Prepare for a Wild Ride

To put it bluntly, the drive to Humantay Lake is terrifying. The single-track dirt road winds around the edge of mountains with a shear drop on one side. Be prepared for some seriously hair-raising moments when you round a corner into a herd of livestock, a jeep tries to overtake your minibus or a glacial stream blocks the way. If you’re not a fan of scary drives, this may not be the ideal trip for you!

Bring Warm Clothes

The hike to Humantay involves ascending to a height of 13,800 feet (4,200m). Even if it’s a warm day when you set off, it will be cold at the top! Dress in light, high-tech layers, and be sure to bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VIRGÍNIA | Unique Travel (@virginiamoreira.santos)

Adjust to the Altitude

Don’t arrive in Cusco from Lima and head straight to Humantay Lake. This is one of the highest altitude spots on the classic tourist circuit in Peru and you need to acclimatize to the altitude before attempting the hike. Spend a few days in Cusco, drink the local coca tea, and take altitude sickness tablets if necessary.

Take a Camera

While it can be a long day with the early start, long drive, and two-hour hike, the views at Humantay Lake are truly spectacular. Bring your camera (make sure it’s charged!) and take some snaps of this stunning spot.

The post Things to Know Before Heading to Humantay Lake Near Cusco, Peru appeared first on Traveler Master.

Arequipa

The second most populated city in Peru is heaven for architecture lovers thanks to many baroque buildings on its grounds, but most people visit it to explore the volcanoes that surround it.

Cusco

Cusco may not be one of the biggest and most populated places in Peru, but it’s one of the most historically significant. This city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire, and many ancient sites are still located on its grounds, including the Inca complex Saqsaywaman.

Trujillo

One of the most vibrant cities in all of Peru, Trujillo is also hailed as the country’s cultural capital since it hosts many important events. It’s also known as the capital of marinera, a popular traditional dance in Peru.

Ica

The city of Ica is home to several pretty impressive religious buildings, but the real magic starts once you start exploring its surroundings. Most people coming here want to discover Huacachina, a secluded oasis with a tiny lake in the middle of the desert.

The post Beautiful Cities in Peru That You Should Check Out appeared first on Traveler Master.

Best Times to Visit

The best times to visit Cusco are from June to mid-September. Throughout the year, the temperatures stay around the mid to upper 60s, but there are fewer rain showers during these winter months. Keep in mind this is tourist season, so to avoid them, visit during May or between late September and early November.

How to Get Around

The best way to get around Cusco is by foot. While buses, often called colectivos or combis, are an alternative way to get around, they have limited routes and time schedules. You can always catch a cab as well or rent a car, but driving in Peru isn’t ideal as the streets are narrow and there’s heavy pedestrian traffic that can clog them.

When traveling to Machu Picchu, journey on one of PeruRail’s daily trains from Estación Poroy to Aguas Calientes, a station located at the base of Machu Picchu. 

Where to Stay

Belmond Hotel Monasterio

This 5-star hotel has boutique rooms, two restaurants, a full-service spa, and a bar/lounge around a gorgeous central courtyard. The hotel offers art tours, cooking classes, and pisco lessons.

Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco

Palacio del Inka, a five-centuries-old mansion and 5-star hotel, is considered a historic landmark. The hotel has historical elements of Peruvian culture as well as modern luxuries like a restaurant, a coffee shop/café, a full-service spa, a 24-hour fitness center, and a free breakfast buffet.

Casa Cartagena

Casa Cartagena, a 4.5-star hotel has an indoor pool, a restaurant, a full-service spa, a free buffet breakfast, a fitness center, a coffee shop/café, and a bar/lounge. They also provide free airport drop-off.

What to Do

Plaza de Armas

With a history that dates back to the Inca Empire, Plaza de Armas is a massive square built for holding festivals and ceremonies during ancient times. You’ll find landmarks significant to Andean and Spanish history as well as Peruvian dancing and music.

Machu Picchu

The “lost city of the Incas” remained untouched during the Spanish conquest. There’s so much to see at this UNESCO World Heritage Site including the House of the Terrace Caretaker, Funeral Rock, Temple of Three Windows, Temple of the Condor, and Temple of the Sun.

La Catedral

Found in the Plaza de Armas is the sky-high La Cathedral, which is one of the city’s best architectural displays. Constructed in the 1550s from stones stolen from Sacsayhuamán, the cathedral has opulent ceilings and gold and silver altars as well as colonial art.

What to Eat

Choclo Con Queso

Traditionally sold at local markets or on the streets, this dish which is made with Andean corn and local cheese is super popular.

