Archive for the 'Peru' Category

For travelers that prefer to travel in style and comfort, certain timeless vacations pose a difficult challenge.  Once you step off the private jet charter at the base of the Himalayas, on the edge of the Sahara desert, or near the limitless expanse of The Outback, most, if not all creature comforts that we are accustomed to, are left on the plane, if not back at home altogether.  Now, one intrepid company has changed all this.  A Peruvian tour company has ushered in a new class of accommodation for ecotourism and adventure travel.  Aqua Expeditions offers elegant, modern travel on their Aria cruise ship, along the northern Amazon River in Peru.

The Aria sprung forth from the mind of acclaimed Peruvian architect Jordi Puig.  The 147 foot long Aria is the second boat in Aqua’s fleet.  The Aria provides suites which measure around 240 square feet and can accommodate up to 32 guests plus captain and crew.  Rooms on board benefit from air conditioning, as well as around the clock hot water and well-appointed bathrooms.  Initially this might not sound impressive, but do not forget that you will be cruising down the Amazon, while schools of piranha school below you and poisonous dart frogs leap in the canopy above.

Riverboat travel has evolved a lot since the days of Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn aboard The African Queen.  Although the Aria still conjures the feeling of an Amazon paddle boat, passengers on board will be far removed from annoying mosquitoes, stifling humidity, and pesky crocodiles.  Aboard the Aria, you will find a dining room, indoor and outdoor lounges, an observation deck, an outdoor jacuzzi, and an exercise room, among other amenities.  Put your worries to rest and don’t hesitate to book a flight to Iquitos so you can embark upon a cruise through tropical wilderness.  Swap out the summer car rental this year for your chance to be like Bogart and Hepburn, which only gets better and more adventurous.

The Aria is equipped with 4, aluminum, 8 passenger skiffs that enable daily excursions into fragile and more intimate Amazon habitats.  The excursions allow guests to observe the 2,000 types of birds and mammals that inhabit the Amazon, as well thousands of fishes and hundreds of reptiles and amphibians.  From howler monkeys, vampire bats, anacondas, and jaguars to scarlet macaws; the natural beauty will change your perspective of Earth.  The chance to engage with such unparalleled biodiversity is priceless.  A number of people can boast of their yachts, luxury cars, private jets, but how many people can tell the tale of their epic river trip down the Amazon?  The Aria gives you the chance to relive the journey of Bogart and Hepburn, without the grit and mess.

Here on My Beautiful Adventures you are used to reading descriptions of sumptuous hotel rooms, fabulous restaurants, and various examples of urban uber-chic.  However, sometimes you have to put the adventure back into things and what better adventure can you imagine than a Peru holiday trekking the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

If you say the words “high altitude trekking” to most people, you probably will not get a terribly enthusiastic response, but there is something about the words “Inca Trail” which intrigues even the most steadfast non-trekker.  They seem to radiate exoticism; conjuring up visions of a red sun rising and illuminating mysterious ruined cities through a ghostly early-morning mist.  Given this expectation it is a good job that the trek delivers just that!

Most people’s base for the Inca Trail is the former Inca capital of Cuzco.  Well worth a few days in its own right, this small town is a unique mix of Spanish and Inca architecture and is like nowhere else on earth.  The conquistadores demolished huge swathes of it, but one interesting little historical tidbit is that most of the Spanish buildings have had to be rebuilt several times, all except for the ones where they built on top of Inca foundations.  Why?  The Inca stonework is almost entirely earthquake-proof, unlike the supposedly superior European building methods.

We will get back to the adventures in a moment, but regular readers will be pleased to know that these days Cuzco offers its fair share of uber-chic itself for those enjoying their Peru holidays, with some gorgeous boutique hotels and some absolutely superb cafes and restaurants specialising in novo-Andino cuisine.  New generations of Peruvian chefs are revisiting traditional ingredients and cooking styles, however combining them with the best of modern Peruvian cuisine.  If you have not tried Peruvian food yet, then 2012 is definitely the year for it, with new high-end restaurants opening from London to Los Angeles.

Getting back to the Inca Trail, from Cuzco you travel out into the valley of the River Urubamba.  This river was sacred to the Incas, who saw it as an earthly reflection of the Milky Way they saw in the heavens.  The area is chock-full of Inca temples, villages, and fortresses and many people choose to spend some of their Peru holidays here in the valley itself, before they start the Inca Trail.

