Posted by Diane Valenti on Thu, May 02, 2013 @ 04:02 PM
If you’ve just completed the Inca Trail, you are probably hungry, tired, dirty, and sore.
Here are seven ideas on what to do once your Inca Trail hike is over.
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Check into a luxury hotel. After three nights of camping, you deserve a little comfort. So, check into a luxury hotel, take a hot shower, and relax. The three best-known luxury hotels are Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. It can be difficult to get a reservation and the price can be steep, though. Two other somewhat more moderately priced hotels are El MaPi Hotel and Hatun Inti.
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Get a good meal. Finding a good meal in Aguas Calientes, the small town that has sprung up at the foot of Machu Picchu, can be difficult. Much of the food is tasteless and greasy. However, amid this dismal culinary landscape, Indio Feliz is a gem. They serve fresh-cooked, delicious meals. I always make it a point to dine here when I visit Machu Picchu. Get there early, though, as they tend to fill up fast.
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Soak in the hot spring. On the edge of town, you’ll find the thermal baths for which the town Aguas Calientes (literally, hot water) was named. Pack your swimsuit and rent a towel at one of the shops along the way. Then, kick back and let the hot water soothe your aching body.
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Book an extra day at Machu Picchu. People who hike the 4-day Inca Trail, tour Machu Picchu immediately after they finish the hike. It’s hard to enjoy the splendor of Machu Picchu when you are tired and your feet hurt. So, book an extra day so that you can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience when you are fresh.
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Visit the Machu Picchu Museum. The museum houses an interesting collection of artifacts that have been found at Machu Picchu. There is also a multimedia display that explains the significance of Machu Picchu.
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Shop for souvenirs. You must pass through the local market on your way to the station where you catch the train back to Cusco. It is worth it to take time to wander through the maze-like passages and sift through the merchandise displayed at the various stalls. If you are looking for a more upscale experience, the streets of Aguas Calientes are lined with shops that sell fine art and jewelry. The gift shop at Inkaterra is also worth a look.
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Get a hot chocolate. When I finished the Inca Trail, the first thing I did was to get a hot chocolate and a chicken empanada at the snack bar at Machu Picchu. It was the perfect snack to fortify me after 4 days of hiking.
Ready to sign up for your Inca Trail adventure? Check out our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu guided trip!
Posted by Diane Valenti on Wed, May 01, 2013 @ 04:27 PM
The Amazon rainforest is home to exotic fruits that I never see in my local grocery store.
Here are five particularly tasty fruits that you should try during your vacation in the Amazon rainforest.
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Cocona is a red, yellow, or orange berry that resembles a tomato. In fact, it tastes like a blend of a tomato and a lemon.
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Araza is a juicy, yellow fruit. It has a bitter flavor. So, you’ll want to try it sweetened with sugar in a juice.
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Carambola is a yellow, oval-shaped fruit with longitudinal ribs. It can have either a bitter or sweet flavor. The sweet version tastes mildly fruity.
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Cupuacu is closely related to cocoa. It is a brown, oval-shaped fruit with a thick shell. This fruit is usually mixed into drinks or ice cream.
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Maracuya is an egg-shaped, pale yellow fruit that can grow as big as softball. It is also known as passion fruit. You’ll find it in drinks, such as the Maracuya Sour, cousin to Peru’s national drink -- the Pisco Sour.
Planning your Amazon adventure? Take a look at our Amazon to Machu Picchu trip or our Amazon Rainforest extension.
Posted by Diane Valenti on Sun, Apr 28, 2013 @ 01:56 PM
While Machu Picchu is Peru’s main attraction, it is not the only interesting thing to do in Peru. See below for ideas on other things to see and do during your Peru vacation.
Lake Titicaca – A short boat ride from the port in Puno, lie the floating Uros islands. The islands themselves, homes, schools, churches, watch towers, even boats are all constructed of tortora reeds. While this destination has become more touristy in recent years, it is still an incredibly interesting experience.
You can also participate in a home stay on several of the non-floating islands. I did a home stay on Amantani. I really enjoyed participating in daily island life. I hiked to the top of the island to see the sunset, watched a soccer game that pitted the island kids against the visitors (the kids won, although it was a close match), drank some of the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had in the sole store on the island, and danced to live music at an island get-together in the evening. Connecting with this ancient way of life can be an unforgettable experience that changes your perspective on your own life.
Lima – Most people pass right by Lima. If you skip Lima, though, you miss seeing how most modern day Peruvians live. For a truly local experience, lunch on ceviche in a neighborhood restaurant, stroll along the trail that tops the cliffs of the Costa Verde, or take a surfing lesson in Miraflores. If you feel really daring, arrange to hang glide. The only scary part was jumping off the edge of the cliff to become airborne.
