Machu Picchu and Beyond: Discovering the Real Peru

From Coast to Cloud Forest: Peru’s Succulent Cuisine
Of course, no trip to Peru would be truly complete without a visit to Lima. Most flights to Cusco from the United States connect in Lima, so it’s very easy to add a Lima Pre-Trip Extension to the beginning of your adventure.  Lima has an incredibly vibrant food culture—and you’ll find no less than three of the world’s top 50 restaurants among its colorful quays and cheerful promenades. Here, you might sample Peruvian specialties such as ceviche, crab meat empanadas, and native-grown quinoa, as well as Andean olluco (a potato-like tuber) and pastries made with cañihua dough.

If you love seafood, Lima is a must—but the Andean rivers hold other delicacies in store. Originally introduced to the region by American mining workers, the modern-day rivers of the Andes are rich with trout—a major protein source for the local people and a delicacy sought after the world over. With a flavor and texture all its own, the Peruvian Andean trout lends itself perfectly to many dishes—including the iconic trucha a la plancha, a dish of pan-fried trout, often served with fragrant herbs, mashed cassava, and local corn.

Of course, no trip to Peru would be complete without experiencing the iconic chicha de jora, or Peruvian corn beer. During your walk in the iconic Andean village of Ollantaytambo, you’ll enjoy a visit to a local chicheria where you’ll have the opportunity to sample traditional corn beer—and its colorful cousin, frutillada.

Of course, corn beer isn’t the only wonderful beverage you’ll find in the Andes! The southern region of Peru has the perfect climate for growing grapes—and Peruvian vintages are truly exceptional.  Here, you’ll find exquisite vintages crafted from local varietals—including Tannat, Quebranta, and Torontel.

Here Comes the Sun
One of the best things about this Peruvian adventure is the gradual increase in elevation—leading you through the Sacred Valley before approaching the mountainous reaches of the Sun Gate.  Although many people never experience elevation challenges, it’s important to take care of yourself during the adjustment phase—drinking extra water to stay hydrated and making sure to get enough sleep. With your first walk at under 8,000 feet in elevation, your body has time to adjust to the high altitude of the Andes before taking on more altitude.

There are two ways to reach the Machu Picchu monument from Machu Picchu village—by bus, and on foot. While you can choose either option, the climb to the Sun Gate is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. While most visitors to Machu Picchu take the bus, the hike along the Inca Trail is not crowded—giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the quiet serenity of the cloud forest and spectacular panoramic views of the Andes.

When you arrive at the Sun Gate, the entirety of Machu Picchu is spread at your feet. As you explore the awe-inspiring vistas of Machu Picchu with your Peruvian trip leaders, you may find yourself giving thanks for the rays of sunlight that illuminate this scared space—and the hallowed ground that has brought inspiration to a proud tradition of intrepid travelers, like yourself.