When the opportunity to visit Peru and Machu Picchu presented itself, I jumped at the chance. This 8-day Machu Picchu Explorer G Adventures small group trip was to be shared with other travel consultants. A learning vacation led by Ruby Robles, CEO (Chief Experiential Officer); our engaging, passionate and knowledgeable guide through Peru.
My trip started with a full-day on my own in Lima to explore the Miraflores District and eat my way through the Saguilla Mercado #2. It was here in the market that I had my first Peruvian ceviche, served from Maria’s stall and made of the freshest seafood with leche de tigre (Peru’s citrus based marinade). On the second day, Rudy guided our group through the UNESCO protected Historic Centre of Lima. Our walk coincided with the El Señor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles) religious procession so we shared the streets with hundreds of thousands of devotees dressed in purple.
Cusco is an effortless 75-minute flight from Lima over the Andes Mountains and also the jumping off point for The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. It’s a sprawling high-elevation city of 500,000 inhabitants however most tourists will spend their time visiting the historic area surrounding Plaza de Armas, its churches, cafes and leafy squares. Upon landing, our group visited the Pisac Ruins. We were also introduced to G Adventures’ Planeterra projects: a Women’s Weaving Co-op in Ccaccaccollo and the fabulously fresh farm-style communal lunch at Parwa Restaurant. Our Urubamba lodge-style hotel was surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The striking beauty of the Sacred Valley most certainly warrants an overnight or two and also provides easy sightseeing access to many of the surrounding Inca ruins. Early on the chilly next morning we headed to the Ollanta Ruins then explored the Moray Ruins and Maras Salt Flats. I quickly learned that once the chill of the morning burned off, the sun was intense. Clothing layers, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
Back in Cusco, our stay was disrupted by a two-day scheduled demonstration set in motion by several civic and labor groups as well as transportation unions. The strike was because the Peruvian government wanted to privatize the concessions for all of the archaeological sites in Peru (including Machu Picchu). Aside from hundreds of protestors, many tourist sites and businesses came to a standstill. It was fascinating to watch the peaceful protests unfold. In lieu of historic Cusco cathedral visits and shopping, I hiked up to the Sasquaywaman Ruins, about 800 feet above Cusco. This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.
Amidst the breathtaking scenery, generous people and rich history of the region, my four days of exploration were proof of what Rudy stated at the start of our trip, “In the Sacred Valley, life, and living fully, is happiness”. –Rochelle, October 2015
PERU, G ADVENTURES STYLE
When the opportunity to visit Peru and Machu Picchu presented itself, I jumped at the chance. This 8-day Machu Picchu Explorer G Adventures small group trip was to be shared with other travel consultants. A learning vacation led by Ruby Robles, CEO (Chief Experiential Officer); our engaging, passionate and knowledgeable guide through Peru.
My trip started with a full-day on my own in Lima to explore the Miraflores District and eat my way through the Saguilla Mercado #2. It was here in the market that I had my first Peruvian ceviche, served from Maria’s stall and made of the freshest seafood with leche de tigre (Peru’s citrus based marinade). On the second day, Rudy guided our group through the UNESCO protected Historic Centre of Lima. Our walk coincided with the El Señor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles) religious procession so we shared the streets with hundreds of thousands of devotees dressed in purple.
Cusco is an effortless 75-minute flight from Lima over the Andes Mountains and also the jumping off point for The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. It’s a sprawling high-elevation city of 500,000 inhabitants however most tourists will spend their time visiting the historic area surrounding Plaza de Armas, its churches, cafes and leafy squares. Upon landing, our group visited the Pisac Ruins. We were also introduced to G Adventures’ Planeterra projects: a Women’s Weaving Co-op in Ccaccaccollo and the fabulously fresh farm-style communal lunch at Parwa Restaurant. Our Urubamba lodge-style hotel was surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The striking beauty of the Sacred Valley most certainly warrants an overnight or two and also provides easy sightseeing access to many of the surrounding Inca ruins. Early on the chilly next morning we headed to the Ollanta Ruins then explored the Moray Ruins and Maras Salt Flats. I quickly learned that once the chill of the morning burned off, the sun was intense. Clothing layers, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
Back in Cusco, our stay was disrupted by a two-day scheduled demonstration set in motion by several civic and labor groups as well as transportation unions. The strike was because the Peruvian government wanted to privatize the concessions for all of the archaeological sites in Peru (including Machu Picchu). Aside from hundreds of protestors, many tourist sites and businesses came to a standstill. It was fascinating to watch the peaceful protests unfold. In lieu of historic Cusco cathedral visits and shopping, I hiked up to the Sasquaywaman Ruins, about 800 feet above Cusco. This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.
Amidst the breathtaking scenery, generous people and rich history of the region, my four days of exploration were proof of what Rudy stated at the start of our trip, “In the Sacred Valley, life, and living fully, is happiness”. –Rochelle, October 2015