Peru, The Wonders of History Come Alive

The fascination of Peru has always been there.  I did the basics 20 years ago, but it was time to go back. Now I have returned with two friends who were first timers. We all became intrigued by this welcoming land of friendly people, unique animals and rich and deeply imbedded Inca civilization.   The Spanish conquered the Incas in the 1500s but this nation still honors them today. Add the advantage of shorter flights from the US than to Europe, a smaller time zone shift, and a moderate Southern Hemisphere climate, The rainy season for much of the country is starting now, but other than January through March, it should be comfortable.

A Peruvian adventure can be designed with virtually any degree of difficulty. While some visitors trek four days along the Inca Trail from Cuzco to Machu Picchu at high altitudes, others make the journey in less than four hours. They are on the Five Star luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train or still comfortable higher quality Peru Rail products.  Professional guides are recommended so you can truly understand the history and culture. If not, many areas can be done with just the pre-arranged basics of transportation and all levels of accommodations.  What is not flexible to fully enjoy the moments is the time required.  Severn to eight nights is the minimum to experience the adventures of Peru.  Suggested is two nights in Lima, which has become a world food capital, historical squares, and easy-going Miraflores seafront complete with surfers.  We stayed at the dramatic JW Marriott Lima Miraflores which was very comfortable and with exceptional service.

Then it is a short flight to Cuzco of just over an hour.  This is in the thick of the Andes Mountains at over 11,000 feet. An overland drive from Lima would take about 24 hours so virtually everyone flies on Latam or a similar carrier.  Many of these days go from there directly on the two to three-hour drive to the Sacred Valley.  It is at a lower altitude with less charm than you might expect. What it does have are local markets, river rafting, zip lining, and authentic local villages such as Urubamba. A few minutes’ walk away is the Luxury Collection Tambo del Inca Lodge.  Extensive grounds, comfortable rooms, and dramatic architecture are all there.  Before we arrived, we stopped at a special animal sanctuary full of pet-accessible Vicuna, Llamas, and Alpaca. It was fascinating to see their behavior closely.  We explored with our own guide Pisac and its famous markets, Moray and Ollantaytambo.  This was also where we caught The Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu, a convenient stop for visitors who want to move on to Machu Picchu.

Boarding the Hiram Bingham gave us the appropriate entrée to the top attraction of visitors to Peru, Machu Picchu. We treated ourselves to an overnight at the exclusive Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.  It is the only accommodation immediately next to the famous site. It offers a huge advantage logistically with exclusive buses from its partner train at the Aguas Calientes station below.  These are exclusively Belmond buses with easier ins and outs of the actual site. This means you do the 30 minutes each way only once.  Staying at the lodge means you are there with access to required guides with multiple entrances to Machu Picchu with many packages including several meals.    Also, you have access to the site immediately when it opens at 6:00 a.m.  Belmond coordinates everything according to your desired level of interest.

There is some uncertainty as the Belmond contract with the government of Peru expires in the next several months.  The Sanctuary Lodge may no longer be operated as a hotel.  According to local reports, talks continue on this matter. If this property is closed, the only option will be several levels of accommodation around the Aguas Calientes Rail Station.  Buses will be required for every entrance.

During our time up there, we did three separate excursions with our local private guide.  The MP site is huge and does require hiring a guide for each entrance.  By current rules, you are no longer allowed to wander the site on your own. The guides give context and history to what you are seeing, this is by far the best way to explore which initially looks like a bunch of rocks.  It is so much more.

After our overnight, we again boarded the Hiram Bingham for our return trip to Cuzco, this time to stay two nights.  Twenty years ago, Cuzco was smaller and more charming.  It still is to a degree with a very Colonial look the Spanish gave it in the three centuries they occupied the area.  You have fascinating cultural clashes like the remains of a rebuilt Inca temple as part of a large monastery complex with architecture and paintings more in style with Florence, Italy.  Qorikancha is amazing.  Don’t forget the paintings in the included galleries.  Remember this is a true Inca temple and a Christian monastery together. There are urban sites to see like the central square and extensive ruins surrounding the city which are all around 11,000 feet. You need to slow down a bit to avoid altitude issues later. We were all fine with no medications needed.  We stayed at the very central JW Marriott El Convento which has been lovingly transformed into a luxury hotel.

You can get to Peru in several ways. We flew via Panama City on Copa Airlines which generally has sleeper seats on the longer flights.  Many airlines serve Lima either non-stop or with a one-stop connection. Copa was fine with friendly service and comfortable seats but a bit lacking in normal Business Class small but expected details. For example, there was a dessert cart with cakes and ice creams but with small portions and no after-dinner liqueurs at all. They are Star Alliance but the Copa Club Lounges at the Tocumen Panama City Airport are fairly basic in many ways.

Peru is an amazing country. Drivers are very aggressive, and roads are not always the best.  Signage is limited as well as rest stops.  I would not recommend self-drive here.  Advanced planning is necessary to ensure that all you want to see is included. A further option is the Peruvian Amazon which is fascinating in a very special way.  It can be explored by the lodge or several different expedition river cruises.

Peru is so close and the travel memories to be made are extensive and accessible.  Let TravelStore be your key to opening up personal experiences to this fascinating and unique one-of-a-kind adventure.