Peru: Up Close and Personal

Posted on February 10, 2014 Updated on February 13, 2014

Saying that I love to travel is an understatement.

I mean, I love it so much that I made it my career – my life.  That means that much of my time is filled with countless, amazing trips, and 2013 was no exception.  I’m so excited that I can now share them in detail with all of you on this new blog.  With all my recent adventures last year – from Australia to New York – it was difficult to choose just what to write about first.  But if I’m honest with myself (and you), my favorite trip was by far my adventures in the mountains of Peru.

And with good reason.

What an amazing country! Every day of my journey was full of surprises and beauty at every turn. The resorts were fabulous, and the food!  The food was fresh, wholesome and delicious.  We explored Machu Picchu, the legendary lost city of the Inca Empire, rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It is truly one of the most amazing and mysterious places on earth. We also had entertaining and knowledgeable guides throughout who told us all about the history of the people.

From Machu Picchu, we took the famous Hiram Bingham luxury train to Cuzco, enjoying a delicious gourmet meal, fine drinks and music along the way.  All the while we were met with views of breathtaking scenery and vast landscapes.  It was a great reminder that half the fun of travel is getting there.

The highlight of the trip was a cruise on the Amazon aboard the 24 passenger Aqua Expedition’s  Aria.  We explored  the river on small skiffs with native guides  who could point out gorgeous birds in the trees, sloths and even chameleons that we never could have seen on our own.   The most exciting moment was when the guides spotted an anaconda lounging in the reeds.  They struggled with it for quite a while before finally pulling it out of the water. What a photo op!

Lake Titicaca was another notable highlight. The lake is both the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest lake in South America, and it is home to a population of pre-Incan people called Uros who live on artificial islands made of floating reeds.  (Yes, reeds.) It’s like the mother of all houseboats, really.  Someone decides who he wants for a neighbor, then builds the island. If the relationship sours and they no longer want to be neighbors, they just cut off their portion of the island and float away!   It was like nothing I’d ever seen.  And I guess that’s what I love about travel – there is so much about the world that you have to see to believe, and I want to see it all.

Peru was truly unforgettable.  From the kind people and the hospitable culture to the delectable food and exciting attractions, what’s not to love? I would go back again in a heartbeat.

Don’t take my word for it, though.  Let us help you experience it for yourself.  This is one trip you don’t want to miss.  Check out more pictures from my trip in our photo gallery for more inspiration.