. Therefore, the locals really enjoy hot soups as part of their meals because the water must first be boiled, and they make for warm, cozy dishes. Whether you are coming in from a tiring day of trekking in the mountains or exploring the streets on a Cusco tour, a bowl of hot soup is sure to relax your entire being, not to mention a delicious starter with which to whet your appetite.

Papas a la huancaina – Peru is known for its literally thousands of varieties of potato types. Of the many potato dishes, one of the most popular in the country is papas a la huancaina which originated from the cold Andean regions. Potatoes are first boiled, then either served whole or in slices depending on their size. The defining characteristic is the savory, mild, bright yellow cheese sauce that is poured over them. The taste of the first bite took me back a bit, but soon I devoured the entire appetizer plate and wished for more!

Fresh river trout is an indulgence many love to enjoy away from the coast.

Trout – Although the Peruvian coast is known for its diverse seafood dishes, the internal highlands have varieties to call their own as well. The crisp mountain rivers provide fresh fish for the local populations. A particularly popular  dish is trout, which should not be missed on any  trip to Peru and the Andes. We didn’t get to stop by the famous trout farm in Ingenio just outside of the town of Concepción, but the trout ceviche (raw seafood “cooked” by being marinated in lime juice and spices, largely considered the national dish of Peru) I had from a street vendor in the Cochas Chico village was definitely tasty.

Cuy – One of the most unique foods to be tried on a Peru vacation and particularly the Sierra is cuy, which means guinea pig. The little creatures sell for about $10 per plate—a bit more than a typical meal otherwise, but the taste is worth trying at least once. It really does remind of chicken, but with more tiny bones. A cuy body filet is prepared grilled and usually accompanied by white rice and/or a side salad.

Handicrafts

The artisanal work that comes out of central Peru is some of the most skillful to be found.

Gourds – The village of Cochas Chico just a short 15 minutes outside of Huancayo is known for its skilled gourd carving arts. Many of the gourds are grown and dried in the nearby area, but others are imported from other areas of Peru, each with their own distinctive shapes and sizes. It was amazing to watch elderly artisans (including a man of 70 years!) flawlessly sketch on the dry mate burliados, and with such incredible detail! Scenes are usually of the pastoral and agricultural lifestyle and includes celestial motifs, farm animals, and land workers.

Silver – San Jeronimo is a tiny village, but its vibrant silver works speak for themselves. From delicate jewelries to decorative knick knacks, the crafts definitely tempted my wallet. If you first need some time to think about your purchase, you can also later buy at the artisanal markets back in in Huancayo.

Wool weavings – Small and tranquil little Chupaca has a weekly Saturday market that brings plenty of colorful characters and handiwork crafts from around the area. I managed to snag a good deal on a white woven cap and 3 pairs of thick, handmade wool socks for incredibly low prices. They should keep me sufficiently warm on the rest of my Peru travels!

The Chavin de Huantar Site

Peru’s first known cultures date back to over 20,000 years ago, and have left strong marks on the country. One of the most important known groups is the Chavin civilization, one of the earliest in Peru, and also the first building culture. Believed to have developed in the northern Andes between 1,500 B.C. and 200 B.C., the Chavins were probably one of the most influential civilizations of their time. Very little remains from this great culture, but there are several archeological sites that have stood the test of time. The most impressive of these is Chavin de Huantar, which is hidden amidst the Cordillera Blanca in northern Peru.

After the decline of the Chavin culture, several regional cultures emerged. The most famous are the Paracas and Nazca civilizations, whose legacy includes the mysterious Nazca Lines, among the highlights of Peru. Both of these civilizations are remembered for their great artistic and technological skills.

Farther north, the Moche people flourished over a relatively long period between 100 B.C and 850 A.D. Although they only gained control of a small portion of Peru, the Moche people’s mastery of architectural and artistic techniques has made them one of the most influential cultures in the history of Peru. It is still possible to observe their tremendous cultural contribution outside the modern day city of Trujillo. The adobe brick temple Huaca del Sol maintains remarkably detailed carvings and brilliant colors.

