One of Yampu’s Tour Consultants, Maggie, went to Peru, Chile and Argentina to get an eye-witness view of some of the best experiences these countries have to offer. She returned with great stories and expert knowledge that will be used to plan amazing custom itineraries for Yampu travelers in her new role as tour consultant. Read about her experiences in Part I of her adventures, Peru, below!
Peru
To get to Peru, I flew into Lima and then connected to Cusco, where I would be hiking Machu Picchu and checking out the must-sees in Cusco and Sacred Valley. Because of the drastic change in altitude, my first night was spent at leisure so I could rest and acclimate.
The first place I stayed was the Explora lodge in the Sacred Valley, Peru, a luxury experiential accommodation that is new to the area. As the name gives away, this is a place that wants to provide guests with plenty of opportunities to explore your natural surroundings. It is very special to experience the Sacred Valley this way because it is a breathtaking place- having an authentic experience here is essential to absorb the full impact of the beauty, history and culture here.
It is convenient to plan excursions with a range of difficulty through the lodge itself, including horseback riding or bicycling. While I was there I did an excursion to Salineras de Maras, the Incan salt mines. The ancient salt mines are still in operation- and the salt is amazing. Yes- you can still buy salt here and it makes a great gift for friends at home. It is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. After exploring the salt mines, I headed to Sol y Luna, another Sacred Valley hotel.
Sol y Luna is a beautiful spot surrounded by Andean Mountains and filled with gardens. Some of the gardens grow ingredients for dishes they serve, which gives guests a chance to try authentic Andean flavors. Guests stay in beautiful private casitas at a much more affordable rate than other private lodgings.
The next morning, I explored Ollantaytambo, ruins, and met the Huilloc community. The town of Ollantaytambo is the oldest occupied town in the continent and has the same roads that existed during Inca times. There is beautiful stonework on the walls and on the roads, which are very narrow. The town is also home to colorful weaved fabrics and craftspeople of the Huilloc community and an ancient fortress built by early Andean settlers.
After exploring for a good portion of the day, I caught the Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome allows you to see the beautiful scenery through its panoramic windows- it is a unique train ride and a new way to look at Peru. You can also listen to traditional music, see customary dances, and taste authentic food on your ride. In Aguas Calientes, I stayed at MaPi and had dinner. Although the accommodations are simplistic in style, I liked staying here for its proximity to the train station and bus stop and the restaurant was excellent. It’s important to have good, nourishing food when you are adventuring in Peru!
The next day I got to do the iconic hike up Machu Picchu and private tours of the ruins. Travelers also have the option of adding on a hike to Huayna Picchu. Afterwards, I got to enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. This is one experience that world travelers should not miss, and a definite highlight of Peru. For those who are unable to make the trek physically, there are a lot of other alternative options that will allow you to enjoy the majesty of Machu Picchu without climbing all those steps!
The next day I spent on a half-day tour of Cusco. Travelers can also plan to see nearby ruins if they are interested in adding more to their city tour. In the city, there are beautiful examples of the local architecture and plenty of options for those who would prefer to wander and find their own things to do, including restaurants and museums.
I spent the last day in Peru enjoying a city tour of Lima. It is a beautiful but very large city, so I could have spent a lot more time there than I did! I visited the Larco museum, an incredible gallery of Peruvian artifacts and art, followed by lunch. I had time to prepare for my flight to Buenos Aires and have dinner….stay tuned for more on my trip to Argentina!
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