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Traditional Food in Peru

Peru is a country of incredible contrasts. Landscapes range from the sprawling Amazon Rainforest and cavernous canyons, to the soaring Andes Mountains punctuated by ancient Incan citadels. Similarly striking juxtapositions can be found within Peru’s culinary culture. Traditional food in Peru features a balance between hot and cold, sour and starchy, bold and delicate. And with a wealth of influences also coming from other countries, Peruvian dishes stand out among the gastronomic crowd.

Unmissable Landscapes in Peru

From the dramatic peaks of the Andes to the lush vastness of the Amazon rainforest, Peru’s scenery makes a holiday here truly special. Natural beauty is something this South American destination does incredibly well, so it’s no wonder that it regularly appears on travellers’ wish lists. Multicoloured mountains, mysterious ruins and (of course) the majestic Machu Picchu are just a few of our favourite unmissable landscapes in Peru.

Lesser-Known Peru Treks

Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are the undisputed king and queen on Peru’s chessboard of attractions. Elusive yet ubiquitous, scores of travellers are compelled annually to embark along the well-trodden pilgrimage route in search of the sought-after Incan city. Sadly, the ancient site’s long-standing popularity means that it’s now listed as endangered by UNESCO and visitor numbers have been restricted in an effort to preserve the delicate ruins.

Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu and The Lord of the Rings have something in common. They both became part of our collective consciousness long after their creation. In fact, it took US explorer Hiram Bingham over five centuries to uncover the awe-inspiring lost Inca city. Yet, while you sadly can’t visit the real Mordor (just don’t tell the New Zealand tourist board), you can visit Machu Picchu. Shrouded by a mystical fog and surrounded by lush fertile valley, often peppered with gravity-defying llamas, this new wonder of the world is the stuff of legends.

Luxury Hotels in Paracas, Nazca and Ica

Hotel Paracas Hotel Paracas is on the Pacific Coast about 150 miles south of Lima, near Paracas town, and is ideally located for exploring the nearby Ballestas Islands and Nazca Lines. Renovated in 2010, Hotel Paracas has brought a breath of fresh air to Paracas. The hotel is open, airy and contemporary, from its glass walled bar with brightly coloured armchairs, to the more muted tones in the bedrooms.

Where to Stay around Lake Titicaca

Isla Suasi Situated on the only private island in Lake Titicaca, this solar-powered lodge has admirable ecological credentials. Featuring panoramic lake views from every room, surrounded by terraced gardens and designed with native materials stone, adobe and thatch to blend into the island, the lodge is committed to being green. Although there is no electricity, open fires in each room and hot water bottles and thick duvets keep guests warm.

Huayna Picchu, Peru

An original take on a classic view... Huayna Picchu - 'Young Peak' in native Quecha - is the mountain that towers behind the citadel of Machu Picchu in the classic shot of this iconic destination. Few tourists know that it's also possible to climb the steep rocky path to the top to see Macchu from a completely different perspective. The peak of Huayna Picchu is 1,180 ft higher than Machu Picchu, and access to the sacred summit is controlled by a guard in a kiosk behind the Sacred Rock.

Skylodge Via Ferrata and Zip Line

Scary? Yes - absolutely. Incredible? Definitely. Set 380m on the side of a vertical limestone cliff in Peru's Sacred Valley cling four pods - three bedrooms and a restaurant. And how do you get there? You climb!   The Via Ferrata This 'via ferrata' (meaning iron way) was set up seven years ago for adventure seekers searching for their next adrenaline rush. Fixed firmly into the cliff are steel hoops with a steel rope running alongside that you carefully clip yourself onto.

Luxury Hotels in Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Belmond Las Casitas A luxury hotel set in the peaceful surroundings of the second deepest canyon in the world; one of Peru's most stunning destinations. The 'little houses' of this Belmond property are stylish and comfortable, but firmly in keeping with their Andean surroundings. Dotted throughout the grounds, the spacious casitas offer luxurious and private accommodation. Each features a large lounge and en suite bathroom, all with under floor heating, a private terrace and heated plunge pool.

Peru Facts: Ancient Wari tombs Discovered

As importantant as the discovery of the lost city of Machu Picchu...   An important discovery I want to share this important archaeological discovery we found out about last week. An incredible nine ancient Wari tombs have been found in Cuzcu, the jungle-covered eastern slope of the Andes in Peru, near Machu Picchu. These findings are the first evidence of the Wari inhabiting Peru's jungles and may indicate that the Incas inherited much of their culture.

Luxury Hotels in Lima

Country Club Located in San Isidro, the most exclusive residential and commercial district of Lima, the hotel dates back to 1927. Interiors have a very classical feel, with original art work from the Museo de Osma featuring throughout. The spacious suites are elegantly decorated, with a mix of classical and Peruvian colonial. The Perroquet restaurant offers both international and local cuisine, and guests can relax in the hotel bar while drinking the famous _pisco sour _cocktail.

Luxury Hotels in Mancora

Mancora Marina Mancora Marina is a contemporary boutique hotel in this trendy beach resort in Northern Peru. The hotel is a three floor property leading down to an infinity pool, with modern white walls and contemporary furnishings. All 12 rooms and suites have ocean views overlooking the private beach, and all the bedrooms are decorated with fine Peruvian cotton and have air conditioning. There is a three storey bar leading out to an open air lounge and dining area serving international cuisine, cocktails and fine South American wines overlooking the swimming pool and beach.

Where To Stay in the Sacred Valley

Urubamba Villas An Andean home from home, these villas are beautifully decorated in keeping with their rural location. These two and three bedroom villas set in landscaped gardens are in an ideal setting for exploration of the Urubamba valley and offer a more relaxed and private base than a hotel. Each casita has its own terrace, as well as a fireplace to warm up the evenings, and comes with full housekeeping as well as cooking services for breakfast, tea and dinner and optional lunch.

Where to Stay in the Peruvian Amazon

Reserva Amazonica Inkaterra-owned Reserva Amazonica is a luxury ecolodge located in a 25,000 acre private ecological reserve in the Amazon rainforest of Tambopata, southeastern Peru. Reached by a 30 minute flight from Cusco and an hour's boat journey from the gateway city of Puerto Maldonado, the lodge was built following indigenous architectural traditions of the local Machiguenga and Ese-Eja people.

Where To Stay Around Machu Picchu

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Set in the middle of tropical vegetation, The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is a mini village of luxurious whitewashed and terracotta casitas nestling into terraced hills. Thick alpaca blankets and open fireplaces create a feel of laid-back luxury, Andean style. The glass-walled restaurant, serving contemporary Andean cuisine, offers glorious views of the rapid-flowing Urubamba River and the Andes Mountains, while colourful Peruvian crafts and authentic pre-Columbian artifacts decorate the rooms of this 100% carbon-neutral hotel.

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