Moche Art

Coeval with the Moche civilization, the Wari, also spelled Huari, were a militaristic and particularly religious society established in the 7^th century. The expansionist will of the Wari allowed them to conquer most of Peru, which they then subjected to a strong and oppressive rule. The Wari Empire flourished until the 9^th century, when it eventually started fragmenting into several sub-groups and ended up being conquered by the Incas.

Several Wari archeological sites can be visited in Peru. Among these, the most important are Cerro Baul, north of Moquega in the far South of the country; Toro Muerto, which comprises petroglyphs and is located about three hours from Arequipa; the Pachacamac site near Lima; Pikillacta in Cusco; and Wilcahuain close to Huaraz. The most impressive remnant of the civilization, however, is the capital city, called Wari, located in the highlands near Ayacucho.

The influence of the Wari culture on the history and development of Peru is particularly strong, as they were the first to build roads connecting their outposts. This system was later copied, used, and extended by the Incas. Their massive buildings were made to resists earthquakes by the use of polygonal rock blocks, an architectural element the Incas also later adopted.

Although all the heritage of these cultures may appear  to pale in comparison to the all-mighty Incas, who ruled the country with a forceful hand and left many spectacular ruin sites, they are all part of Peru’s complex history, and their influence can still be observed in current Peruvian traditions.

To learn more about Peru’s fascinating early civilizations and to explore Peru travel options, contact one of our expert travel advisors.

Moray's Inca terraces sculpted in the earth

Testament to the overpowering Inca Empire, which conquered the country and imposed its rule even beyond the boundaries of Peru, stand spectacular archeological sites such as world wonder Machu Picchu. While borrowing techniques from earlier conquered civilizations, the Incas also brought their own ingenuity to Peruvian architecture, creating stunning stonework to replace the precarious and simple adobe construction of earlier periods.

If not for the greed of the Spanish conquerors who insisted on dismantling the work of the Incas to replace it with their own, many buildings would still be standing. The most spectacular work of the Incas can still be seen in Cusco, where massive carved walls fill the streets, and in the Sacred Valley, which holds true treasures in most of its villages. Moray’s sculptured terraces and Ollantaytambo’s canchas (city blocks) are truly sights to behold.

Although the Spanish conquest destroyed some priceless and timeless work from earlier civilizations, its own architectural achievements are worth praising, with absolutely stunning colonial buildings scattered throughout the country. The old center of Lima is particularly impressive, with well-preserved churches from the early colonial times, such as San Pedro, La Merced, and San Augustin, accompanied by striking casas coloniales (opulent colonial mansions) still standing in the historic quarter.

European Renaissance and Baroque movements also reached Peru, with beautiful testaments to these influences still adorning many cities. The Cathedral and Santa Clara church of Cusco are striking remnants of the Renaissance period, while Arequipa holds some of the most beautiful treasures from the Baroque period, such as the churches of Santa Rosa and San Augustin. Arequipa is also widely recognized as Peru’s most attractive colonial city, with its historic center almost entirely built with the stunning local sillar, a white volcanic stone that has given the city its nickname as the “White City.”

The famous Casa de Fierro by Gustave Eiffel in Iquitos

Surprisingly, one of the most influential architects in Peru was actually a famous Frenchman, Gustave Eiffel, known worldwide for his majestic iron tower dominating Paris. His works can be admired throughout Peru, from Tacna and Moquega’s fountains on the main square, to the Casa de Fierro (Iron House), a two-story iron mansion in Iquitos. This last work, originally built for the 1889 Exposition in Paris, was purchased by one of Iquitos’ rubber barons who had it dismantled, shipped and reconstructed in the jungle settlement. Eiffel also designed a number of other bridges and buildings, which can be found in the Peruvian Amazon and Chile’s Atacama region. His most impressive marks on the Peruvian architectural landscape are without a doubt the Bolivar Bridge and San Camilo Market in Arequipa.

