Afternoon Tea at Machu Picchu
If you ride the Hiram Bingham and are not staying at the lodge, you can do tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel on site. It's a big spread of sandwiches, fruit, and desserts, along with tea, soft drinks, or coffee. While it's...
Style on the Rails: The Hiram Bingham Train
I didn't want to miss the chance to take one of the world's greatest train journeys, named after Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. There are other ways to arrive but the sense of joy and camaraderie on board just adds to the...
Al Fresco Lunch, Guinea Pig Optional
I planned on grabbing a quick lunch at Pacha Papa, located in San Blas Square, the heart of Cusco's artist and gallery neighborhood. But I ended up spending a couple of hours in the lovely outdoor courtyard, talking to my wonderful server, Ever,...
The Most Beautiful Home in Peru - Since 1835!
You need to make an appointment to visit, but cannot leave Lima without seeing this stunning historic home near Lima's main square. What is most astonishing is that the home has been in the same family since 1535, when Francisco Pizarro founded...
The Best-Smelling Museum
This is the best-smelling museum I've ever been to! Though I was skeptical at first, this is a definite must-see in Cusco. There's a small but info-packed exhibit on the history of chocolate, as well as a small kitchen for daily classes and a...
The Sexiest Ruins
I really felt the high altitude here and had to stop few feet and catch my breath but you'll get the best view of Cusco if you climb up and over the actual ruins. The ruins themselves date to the 1400's and are called "Sexy Woman Ruins" by most...
Heaven in the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is known for being an adventurer's paradise, with long hikes to ancient ruins, kayaking, paragliding and more. But for me, after a few days of packed sightseeing in Cusco and Machu Picchu, staying one night at the Hotel Rio...
Pisaq Sunday Market
My advice to you is find the corn. Pisaq, a small, bustling town in Peru's Sacred Valley, holds a famous Sunday market every week, filled with local fashion, jewelry, bedding, and knick-knacks that will probably end up under your bed, never to be...
Convent Turned Luxury Hotel: Palacio Nazarenas
This hotel, Orient-Express' fifth in Peru, completely blew me away. Officially opened last month, the 55-suite property is housed in a former 16th century convent turned chic retreat and features Cusco's first outdoor pool. It is right next to...