Amazon – The Amazon Rainforest is a relaxing place to begin or end your journey to Peru. Spend your days scouting for wildlife such as howler monkeys, river otters, piranhas, and macaws, and learning about rainforest plants, such as natural Viagra. Sip juice made from fruits you’ve probably never heard of before. Afternoon naps in a swinging hammock are a perfect way to decompress.
Nazca Lines – The Nazca Lines form shapes, such as a dog, bird, astronaut, and monkey, which are best viewed from the air. The Nazca Lines are shrouded in mystery. No one knows who created the lines or why. No one knows how these lines, which have simply been scratched into the surface of the desert floor, have managed to remain visible through centuries.
Islas Ballestas – If you don’t have the time to add a Galapagos extension to your trip, visit the Islas Ballestas. Here you can see blue-footed boobies, penguins, dolphins, and sea lions in abundance.
Ica – is home to the Huacachina sand dunes. You can sand board down the sides of these enormous dunes that make you feel like you’ve been plopped down in the middle of the Sahara. Similar to sledding, you use a refurbished snowboard to slide down the sides of dunes that surround a natural (now manmade) oasis. Dune buggies, which provide a roller-coaster-like ride through the dunes, transport you to higher and higher dunes to increase the thrill of the ride.
Researching a Peru guided trip? Check out your options!
Posted by Diane Valenti on Thu, Apr 25, 2013 @ 11:22 PM
Check our packing list below to make sure that you are prepared for your Amazon rainforest holiday.
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Comfortable clothing made of fabric that wicks moisture away. The Amazon rainforest is steamy. So, clothing made of quick drying, wick-away fabric is a must.
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Insect repellent. Did I mention mosquitoes love me? I am partial to Jungle Juice. You can pick some up at REI.
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Rain poncho. The Amazon is a rainforest. So, make sure you are prepared for rain.
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Waterproof hiking boots and thick socks. If the rainforest floor isn’t too muddy, you can wear hiking boots. If it is really mucky, the lodge where you stay will loan you rubber boots. These boots never fit quite right. So, bring some thick socks to ward off blisters.
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Teva sandals. Most transportation in the Amazon is via motorized canoe. Sometimes you’ll need to wade into the river to board the canoe. This is where Teva sandals come in handy. They are a lot more comfortable than picking your way over the inevitable rocks that line the riverbed.
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Sun hat, sun glasses and sun block. The sun in the Amazon can be quite strong. Make sure you bring protection to avoid sunburn.
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Flashlight or headlamp. I prefer a headlamp, as it leaves my hands free to carry a water bottle or camera. You’ll need a flashlight or headlamp to participate in a night walk through the jungle as well as to find your way back to your room.
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Bandana. I use my bandana to wipe sweat from my face and neck.
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Swimsuit. At some rainforest lodges, you can swim in the river. Check with the lodge staff before diving in, though. You don’t want to have an unexpected encounter with a caiman.
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Light jacket or sweatshirt. It can get surprisingly cool at night. So, pack a light jacket or sweatshirt.
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Small backpack. Pack your sweatshirt, water bottle, camera, and rain poncho in a small backpack when you are exploring the jungle.
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Small suitcase. Some lodges are only able to transport small suitcases in their motorized canoes. For an extended trip to Peru, I always bring a small suitcase and a large suitcase. I pack the small suitcase with the items I need for the Amazon and leave the large suitcase in storage.
Ready to explore the Amazon? Check out our Amazon rainforest extension!
Posted by Diane Valenti on Tue, Apr 23, 2013 @ 03:44 PM
The Amazon rainforest is teeming with potential dangers: hungry wild animals, poisonous plants and reptiles, and disease-carrying insects. Unless you have the sense of adventure of a Crocodile Dundee, it's definitely not a place to explore on your own. Better to stay at a lodge and experience the Amazon under the tutelage of a knowledgeable guide.
To narrow your choice of a suitable lodge, consider these six factors.
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Convenience. If you only have three or four days to see the Amazon, select a lodge that is relatively quick and easy to get to. By quick and easy, I mean it takes roughly a half-day to travel to the lodge, including transport by plane, car, and motorized canoe.
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Accommodations. You’ll need to decide whether luxury or price is more important to you. There are some very luxurious lodges in the jungle. There are also lodges that offer more basic accommodations.
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Experience. Consider if you are looking for an introductory experience or if you would prefer a deep jungle adventure. Deep jungle lodges usually offer more rudimentary accommodations, but they also offer more opportunities to see animals up close.
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Activities. Many lodges offer similar activities such as a canopy tour, wildlife sightings, and a night walk in the jungle. If you have a special interest, such as bird watching, make sure the lodge you choose offers a program that is compatible with your interest.
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People vs. Animals. Some lodges are focused on offering spectacular opportunities to view wildlife. Other lodges are focused on offering their guests the unforgettable opportunity to interact with and learn about native tribes. Both are incredibly interesting. Make sure to choose a lodge, though, that is in line with your preference.
