Machu Picchu in the Andes of the Cusco part of Peru

Dateline:  Cusco, Peru, 11,200 feet, 11pm

Today I marvelled at the human and natural wonders of Machu Picchu, the Inca’s “Lost City” in the Andes of Peru. Chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in the 2007 global Internet poll, the pre-Columbian destination has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, as “an absolute masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca civilization.”

The conquering Spaniards never found Machu Picchu, despite it’s being only 80 kilometers Northwest of Cusco. Now this “Bucket List” destination has to limit the number of visitors each day, so reservations months in advance are advised.  Only 2,500 people a day are allowed. Huayna Picchu, the adjacent tall peak that provides great overhead vistas and photos, only allows 200 people between 7 and 10 am, and 200 people between 10 am and 1 pm, according to excellent guide Ruben Tello Velosque of Setours.

Trekkers may walk the Incan trail to Machu Picchu, taking several days to a week over challenging trails. For those who want more comfort and are on tighter time schedules, there’s a one day luxury approach thanks to Orient Express and PeruRail:

Deluxe Train Service begins in the waiting lounge

Take the Hiram Bingham Deluxe Train round trip for stellar service, views, and food, and enjoy a private guide while exploring the Inca’s observatory, agricultural terraces, llamas, and temples.

The waiting area for the Hiram Bingham offers music and Peruvian champagne. Onboard free libations, including a Peruvian specialty, the Pisco Sour, are provided with live music in the lively bar car. Every passenger has a seat at a table with white linen and fresh flower.

The wonderful food and service make it a comfortable way to bookend transportation for a World Wonder, whether you do it in a day or have the luxury of more time. And to enhance the Machu Picchu experience with luxury hotels, a memorable option is to wake up in the Aranwa Sacred Valley (after a superb spa treatment the night before), and go to sleep at the Hotel Aranwa Cusco Boutique.

View of Huayna Picchu from Machu Picchu

The Aranwa bed in my room beckons now, and dreams promise to be rich with the beauties of Peru past and present, and stories yet to come.

          Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens

                  All photos (c) Lisa TE Sonne

Luxury sleep in an Aranwa Boutique Hotel in Peru

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