A few post-modern artists have also emerged in Peru in the recent years, albeit limited to the Lima region. One of the most significant architects is Bernardo Fort-Brescia, co-founder of the world famous and avant-garde Arquitectonica Company based in Miami, responsible for some of Lima’s most intriguing structures. The most noteworthy is arguably the gigantic Marriott Hotel, a green-glass arch in Miraflores overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

For more information about Peru’s fascinating history and culture, or to explore more Peru travel opportunities, contact one of our travel advisors who can help you customize your vacation.

Gourmet food magazines around the world are featuring glossy spreads of Peru’s innovative fusion cuisine and a growing number of travelers are discovering what Peru’s local restaurants and markets have to offer. From world-class seafood to mouth-watering pisco sours and award winning chefs, Peru is becoming a premier food destination.

Visitors to Peru are often put off by the mysterious Spanish words they find on menus and consequently stick to staples like potatoes, rice, and beans. But it would be a crime to end your Peru vacation without trying a few of the nation’s finest delicacies. You can taste test at the capital’s most famous eateries on a Lima Culinary Tour, or use our free Peru Travel Guides to find the best restaurants. Wherever you travel in Peru, your path is destined to lead to gastronomic bliss.

While you shouldn’t drink the tap water in Peru, you certainly shouldn’t avoid the cuisine. Here are a few Peruvian must-try delicacies that often frighten the unacquainted traveler, but please the bellies of the brave.

Cuy

“How would you like your guinea pig,” is not a question you’re likely to hear in a restaurant anytime soon, unless you’re in Peru. Served baked, fried, or barbecued, guinea pig, called cuy in Spanish, is scrumptious in all forms.

While many travelers find it difficult to accept that people eat what is considered a pet in their hometown, cuy has been eaten in the Andes for centuries. Originally consumed only by nobility, it can now be found in many Peruvian restaurants. Commonly served with the head, feet, and teeth all still attached, the taste is comparable to chicken or rabbit.

Ceviche

One of South America’s best-kept secrets for centuries, ceviche is gaining popularity around the world. Made of raw seafood marinated in citrus juice and delectable seasoning, it is best enjoyed on Peru’s Pacific coast. Celebrity chef and owner of several upscale restaurants around the world, Gastón Acurio aims to make ceviche as popular as sushi.  If Japan can get westerners to embrace sushi, Peru can surely do the same with their take on raw fish.

Acurio is convinced that once people get to know ceviche and other Peruvian dishes, their taste buds will find a lifelong love. While his long list of restaurants continually grows, you can try Acurio’s ceviche recipe in San Francisco, New York City, Panama City, Mexico City, Santiago, Madrid, Quito, Bogota, Caracas, Barcelona, and of course all across Peru. The country is rooting Acurio on, hoping he will eliminate qualms of the uncooked dish and other Peruvian delicacies.

Anticuchos

If you saw grilled cow heart written on a menu, you would most likely picture biting into a bloody mass and say no thank you! However, anticuchos (grilled cow hearts) have a similar taste and texture to other tender cuts of beef. Found both in restaurants and at sidewalk grills, they are a popular Peruvian food. If you didn’t know better you might think anticuchos were a typical kebab. Forget your reservations, try anticuchos and you may be pleasantly surprised to find it’s become your new favorite cut of meat.

To try these adventurous dishes and more, contact one of our expert travel advisors to plan your next Peru travel adventure.

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.

The beautiful Cerro Baul outside of Moquegua

Located in the driest part of Peru, merging with Chile’s Atacama Desert, the Moquegua region houses extensive mineral reserves, and is home to one of Peru’s largest copper mines, Cuajone. The nearby Rio Moquegua surprisingly delivers enough water for farming in the surrounding rural area, with vast productions and exports of olives, pisco, avocados and apricots.

With its narrow cobbled streets, attractive plaza, and adobe houses with roofs made of thatch and clay, the colonial city of Moquegua is a real pleasure to explore. There is not much to do but stroll down the streets and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this quaint settlement.

