Tag Archives: Machu Picchu

Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Cultural Travel

New Direct Flight from Lima Accessing Huarascan National Park Among Tourism Improvements in Peru

Cuzco, Peru’s “Golden City,” is seeing new services and hotels, like Motto by Hilton Cuzco, which pays homage to entice tourists © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

For the past six years, tourists visiting Huaraz had to get there by bus or car during an 8-hour long journey from Lima. 

Beginning July 1, LATAM airlines is launching direct flights connecting the country’s capital Lima with the city of Huaraz in the Ancash region. The flight will take approximately an hour and will operate Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sundays on an Airbus A319 aircraft (with capacity for 12 passengers in Premium Economy cabin and 126 in Economy). Tickets can be purchased at LATAM.com with an average economy ticket price around $50. 

Huaraz, often called the adventure capital of Peru, is the gateway to Ancash, a region of the country best known for its wide range of outdoor adventure experiences including climbing, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping. 

Easily accessible from Huaraz, the peaks of Huascaran, Huandoy and Alpamayo are within the highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca. The area is a dream for those serious about mountaineering, but there’s plenty for those looking for less of a challenge. You can find more information on climbing in Huaraz here and trekking in Ancash here. 

Huarascan National Park offers glacier-topped peaks surrounding turquoise blue lakes, astonishing flora and fauna biodiversity, as well as 33 archeological sites that connect travelers with Peru’s history. In addition to its natural wonders, Huaraz offers a rich local culture, with vibrant markets and traditional festivals that reflect the region’s native heritage.

Commercial flights to Huaraz were halted six years ago, but renovations to the airport in August 2023 allowed the reintroduction of the route to being in July. 

Here’s what else is new in Peru:

HOTELS

Motto by Hilton, Cusco has announced its South American debut with the opening of Motto by Hilton Cusco. A more than $5 million investment in the center of the city, the 58-key property pays homage to Cusco’s past. 

Doubletree by Hilton Lima San Isidro opened in March 2024.

Santa Cruz Lodge has partnered with Casa Andina. Santa Cruz is located 45 minutes from the center of Caraz, Ancash. Guests can immerse themselves in experiential tourism.

The Legend Paracas Resort: Destination by Hyatt will make its South American debut this year with the acquisition of The Legend Paracas Resort. Located about three hours south of Lima, the ocean-front property offers panoramic views of Paracas Bay and rugged desert hills. The 124-suite resort is currently undergoing a phased enhancement project to elevate guestrooms, create new dining options and redesign public areas. The revamped resort is expected to reopen in June 2024.

Casa Andina, a Peruvian hotel chain, will open a new hotel in Madre de Dios in 2024. The location is in Peru’s Amazon rainforest near Manu National Park in the remote Madre De Dios region. This is the chain’s 44th property of reasonably priced boutique properties throughout Peru. Casa Andina was named one of the “sexiest new hotels for 2024” by CNN Travel.

Novotel Punta Sal Beach Resort to open its first location in Peru in Q4 2024. The $25.5 million dollar resort will be located south of Punta Sal on one of the longest beaches on the Peruvian coast. The property will have 182 suites, a gym, two swimming pools, jacuzzi and spa, and will offer activities such as surfing, mountain biking, diving, swimming with turtles and whale watching. The development will have a special focus on the environment to promote sustainability.  

RESTAURANTS

Señor Honey opened in April 2024 in the Miraflores district. Its offerings include burgers, cocktails and snacks made with spicy honey, inspired by authentic New York flavors. 

EXPERIENCES / EXPEDITIONS

Veuve Clicquot and Belmond team up to launch Solaire Journey (October 2024): Leading luxury hospitality brand, Belmond, has partnered with the prestigious champagne house, Veuve Clicquot, to launch the Solaire Journey for discerning travelers. This premium train voyage is set to debut in Peru October 21 to 26, 2024, offering a remarkable adventure from Cusco to Arequipa aboard the Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer trains. Along the way, guests will discover iconic landmarks, including Machupicchu, the La Raya mountain range, Lake Titicaca and the floating Uros Islands made entirely of cattail reeds. The Solaire Journey promises a one-of-a-kind experience in Peru with guided tours and exclusive Solaire activities enhanced by Veuve Clicquot champagne pairings and unforgettable fine dining experiences. 

Abercrombie & Kent to launch Peruvian Amazon river cruise in 2025: Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has announced the launch of a new Peruvian riverboat set to make its maiden voyage in April 2025. Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon aboard the exclusive 22-passenger luxury vessel. Three, four and seven-day itineraries will combine river and land excursions, including Machu Picchu. The river cruise is a joint venture between A&K and expedition yacht company Ecoventura.

Amazon Canoe Challenge expedition to take place June 2-10. Navigate the Amazon by canoe or SUP through a series of overnight checkpoints. Paddle independently during the day, and camp out on the river overnight.

Alpaca Expeditions’ new women’s-only Sacred Valley & Salkantay Tour to Machupicchu will launch June 22 – 28, 2024.

G Adventures launches The Geluxe Collection, featuring 5 Peru tours beginning August 2024.

TRANSPORTATION

The new Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima will open in December 2024. This $2 billion dollar airport will replace the old Jorge Chavez airport with plans to serve 30 million passengers a year. The airport will feature a four-level terminal with large commercial spaces, parking lots, an extensive area with hotels and restaurants and cutting-edge technology for passenger transit and baggage management.