On the morning of the trek, you are picked up and taken to the Inca Trail entrance where you meet your guides and team of porters.  That is right: it would not be mybeautifuladventures if we did not do things in style.  So long as you book your Peru holidays with the right company, you need not carry anything while you are trekking the Inca Trail as your team of porters carry all the tents, sleeping bags, mats, food, drink, and all other equipment for you!  They also assemble and disassemble camp every day so all you have to do is concentrate on the amazing scenery and what scenery it is!  Snow-capped mountains are visible in the distance, while the trail itself winds its way through jagged peaks, their slopes covered in lush, verdant forests and those famous picture-book terraces.

The Inca Trail literally reaches its peak at the 4,200m-high pass of Warmiwañusca.  Do not worry now, although literally this means “Dead Woman’s Pass.”  I am told it is because the rock formations look like a prone woman, but the view from the pass across to the sweeping snow peaks and valleys of the Hauayanay massif is stunning.  From there on in it is largely, more or less, downhill until on your final morning you rise early for a last morning’s trek through a lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns.  Suddenly, you crest one last rise and cross the stone threshold of the Intipunku Sun Gate, to be rewarded with the unforgettable vision of human artistry and natural beauty that is the magical lost city of Machu Picchu!

It is honestly hard to describe what a beautiful place this really is and even the least spiritual person tends to go a little misty-eyed when they are first confronted with it.  You will hear a lot of talk about ‘energy’ and ‘power,’ as genuinely it is somewhere that just feels special.

Of course, after all your exertions on the Inca Trail, it is nice to end your Peru holidays feeling special yourself, so once you have thoroughly explored Machu Picchu we recommend descending to the gorgeous Pueblo hotel, where you can enjoy the luxury casitas, attentive service, and private thermal springs — hands down the most beautiful way to end this particular adventure.

Dan Clarke works for Real Peru Holidays, the UK’s specialist in tailormade holidays in Peru.  If you need expert advice on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a tip on Cuzco’s best restaurants, or where to find the best boutique hotels, then you just have to ask.

Want to experience the vibrant culture of Peru and the unforgettable beauty of the Galapagos?  Ever dreamed of swimming in pristine blue waters amongst 2,500 unique marine species or hiking cliff side stairways up the century old Inca Trail to discover the lost city of Machu Picchu?  Want to help support a non profit organization that promotes education, health-care, environmental preservation, and community development?  I am certain your answer is yes!  Well, Viventura is now offering the opportunity to do both.

During the month of December, Viventura  is giving contestants the chance to win a FREE 15 day trip to Peru and the Galapagos as part of  their annual Christmas Game.  This amazing tour starts in the famous Galapagos islands, where travelers island hop for 4 days before their next adventure to one of the “7 Wonders of the World”: Machu Picchu.  Take the famous Andean train ride through lush mountaintops until you reach the Sacred Valley of the Incas.  There you will find yourself in awe as you wander through 15th century maze-like corridors of temples, workshops, and royal buildings.  It truly is a trip of a lifetime filled with culture, history, and plenty of local interaction.

Besides answering fun-filled trivia questions in the hopes of winning a grand prize worth roughly $3000, participants will ultimately be helping and supporting underprivileged communities throughout South America.  For every correct answer submitted, Viventura will donate .25 cents to viSozial.  Since 2002, viSozial has succeeded in completing major campaigns such as: providing dental care and hygiene to both students and parents, constructing 50 toilets throughout the schools and wawawasi community, promoting nutrition to over 200 individuals to eliminate malnutrition, and purchasing musical instruments and financing a music teacher for educational purposes.  ViSozial hopes to achieve in the future: supplying a local nursery with food for one month, providing each student with school uniforms, and organizing a soccer game for 60 students.  This is a great chance to help individuals in need and win big!

As a firm believer in sustainable tourism practices, Viventura hopes this contest will not only increase people’s interest in traveling to South America, but inspire people to think of others this holiday season as well.   Viventura focuses on what they know and what they love; South America, tour guides having local knowledge and extensive experience, and receiving the latest news about South America.  Tours are never larger than 9 people, which allows guides to provide individual attention to every traveler.  Above all, with 10 years experience in the European market, Viventura has a reputation of offering memorable locations with exciting activities, exceptional customer service, and tours that support local economies — all at an absolutely amazing value.