Admire the picturesque Plaza de Armas, or main square, beautifully shaded by tall ficus trees, and adorned with a surprising metal fountain designed in 1877 by world famous architect Gustave Eiffel. Take a peek into the beautiful Catedral de Santo Domingo restored in 1868 after a devastating earthquake and featuring on one of its towers the first clock to arrive the village, from London, in 1798. Passing through the doorway of the church, you can enter the Museo Contisuyo, where the permanent exhibition of hundreds of artifacts lays out over 12,000 years of history in the region.

Previously isolated from the rest of Peru, Moquegua is now well connected with several bus companies serving the area. Buses from Lima (16/20 hours), Arequipa (4 hours), or Puno (8 hours) all come to this small yet lovely region, where travelers will get a sense of the true Peruvian life style. Just off of the Panamerican highway, Moquegua is easily accessible, yet far enough away to remain off the tourist radar, making for a unique trip experience.

Moquegua is also a fantastic departure point for amazing hikes in the region. Adventurous visitors take the 15 minute ride to Cerro Baul up the Tunilaca Valleyma. The climb up Cerro Baul is a bit strenuous, but the view from the top on a clear day is breathtaking and worth the effort. Cerro Baul is also covered by interesting Wari ruins. If you do not fear strenuous walks, the Mollesacha waterfall Catarata de Mollesacha and the gorges in reddish purple stone behind Cerro Los Angeles in the Torata valley are definitely worth a visit if you have a day to spare.

The delicious Cuy Chactado

Moquegua is known for cuy chactado, breaded guinea pig fried under a heavy flat rock, one of Peru’s most famous dishes. Don’t be put off by the Moquegua style cuy, which comes whole with claws and teeth, as you are likely to be surprised by its excellent taste, similar to chicken. There are several cuy restaurants in town which generally feature pleasant outdoor areas overlooking the green farmland. People from Moquegua insist that the finest pisco comes from Moquegua. Make sure to try another of Moquegua’s specialties, damascos, apricots marinated in pisco.

For more information about what to do in Moquegua and its surroundings and to learn about more Peru travel opportunities, contact one of our Peru travel advisors at Peru For Less.

View of the bustling city of Lima

Lima is a city for city lovers who relish getting lost among crowds, meandering through shaded streets, sampling street food bursting with flavor, and peeking around hidden corners. It’s almost impossible to become bored in this city, for Lima is a metropolis that takes years to know. Lima has countless neighborhoods to wander through from posh San Isidro with its ancient olive grove, to picturesque bohemian Barranco, to Miraflores with its cliff side promenade boasting ocean views, and each has its own distinct ambiance.

However, the increasing chaos, with the constant overflow of people, taxis, cars, and buses, has made it harder and harder to explore the various neighborhoods in Lima without losing precious time in traffic. Luckily, this is all about to drastically improve.

Soon, Lima will open its first subway line, a long overdue project that is finally heading towards a happy ending. The Lima electric train project started in 1986 but was halted for over 23 years before construction finally resumed in 2010. In July 2011, the electric train will ride across town, covering 8 districts and transporting over 250,000 people each day.  This Tren Urbano as it is known will constitute a significant improvement in the quality of life for many people, reducing commuting time from sometimes two and a half hours to a single half hour.

Travelers will have the chance to experience firsthand this tremendous accomplishment and see Lima’s first steps towards creating a fully developed public transportation system and growing into a true 21^st century capital, and a Latin American city of the future.

Another noteworthy embellishment to Peru’s increasingly trendy capital is the brand new and chic extension to the already gigantic shopping mall of Jockey Plaza in the eastern Monterrico district. Opened on November 24^th, Boulevard Jockey is the most luxurious shopping place in Peru and will, without a doubt, ravish all fashion addict travelers. Even those who are not keen on shopping will enjoy a stroll in this modern and stylish area and maybe try the new Italian restaurant on the Boulevard’s main plaza.

Exclusive luxury foreign brands have started opening their stores here, such as Hugo Boss, Montblanc, Calvin Klein, and Armani. Jockey Plaza made an investment of US$ 50 million to build this 7,600 square meter high class shopping area that should have over forty international fashion stores upon completion.

For more information about Lima’s most fascinating neighborhoods, contact one of our travel advisors who can help you customize your Peru travel plans.