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Sustainability. Most lodges are eco-lodges so they already follow sustainable practices. However, some lodges take sustainability a step further. They look for ways not only to sustain the environment, but also to sustain the local culture. For example, we work with a lodge in the Peruvian Amazon that is owned by the indigenous Ese-Eja community of Infierno and jointly managed by an organization based in Lima. Operating the lodge offers young community members an alternative to moving to Lima to find work. The fact that the younger generation can remain in the Amazon helps the community sustain its traditional way of life.
Ready to explore the Amazon? Check out our Amazon to Machu Picchu guided trip!
Posted by Diane Valenti on Sun, Apr 21, 2013 @ 04:20 PM
The Amazon rainforest is a really cool place.
Below are my top 10 experiences.
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Being woken by howler monkeys instead of my iphone.
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Talking to the local guides about what it was like to grow up in the Amazon.
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Fishing for piranha to see their razor-sharp teeth.
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Learning about plants that are the basis for many modern medicines.
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Getting a jungle tattoo. It takes a few days to wear off. So, best not to get the tattoo done on your face!
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Drinking natural juice made from fresh-picked fruit.
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Going everywhere in a motorized canoe instead of a car.
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Spotting wildlife, such as monkeys, parrots, and poison dart frogs up close.
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Shrieking at the sight of a giant tarantula during the jungle night walk.
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Eating lemon ants. Yes…I really ate ants.
If you’ve been to the Amazon, what were your top experiences? If you haven't been yet, maybe it’s time to plan your own Amazon adventure. Check out our Amazon to Machu Picchu guided trip to discover Machu Picchu and explore the Amazon rainforest. Or add our Amazon extension to your Peru guided trip.
Posted by Diane Valenti on Fri, Apr 19, 2013 @ 06:11 PM
Talk to anyone who has hiked the Inca Trail and they will tell you it was an amazing experience. They will wax on about the rigors of the trail and the splendor of reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise. But, what exactly makes the experience of hiking the Inca Trail so amazing?
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The challenge. I hiked every weekend for months before tackling the Inca Trail. Yet when I woke up the morning of the hike, I had a knot the size of a grapefruit in the pit of my stomach. Would I make it? Would I hold up the group because I was hiking too slowly? Would I get altitude sickness? When I triumphantly joined my group at the top of Dead Woman’s Pass on the second day, a wave of relief washed over me. When I stumbled into camp after a grueling 10-hour hike the third day, I knew the worst was over. And, when I arrived at Machu Picchu just as the sun was peeking over the horizon casting long shadows over the lost city, I was elated. There is something about taking on a challenge and succeeding that is incredibly gratifying.
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The relationships. I hiked the Inca Trail with people I had never met. Of course, I was worried that we wouldn’t get along or that I wouldn’t fit in. Somewhere along the trail, though, we bonded. We encouraged each other to keep going as we summitted not one, but two 14,000 foot peaks, we commiserated over sore muscles and blisters, and we celebrated when we finally made it to Machu Picchu. Before we went our separate ways, we exchanged contact information and in short order friended each other on Facebook. These are people I will always hold in a special place in my heart.
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The scenery. The Inca Trail winds its way over wind swept mountaintops and into the lush jungle vegetation of cloud forests. The scenery is so spectacular its hard not to stop to take a photo at every turn. The Inca ruins we explored along the way made the journey even more haunting. I felt like the ghosts of Incas past were accompanying us to Machu Picchu. I had imagined the Inca Trail as more of an Inca highway packed with tourists. It was nothing like that. I saw other hikers on the trail, but I also had time where I was completely alone.
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The food. My camping menu usually revolves around re-heated Spaghetti O’s. In contrast, food on the Inca Trail was surprisingly good. We had pancakes for breakfast, trout and a fresh salad for lunch, and a beef dish called lomo saltado for dinner. The cook even made a fully baked and iced cake one night. I still don’t know how he did it.
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The bragging rights. Saying you hiked the Inca Trail comes with well earned bragging rights. People are usually surprised and impressed. To be honest, it is still a great source of pride for me.
The Inca Trail will always be one of the highlights of my many trips to Peru.
Ready to take the Inca Trail challenge? Check out our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu guided trip.
Posted by Diane Valenti on Thu, Apr 18, 2013 @ 11:32 AM
For me, a big part of the fun of traveling is experiencing life as a local.
Below are six drinks you should taste to experience life as a local during your trip to Peru.