Register today in 3 easy clicks and help support South American communities in need:

1. Click on the Christmas Page
2. Answer the Question of the Day
3. Submit your email address

You might not be an adrenaline junkie, but every now and again, we all need an adventure.  Whether you are on your annual vacation or traveling the world; take some time to fit in an activity which you have never tried before and take a step out of the ordinary.  Check out these 5 destinations for an experience you will never forget:

1. South Africa: One of the most beautiful countries in the world, a trip to South Africa promises to be amongst the most memorable trips you will ever have.  For the thrill of a lifetime try white-water rafting down the Orange River or give sand-boarding a go on the sand dunes for something truly exciting.  Check out Cape Town for some local delicacies and if you rent an apartment through citybaseapartments.com, you can try cooking some ostrich steaks and Karoo lamb yourself.  Get closer to the wildlife by learning how to tree-top swing and you will be flying about the jungle with the monkeys before you know it!
2. Norway: An unusual destination, Norway is the mecca of all winter sports.  If you have ever fancied learning to ski, snowboard, toboggan, or even ice-fish, then this is the country to go to.  Rich in beautiful wildlife, a trip here will certainly open your eyes.
3. Peru: Steeped in ancient history, Peru is a wonderful country for learning about a new culture.  Many travelers who visit follow the Inca Trail through the Andes to discover the lost city of Machu Picchu. If you enjoy trekking through natural wonders, then give Peru a try.
4. Australia: How does scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef sound?  If you love water-sports, take a trip to either Bondi Beach or Surfer’s Paradise, where you can learn to surf, sail, kayak, and snorkel from scratch.  For the best way to see the Sydney Opera House, jump on a jet-boat at Circular Quay and race across the water; just make sure you have not recently eaten!
5. Madagascar: If you have seen the animated film, then you have a pretty good idea about what this island can offer.  A remote, secluded beauty spot surrounded by warm seas and home to species only found on this island; a visit to Madagascar is an adventure in itself.  From mountains to beaches and rainforests to coral reefs, this country truly has it all, and as such, a jungle trek or a safari is highly recommended.  After you have done that, try your hand at hand-gliding or rafting and experience a totally different way of life.

Would it not be nice to come home from your trip with more than a few photographs and a bit of sunburn?  Do not be afraid to try something you have never done before, it will make you feel alive and you will come back feeling like you could conquer the world.  If you are taking a trip this year make it an adventure to remember!

In 2005, after experiencing a miserably boring New Year’s Eve spent at home, I vowed from then on I would travel somewhere exceptionally fabulous for the holiday.  Since it is my favorite day of the year, I feel that it should be celebrated in style!

Here is a look at the places I visited for the last 5 New Year Eve’s:

London, England 2006.  We rung in the new year on the River Thames inside a boat.  Fireworks were set off from the London Eye.

Madrid, Spain 2007.  5 minutes before this picture was taken my camera was stolen from my pocket.  Thankfully, my girlfriend had her disposable camera with her.  While my friend took this picture, an unknown Italian man gave me a huge Hollywood kiss for good luck and then turned around and walked away.  Guess the night was not a total loss?

Barrosa Valley, Australia 2008.  Because of a severe drought, no fireworks were permitted in that part of Australia, which was our last stop on a 2 week road trip.  This is the wine region of the country, so we celebrated by drinking lots and lots of wine.  Do not worry, we did not drive after drinking, although we did have excellent caravan insurance.

Machu Pichu, Peru 2009.  The plan was to ring in the new year in Cuzco, however a group of Peruvian women decided to go on strike at the train station and it stopped all of the trains for 6 hours.  Thus, we ended up celebrating at the train station.

Rio de Janeiro, Brasil 2010.  I cannot imagine a more unforgettable place to spend New Year’s Eve!  I joined over 3 million people all dressed in white on Copacabana Beach and watched 20 minutes of the most amazing fireworks illuminate the city.

As you read this, I am currently in Paradise Island, the Bahamas. For 2011, I attended a ball with the theme of Alice and Wonderland and then headed to the streets of Nassau for Junkanoo until sunrise.  I am sending you all big kisses and hugs and hoping that all of your wildest dreams come true in 2011!!!

PS  Where is your favorite place that you have celebrated New Year’s Eve in?  I am always looking for new places!