On the Inca trail
ELEANORE HUTCH is the Deputy Editor of EVOKE.ie and is a regular contributor on Ireland AM on TV3. Eleanore took time out to travel the world. In this, the second part of her unmissable series, she explores the ancient Inca civilisation and falls in love with Machu Picchu.
IF YOU want to go to a country that has stunning art, ancient historical ruins and unbelievable food, look no further than Peru!
From the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu to the wide plains of the Sacred Valley and the majestic town of Cusco, there is nowhere in the world quite like Peru.
Having recently been crowned the 2017 best culinary destination in the world, the country, once ruled by Incas, is a feast for all the senses.
I hit the lama-rich place on my round the world trip, and there are a couple things I insist anyone visiting should do, including…
THE TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
Discovered by accident in 1911, Machu Picchu is one of the most recognisable and popular archaeological sites in the world.
You can get there many different ways but one of the most popular is the day trek in the footsteps of the very people who built it, the Incas!
Be warned though, it’s not easy, involves sleeping under the stars and must be booked months in advance due to popularity and number restrictions.
Machu Picchu itself at the end is pretty spectacular too! Make sure you do a guided tour for maximum effect.
HOT SPRINGS IN AGUAS CALIENTE
After all the trekking to Machu Picchu you might want to take a couple days to relax in the quaint nearby town of Aguas Caliente.
Here you can enjoy the hot springs at the base of the mountains, and yes, they serve cocktails. So sit back and have a soak with a Pisco Sour!
CHILL OUT IN CUSCO
Cusco is an absolute must in Peru. A city high in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture.
Here you can browse the stunning Plaza de Armas, see Incan wall ruins and hang out with all the lamas and alpacas that roam the street. Taking in a salsa lesson at Mama Africa and going chocolate tasting are recommended!
FLOATING ISLANDS AT LAKE TITICACA
If you’re heading in the direction of Bolivia afterwards, a stop at Puno near Lake Titicaca is a good idea. Here you can do a boat tour of the lake and meet the Peruvians who live on the floating islands full time. You can even get a stamp in your passport!
PARTY IN AREQUIPA
An architectural beauty, Arequipa is simply awesome.
Framed by three volcanoes, it’s filled with baroque buildings constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone. Full of fun bars, its definitely the place to let loose in Peru and knock back a few pisco sours.
It’s also not too far from Colca Canyon, which is deeper than America’s Grand Canyon. There you can trek, raft and spot condor birds.
SAND SURFING IN ICA
Popular with backpackers, in Ica you can do sand-surfing in the desert of the Oasis Huacachina! A breathtaking desert backdrop will provide some awesome photograph opportunities.
ART GALLERIES IN LIMA
The bustling metropolis of Lima is home to some of the best museums in the world. You go to the Museo Larco to see a collection of pre-Columbian art and the Museo de la Nación, tracing the history of Peru’s ancient civilizations. In Barranco there is a Mario Testino museum and a contemporary art gallery, along with gorgeous streets and squares.