Beyond MACHU PICCHU

I jumped at the opportunity to work on an assignment entitled “Travel Outside the Obvious” because as the saying goes, that is my wheelhouse! For instance I saw it as a perfect complement to combine a Mexico beach trip with a visit to the subterranean roadways and plazas of Guanajuato. My vacation to Vietnam and the obvious visit to Ho Chi Minh City included a detour to watch world class windsurfers in the town of Miu Ne.

Therefore pushing the boundaries of Peru beyond the obvious Machu Picchu, was right up my alley. Don’t get me wrong. Machu Picchu IS extraordinary. I can now attest to it. But I assumed Peru had more to offer well beyond the wondrous Machu Picchu. For instance, my travel partner and I indulged on the exemplary cuisine rooted in the cultural odyssey of Incans, Spaniards, Japanese and Italians. We experienced firsthand how Peru caters to the luxury market (thank you, Libertador & Luxury Resort Collection!) in addition to the numerous budget-conscious backpackers. We lingered in the Sacred Valley, explored the deserts and sunbathed on the beaches outside of the obvious and breathtaking Andes. (Next time to the jungle!)

LIMA

Our 8-hour journey on Copa Airlines to Lima from Chicago included a quick stop in Panama City. Our driver met us at the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, and we navigated the congested traffic and cacophony of horns through the bustling city. In roughly 30 minutes we approached the sleek and sophisticated Westin Hotel in San Isidro, Lima’s financial district. Our driver informed us that the Westin was the tallest building in Lima (due to soil and earthquake concerns) and added as we eagerly unloaded ourselves and our bags that we must try our first Pisco Sour in the English styled bar.

We took in the immense glass structure of this environmentally friendly hotel (also the only LEED Gold certified building in Peru) and washed up in our elegant room overlooking the city lights. Dinner that evening