Overview
Peru is a mix of ancient cultures and rich new traditions. It's a colorful country, with a unique history and many stories to share. And, of course, its magical Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world! But don't let that be your only reason for visiting Peru. This diverse country offers more than just the Inca ruins.
Peru Travel Information: If you're planning a trip to anywhere in Peru, a good contact for tourist information is the Peru Tourism Office.
Web: www.peru.info
Hotels
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge: Most travelers to Machu Picchu stay in the town of Aguas Calientes, which is about an hour hike from the ruins. For this trip, Samantha wanted to experience the ultimate - waking up just a few steps from the ruins - so she booked a room at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. An eco-lodge, the Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel located adjacent to the sacred ruins. Now, an overnight stay at the lodge is not cheap - there are five categories of rooms ranging between $600 - $1,100 per night - but the experience can't be beat!
Web: www.sanctuarylodge.net
Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel: The city of Cusco offers lots of accommodations, ranging from well-run hostels to luxury hotels. Samantha chose something in between - the Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel. According to Sam, the staff at this warm and comfortable hotel are top notch! Located about two and a half blocks from the main town square, the San Blas neighborhood has been the artisans quarter in Cusco since Inca times. The hotel's Web site claims they are the first boutique hotel in Peru. You can choose from five styles of rooms and suites, ranging between $70 and $160 per night.
Web: www.casasanblas.com
Shopping
Cusco Central Market: Samantha found herself immersed among the locals as she made her way through the frenzied Mercado Central - Cusco's Central Market. It's a cavernous building, with vendors as far as you can see selling familiar and not so familiar products. Samantha picked up some last-minute provisions for her trip to Machu Picchu, as well as a few herbs that reportedly would help her adjust to the varying altitudes. (Cusco sits about 11,000 feet above sea level.) Although Sam knows the warnings of not eating "street food" in a foreign country, she couldn't pass up a bowl of chicken noodle soup, and the chance of being a part of a long row of lunching Peruvians.
Web: www.cuscoperu.com
Sights/Landmarks/To Do
Hiram Bingham Train (Orient-Express Trains): In 1911, the American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu - the Inca's secret world. Today, there is an Orient-Express luxury train named after him. Samantha decided to travel to Machu Picchu in style - deluxe train style, that is! She boarded the Orient-Express Hiram Bingham line for a three-hour ride from Cusco to the famous Incan ruins. During the journey, Samantha was treated to beautiful carriage cars, fine dining, cocktails and even a guide, who helped plan her time at Machu Picchu. Round-trip tickets cost $535. The price includes the ticket into Machu Picchu, and bragging rights for the rest of your life.
Web: www.orient-express.com
Aguas Calientes: If you're heading to Machu Picchu, all roads and train lines end at Aguas Calientes. It's a village of about 5,000 residents, but that population increases dramatically at times, as it's the closest town to Machu Picchu. Most travelers stay overnight during their trek up to the sacred Inca site. Visitors can choose from several hotels, restaurants and natural hot baths; the town derives its name from the latter (Aguas Calientes means "hot waters" in Spanish). Samantha met up with local guide Nohemi De La Cuba, who specializes in Machu Picchu and Cusco, for a quick look around the town.
Web: www.aguas-calientes.com
Machu Picchu Ruins: Samantha has always dreamed of traveling to the famous Inca ruins. During the high season (June - August), nearly 3,000 travelers a day pack into Machu Picchu. However, Sam traveled there in the off-season - another way of saying it's the rainy season. As a result, she was able to explore the sacred ruins almost entirely by herself.
Auqui (Guide Company): Samantha hired a professional guide for her tour of Machu Picchu. Roger Valencia has been guiding in Peru and throughout Latin America for more than 20 years. His company, Auqui, specialize in nature and cultural expeditions. Roger revealed to Samantha the incredible history of Machu Picchu, including how it was built - or at least how experts think it was built. He amazed Samantha with the stories of how these massive stones and boulders were put into place using only manpower and some basic tools. Roger also invited Samantha to view an ancient Quechua ceremony. The Inca did not have a written language, so a lot of what we know about Machu Picchu has been past down by their ancestors, known as the Quechua people.
Web: www.auqui.com
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