Cuy Chactado

While it may sound strange in America, eating fried guinea pig is common in Peru, and it’s reserved for special occasions. The dish is served whole with the head, teeth, and legs.

Lomo Saltado De Alpaca 

Peruvian alpaca stir fry combines marinated strips and meat with onions, tomatoes, and French fries, and it’s served with rice.

The post Cusco, Peru: A City Filled with Ancient History and Archeological Sites appeared first on Traveler Master.

However, with these tips, you will find that your adjustment to Cusco’s elevation will go much smoother.

Drink Coca Leaf Tea

Coca leaf tea has been used for centuries by the native Incan people in Peru to lessen the effects of altitude sickness. While its science isn’t fully understood, people report having more energy and fewer headaches after consuming this ancient drink.

Build Up Physical Activity

Instead of hitting the ground running with a day full of activities upon arrival in Cusco, take things easy at first and gradually build up your levels of physical activity in order to let your body get acclimated to the high elevation. If not, you could find yourself incapacitated for days.

Stay Hydrated

One of the biggest allies in the fight against altitude sickness is hydration. Be sure to always have a bottle of water with you, and do your best to consume at least two liters of it per day in order to avoid dehydration, a common side effect of altitude sickness.

The post Here’s How to Conquer Altitude Sickness in Cusco, Peru appeared first on Traveler Master.

If you are looking to visit Machu Picchu, one of the best ways to do so is to start from the larger city of Cusco. The train that goes to the architectural site from Cusco is an absolutely unforgettable and magical experience.

Visitors have two different companies to choose from for the journey between Cusco and Aguascalientes (the closest town to Machu Picchu): Inca Rail and Peru Rail.

Both companies offer various train options for the journey. The most common and most economical, known as the Expedition Train (Peru Rail) and the Voyager Train (Inca Rail) features cabins that have massive windows, providing excellent views of the mountains and valleys that characterize the Andean landscape.

Both companies also offer luxury options that include live entertainment, food, and drinks typical of the area. If you are looking for a nicer option or want to sample the area’s cuisine, these trains are a fantastic option.

Whichever train you choose, the journey is magical and a fantastic way to experience the Andean highlands at a comfortable pace. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity if visiting Machu Picchu!

The post The Train Between Cusco and Machu Picchu is Magical appeared first on Traveler Master.

Prepare for a Wild Ride

To put it bluntly, the drive to Humantay Lake is terrifying. The single-track dirt road winds around the edge of mountains with a shear drop on one side. Be prepared for some seriously hair-raising moments when you round a corner into a herd of livestock, a jeep tries to overtake your minibus or a glacial stream blocks the way. If you’re not a fan of scary drives, this may not be the ideal trip for you!

Bring Warm Clothes

The hike to Humantay involves ascending to a height of 13,800 feet (4,200m). Even if it’s a warm day when you set off, it will be cold at the top! Dress in light, high-tech layers, and be sure to bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VIRGÍNIA | Unique Travel (@virginiamoreira.santos)

Adjust to the Altitude

Don’t arrive in Cusco from Lima and head straight to Humantay Lake. This is one of the highest altitude spots on the classic tourist circuit in Peru and you need to acclimatize to the altitude before attempting the hike. Spend a few days in Cusco, drink the local coca tea, and take altitude sickness tablets if necessary.

Take a Camera

While it can be a long day with the early start, long drive, and two-hour hike, the views at Humantay Lake are truly spectacular. Bring your camera (make sure it’s charged!) and take some snaps of this stunning spot.

The post Things to Know Before Heading to Humantay Lake Near Cusco, Peru appeared first on Traveler Master.

Arequipa

The second most populated city in Peru is heaven for architecture lovers thanks to many baroque buildings on its grounds, but most people visit it to explore the volcanoes that surround it.

Cusco

Cusco may not be one of the biggest and most populated places in Peru, but it’s one of the most historically significant. This city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire, and many ancient sites are still located on its grounds, including the Inca complex Saqsaywaman.

Trujillo

One of the most vibrant cities in all of Peru, Trujillo is also hailed as the country’s cultural capital since it hosts many important events. It’s also known as the capital of marinera, a popular traditional dance in Peru.

Ica

The city of Ica is home to several pretty impressive religious buildings, but the real magic starts once you start exploring its surroundings. Most people coming here want to discover Huacachina, a secluded oasis with a tiny lake in the middle of the desert.

The post Beautiful Cities in Peru That You Should Check Out appeared first on Traveler Master.

