Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! Have you been enjoying Halloween week? Did you know that its origins are from Ireland? The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain dates back 2,000 years when October 31st marked the thinnest boundary between the world of the living and of the dead as the cold, dark winter season began.
Speaking of places with ancient history, I’m just back from an incredible trip to Peru and have to say that it exceeded my expectations in many ways. I’ll be describing my experience in two newsletters and encourage you to email me should you have Peru on your travel bucket list. There are many options as well as tips and tricks which can make or break your experience. Luckily, I have the scoop for you…
Peru’s Ancient Civilizations
Peru initially brings up images of Machu Picchu and the intriguing Inca Empire, but the country has many archaeological sites from even more ancient times. Believe it or not, the Inca Empire was a recent arrival in the Andes during the pre-Hispanic era, and the history of the Incas barely accounts for a century within the 20,000 years of human occupation of Peruvian territory.
Long before the Incas, the Chavín civilization (1500-400 BC) achieved considerable prowess in architecture, engineering and agriculture in the northern highlands. More on Chavin below.
Along the north coast, the Moche civilization (200 BC-700 AD) is famous for its realistic pottery (portraits carved into pots and gourds) and its pyramid-shaped temples. The same area was later controlled by the Chimú kingdom (900-1450 AD), who built Chan Chan, an immense mud-brick citadel featuring 12 meter-high walls and superb architectural work.
To the south, the Nazca people (200 BC-900 AD) etched an impressive series of figures etched into the desert floor known as the Nazca Lines, while graves belonging to the Paracas culture (800 BC-600 AD) have unearthed superb weavings which point to the magical and religious vision that governed the lives of this ancient civilization.
Centuries later, the Incas (1300-1500 AD) made Cusco the center of their empire. It is here that myth and history merge, where the Inca roads, the towns, people and traditions are a living example of the Andean spirit, sacred and monumental.
Machu Picchu – A Wonder of the Americas
Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is reached through a multi-day trek on the Inca Trail or by same day train and bus ride. While you should have a reasonable level of fitness, anyone can see the view. We will discuss your preference on your trip consultation call.
Taking a glass-domed train to Machu Picchu is breathtaking. The 1 ½ hour journey takes you through majestic mountains. and the beautiful Urubamba River running through the Sacred Valley and canyon. Once in town (Aguas Calientes), you take a bus – or hike – up the winding mountainside, and after a passport check point, you will walk either circuit 1, 2 or 3 to the ancient sight. Yes, logistics are involved as well a multiple decsion points.
Once arrived, you’ll behold the iconic vision you’ve seen in many photos. Machu Picchu rises to an altitude of 7,900 ft. above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular backdrop of vegetation of the nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. Weather can come into play, but I was very fortunate to have clear views of the entire area as you can see.
The ruins (aka Citadel) are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu in two different areas: the agricultural and the urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations), and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses). Although constructions show different levels of architecture, religious buildings exhibit a high degree of perfection.
The construction was with general use of stone, and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu straw. The walls were made with an inward inclination for protection against earthquakes.
💎Hidden Gem Tip: Want to avoid standing in that long line above for an hour+? My partners in Peru can arrange 🙂
Sacred Valley & Cusco – Gateway to Machu Picchu
It’s well worth spending time in the Sacred Valley (in the Cusco region) before and/or after your time in Machu Picchu. There is much to do and see in this stunning region in the Andes; it’s rich in Inca history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s home to ancient ruins, traditional villages, salt mines, and fertile farmland with Incan terraces – and some fantastic hotels one of which I stayed in and loved. It’s also a hub for adventure activities and Quechua culture, with locals observing traditional ways of life, including weaving colorful textiles. Cusco the city is well worth spending time; it’s the gateway city to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley. It was the heart of the Inca Empire and later a target for the Spanish invasion. You’ll see a blend of cultures making Cusco a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For foodies, there’s a thriving restaurant scene as well as fantastic shopping if you’re in the market for quality textiles, gold/silver and art.
💎Hidden Gem Tip: When we speak about your trip, we will talk about avoiding altitude sickness and other important tips that can make or break your experience.
To travel is to live… here’s to late 2025 and 2026 being unforgettable and amazing years for new travel adventures! Let’s go…
Susan