Pisco sour. The Pisco Sour is the national drink of Peru. It is a delicious concoction of Pisco brandy, frothy egg whites, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, angostura bitters, and ice. The Pisco Sour was invented in Lima in the 1920’s by American bartender Victor Vaughn Morris. If you stay at the Ramada Costa del Sol at the Lima airport, you have a choice of redeeming a gift card for a bottle of water or a Pisco Sour. I always choose the Pisco Sour. I also like to drink my Pisco Sours in the oak-paneled bar at the Gran Hotel Bolivar in Lima. The bartenders there have been turning out first-rate Pisco Sours for nearly a century. If you are fascinated by Pisco Sours, we can even arrange a Pisco Sour lesson for you as part of your Peru guided trip.
Inca Kola. Inca Kola is a national icon. In fact, it is more popular than Coca Cola in Peru. It is a bright yellow soda that I think tastes a bit like bubble gum. I first tried Inca Kola on the plane from Lima to Cusco. This was also the last time I tried it. I suspect it is an acquired taste. But, since it is a source of national pride, it’s a drink you should include on your list.
Coca tea. Almost every hotel in Cusco has a coca tea service set up in the lobby. For an authentic cup of tea, use the loose leaves instead of the tea bag. Place a small amount of leaves in the bottom of a teacup and then fill the cup with hot water. I like to add lots of sugar to my tea to balance the bitterness of the coca leaves. Let the tea steep for three to five minutes. Then, sip carefully to avoid getting coca leaves in your mouth. For some reason, coca tea tastes better in Peru than anywhere else. I’ve tried ordering it on Amazon.com. But, it’s just not the same.
Cusqueña beer. Cusqueña is one of the most popular beers in Peru. It takes its name from the people who are from Cusco – Cusqueños. To drink your Cusqueña like a local, order a large bottle to share among friends. The bottle will come with a single glass. Pour a shot of beer in your glass and pass the bottle to the person sitting next to you. Pour a little beer on the floor as an offering to the Pachamama (mother earth) and then down the beer. Flick out the foam and pass the glass to the person holding the bottle. Continue in this way until it is time to order another bottle of Cusqueña.
Chicha. Chicha is a brewed-corn beverage that has been popular since the time of the Inca. In fact, mills in which chicha was probably made have been found at Machu Picchu. It is still so popular that you will see porters literally running down the Inca Trail to get to the chicheria before the chicha runs out. There is pink chicha and yellow chicha. Strawberries are added to the pink chicha, making it the sweeter of the two. The yellow chicha seems to have higher alcohol content. You can try both types of chicha at El Descanso in the Sacred Valley or at many local (not tourist) restaurants in Cusco.
Chicha morada. Chicha morada is a non-alcoholic variety of chicha made from purple corn. It has a thick almost syrupy consistency and a sweet flavor. You can order chicha morada as a soft drink in most restaurants. Prepare to have a purple tongue after you drink your glass of chicha morada.
Cheers!
Interested in embarking on a guided trip of Peru? Check out your options!
Posted by Diane Valenti on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 @ 06:52 PM
We are honoring Mother’s Day 2013 by donating $100 per person on bookings made in May 2013 for travel in Peru before May 2014.
The donations will go to Living Heart, a non-profit that helps mothers and their children in some of the most disadvantaged highland communities of Peru’s Sacred Valley, a region where malnutrition and disease are painfully rampant.
On itineraries that lead our guests through this region, we always eat at Hearts Café in Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley – the gateway to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Proceeds from the café go to support Living Heart’s projects that supply vitamins, medicines, dental, medical and school supplies.
To get an idea of the impact a $100 donation can make, check out Living Heart’s Wish List. The list includes the cost of various supplies and services. For example, a $98 donation will give one child a hot breakfast and lunch every school day for a whole year. A $72 donation will give a newborn baby a fighting chance at a healthy life by supplying one pregnant woman with the pre-natal vitamins needed to take her through the full 9 months.
You can participate in the Mother’s Day donation by booking any of the following trips:
As with so many stunning regions of the world, the needs here for the basic sustenance that keeps people alive are profound. Travelers who come with Llama Expeditions to explore Peru always ask how they can help. On each trip, we include a visit to and support for an organization that is helping to alleviate poverty by empowering local people to better their lives.
Check out our Peru guided trips now!
Posted by Diane Valenti on Thu, Mar 28, 2013 @ 07:30 PM
The best time to visit the Amazon in Peru is between June and September. The mosquito population, while ever-present, is smaller. In addition, the months of June through September are considered the “dry season,” although humidity is high all year long.
During the dry season, it is also easier to spot birds and animals as they congregate along the banks of the river to drink. The Amazon is home to more than 1,300 species of birds and thousands of species of animals and plants.
A visit to the Amazon can be a perfect way to begin or end your vacation in Peru. Life in the Amazon moves at a slow pace. And, access to the outside world via technology is not always readily available. “Disappearing” into the Amazon for a few days can be the perfect way to disconnect and decompress.
Interested in decompressing in the Amazon, check out our Amazon to Machu Picchu Tour?