Best Times to Visit

The best times to visit Cusco are from June to mid-September. Throughout the year, the temperatures stay around the mid to upper 60s, but there are fewer rain showers during these winter months. Keep in mind this is tourist season, so to avoid them, visit during May or between late September and early November.

How to Get Around

The best way to get around Cusco is by foot. While buses, often called colectivos or combis, are an alternative way to get around, they have limited routes and time schedules. You can always catch a cab as well or rent a car, but driving in Peru isn’t ideal as the streets are narrow and there’s heavy pedestrian traffic that can clog them.

When traveling to Machu Picchu, journey on one of PeruRail’s daily trains from Estación Poroy to Aguas Calientes, a station located at the base of Machu Picchu. 

Where to Stay

Belmond Hotel Monasterio

This 5-star hotel has boutique rooms, two restaurants, a full-service spa, and a bar/lounge around a gorgeous central courtyard. The hotel offers art tours, cooking classes, and pisco lessons.

Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco

Palacio del Inka, a five-centuries-old mansion and 5-star hotel, is considered a historic landmark. The hotel has historical elements of Peruvian culture as well as modern luxuries like a restaurant, a coffee shop/café, a full-service spa, a 24-hour fitness center, and a free breakfast buffet.

Casa Cartagena

Casa Cartagena, a 4.5-star hotel has an indoor pool, a restaurant, a full-service spa, a free buffet breakfast, a fitness center, a coffee shop/café, and a bar/lounge. They also provide free airport drop-off.

What to Do

Plaza de Armas

With a history that dates back to the Inca Empire, Plaza de Armas is a massive square built for holding festivals and ceremonies during ancient times. You’ll find landmarks significant to Andean and Spanish history as well as Peruvian dancing and music.

Machu Picchu

The “lost city of the Incas” remained untouched during the Spanish conquest. There’s so much to see at this UNESCO World Heritage Site including the House of the Terrace Caretaker, Funeral Rock, Temple of Three Windows, Temple of the Condor, and Temple of the Sun.

La Catedral

Found in the Plaza de Armas is the sky-high La Cathedral, which is one of the city’s best architectural displays. Constructed in the 1550s from stones stolen from Sacsayhuamán, the cathedral has opulent ceilings and gold and silver altars as well as colonial art.

What to Eat

Choclo Con Queso

Traditionally sold at local markets or on the streets, this dish which is made with Andean corn and local cheese is super popular.

Cuy Chactado

While it may sound strange in America, eating fried guinea pig is common in Peru, and it’s reserved for special occasions. The dish is served whole with the head, teeth, and legs.

Lomo Saltado De Alpaca 

Peruvian alpaca stir fry combines marinated strips and meat with onions, tomatoes, and French fries, and it’s served with rice.

The post Cusco, Peru: A City Filled with Ancient History and Archeological Sites appeared first on Traveler Master.

However, with these tips, you will find that your adjustment to Cusco’s elevation will go much smoother.

Drink Coca Leaf Tea

Coca leaf tea has been used for centuries by the native Incan people in Peru to lessen the effects of altitude sickness. While its science isn’t fully understood, people report having more energy and fewer headaches after consuming this ancient drink.

Build Up Physical Activity

Instead of hitting the ground running with a day full of activities upon arrival in Cusco, take things easy at first and gradually build up your levels of physical activity in order to let your body get acclimated to the high elevation. If not, you could find yourself incapacitated for days.

Stay Hydrated

One of the biggest allies in the fight against altitude sickness is hydration. Be sure to always have a bottle of water with you, and do your best to consume at least two liters of it per day in order to avoid dehydration, a common side effect of altitude sickness.

The post Here’s How to Conquer Altitude Sickness in Cusco, Peru appeared first on Traveler Master.

If you are looking to visit Machu Picchu, one of the best ways to do so is to start from the larger city of Cusco. The train that goes to the architectural site from Cusco is an absolutely unforgettable and magical experience.

Visitors have two different companies to choose from for the journey between Cusco and Aguascalientes (the closest town to Machu Picchu): Inca Rail and Peru Rail.

Both companies offer various train options for the journey. The most common and most economical, known as the Expedition Train (Peru Rail) and the Voyager Train (Inca Rail) features cabins that have massive windows, providing excellent views of the mountains and valleys that characterize the Andean landscape.

Both companies also offer luxury options that include live entertainment, food, and drinks typical of the area. If you are looking for a nicer option or want to sample the area’s cuisine, these trains are a fantastic option.

Whichever train you choose, the journey is magical and a fantastic way to experience the Andean highlands at a comfortable pace. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity if visiting Machu Picchu!

The post The Train Between Cusco and Machu Picchu is Magical appeared first on Traveler Master.