Nov2011_TRAVEL TOPIC
PERU by Sharyn Lucchetta
Soaring Andes mountains, deep canyons, pan flute music, Inca Ruins, amazon jungle lodges, are all part of the Peruvian experience. I have been lucky enough to visit Peru a couple of times and it is definitely a favourite place for me to travel.
Peru is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Columbia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The main language is Spanish, although a significant number of Peruvians speak their native language Quechua.
Most travelers begin their journey in Lima, the capital of Peru. I have always stayed in Mira Flores which is more the touristy area out on the coast. It has great restaurants, bars and is safe to walk around.
From Lima you can either catch a flight to an Amazonian jungle lodge to try to spot a Puma or go on to Cuzco, the capital of the ancient Inca empire.
On arrival in Cuzco you have travelled from sea level to 3200m. One has to be careful to acclimatize which entails taking it easy for a couple of days, drinking lots of water, and Mate de Coca which is tea made from cocoa leaves to combat altitude sickness.
Cuzco entices the visitor to stroll and discover the many churches and museums, or marvel at the masonry of the Incas.
From here there is so much to explore in the sacred valley of the Incas going towards the famed Macchu Picchu. You can either get the train from Cuzco to Macchu Picchu or do the 4/5 day trek to Macchu Picchu. I have done the Inca Trail twice and would do it again and again. It is one of the world’s great walks, climbing to the highest point at 4200m. The view of Macchu Picchu from the Gateway of the Sun from above is something you will never forget!
A lot of travelers get the train from Cuzco to Puno and then explore Lake Titicaca. You can take a boat trip around the lake that sees the local Uros people living on the lake, on islands made from the reeds on the lake shore.
It is then an easy bus ride to La Paz the capital of Bolivia. It is a bustling city at around 4000m. A highlight here for me was the Valley of the Moon, a strange area that looks like a lunar landscape and the witches market that sells such things as a llama fetus. I don’t think that you will get that back through customs so best to look and not buy!
From La Paz the options of where to go are endless, depending on the time you have.
Don’t forget that only Maverick Travel (formerly known as Travelscene Samford) at Samford & Everton Park lets you travel anywhere, any time and pay with your membership rewards points so contact us on 3289 3700 or 3355 3700 and let us help you turn your American Express membership rewards points into your next trip.
