Peru
Country: Peru
Highlights: Gastronomy ★★★★, Art / Museums ★, Historical sites ★★★★, Natural Beauty ★★, Shopping ★; Sports/Adventure ★, Geographic extremes 0, Glamour 0
When to go: Mid-seasons
Where to go: Lima, Cuzco and Machu Picchu
Downside: The extreme Andean altitudes sickness
Our Experiences: Machu Picchu is a hidden jewel lost in the middle of tropical forests, built by the Incas. The history of the city is not very ancient, occurring only 100 years before the arrival of the first Spanish conquerors in America. But nowhere else in the world looks like this place. Machu Picchu was also voted one of the modern seven Wonders. The only way to reach Machu Picchu is with a train departing from Cuzco at 3400m of altitude. For us staying in Cuzco a few nights was a problem due to altitude sickness. It is a pretty city, though. The Capital Lima has also some interesting (and much more ancient) archaeological sites, but the best of the city are the surprising excellent restaurants. They are the best in all South America, making Peru one of the best gastronomic destinations in the southern hemisphere.
Hotels we love and recommend: Sheraton (Lima)