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Arts and Entertainment, Exhibits, Museums & Exhibits, Uncategorized

Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru Exhibit to Open at Boca Raton Museum of Art Oct 16; Pre-Register for Tickets Now

“Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru” exhibit opens at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, Florida, October 16. With capacity limited, pre-register for tickets now.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — This fall, South Floridians and tourists from across the globe will discover a culture that thrived in a mythical world thousands of years ago.  World Heritage Exhibitions announced the world premiere of Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, opening on October 16, 2021.  The first stop of a worldwide tour will take place at the Boca Raton Museum of Art.  Cityneon presents the exhibition with support from the Government of Peru, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, and in partnership with Inkaterra Asociacion.  The artifacts in the exhibition are on loan from Museo Larco in Lima, Peru,  and Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón in Aguas Calientes, Peru.

Featuring one of the most impressive Andean gold collections ever to travel the world, this museum experience highlights a stunning  selection of 192 artifacts from royal tombs, including spectacular objects that belonged to noble Andean lords, many never-before-seen out of Peru. One of the exhibition’s highlights is a fully intact gold attire of a Chimú Emperor that dates to 1300 AD.

“Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru showcases the extraordinary and rich history of ancient Peru. It brings to life the various cultures that have lived in the land of the Incas and Machu Picchu over an astounding 3,000 years,” stated President of Museo Larco, Andres Alvarez-Calderon.

“It’s enthralling for Cityneon to have the opportunity to present to new audiences these remarkable pieces of rare Andean artifacts,” said Executive Chairman & Group Chief Executive Officer of Cityneon, Ron Tan. “Cityneon’s strong track record of staging immersive experiences globally with record-breaking visitor numbers reflects our strength in delivering high-quality experiences to visitors from around the world. Through this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to come face-to-face with history in a way that has never been done before. Guests are going to be thrilled to encounter the ancient cultures who lived in this city 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains.”

Rivaled only by Ancient Egypt in longevity and by the Roman Empire in engineering, Andean societies dominated a substantial segment of South America for over 3,000 years straight through the reign of the Incan Empire.  Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru will showcase Peruvian culture’s rich histories and traditions to the public like never before.  

“South Florida, known as the ‘Gateway to Latin America,’ is the ideal location to host this world premiere, and having the opportunity to present this exhibition at the Boca Raton Museum of Art is truly a pleasure,” stated President and Chairman of World Heritage Exhibitions, Anthony Tann. “This exhibition is exciting and engaging, and we expect Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru to be the largest cultural attraction throughout the region this fall.”

During their visit to the exhibition, guests are taken to the mysterious city in the sky, built and abandoned within a century. They will continue on a journey through the vast expanse of Andean history, traveling alongside the mythical hero Ai Apaec, and discovering the mysteries of Andean cosmology.

“Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru showcases the extraordinary and rich history of ancient Peru. It brings to life the various cultures that have lived in the land of the Incas and Machu Picchu over an astounding 3,000 years,” said President of Museo Larco, Andres Alvarez-Calderon.

Due to the current global pandemic, the need for social distancing, and other measures to prevent the coronavirus spread, the number of visitors allowed to visit Machu Picchu yearly has dropped to 250,000. This exhibition expands the ability to experience Machu Picchu to the world.  Here, the first-ever virtual reality experience of Machu Picchu will be unveiled, allowing guests a window into the unrivaled beauty and flourishing landscape.

“Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru will allow the stories and riches of Andean civilizations to travel the world,” said Inkaterra Asociacion founder, Joe Koechlin. “We could not be more delighted about sharing our history and culture with the people of South Florida and beyond.” Beginning on October 16, 2021, at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru will start its limited run in South Florida before leaving the U.S. and embarking on a multi-country, worldwide tour. The state-of-the-art exhibition will encompass the entire museum, including all galleries on both floors. 

Exhibition ticket prices start at $19.95. Tickets will go on sale later this summer.  An online registration process to pre-register for tickets is open.  Those who pre-register will have early access to tickets when they go on sale  to the public. To register to pre-purchase tickets, visit https://bocamuseum.org.

Cultural Travel, Latin America

Tara Tours markets ‘Private Peru’ 6-Night Inclusive Tour to Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu

Tara Tours' Discover the Inka Empire features a visit to Machu Picchu.
Tara Tours’ Discover the Inka Empire features a visit to Machu Picchu.

Tara Tours is promoting a six-night “Discover the Inka Empire” itinerary that features private guides and services for six nights, priced from $2175 per person/double occupancy, including local airfare, hotels, and sightseeing.

This program lands in Lima where you stay for 2 nights with private transfers, private city tour and 2 nights of hotel accommodation.

Then on to Cuzco. A quiet morning is spent here in order to get used to the high altitude and to allow time to explore the surroundings. During the stay in Cuzco, once known as the Capital of the Inka Empire, there is a private city tour and visit to the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay and other archeological sites nearby.

The next day you travel by bus and train to one of the most exciting places on earth “Machu Picchu”. Temples, palaces, towers and staircases are built into the side of the mountain. Here a private local tour guide takes you from site to site explaining the advanced world of the Inkas.

The group overnights in the village of Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Town, just at bottom of Machu Picchu ruins.

The next day is at leisure, so you can go back to explore “The Lost City of Inkas” or visit the Inka Thermal Baths of Aguas Calientes and visit the local market. Mid-afternoon return to Cuzco.

On the way back, there is an opportunity to enjoy incredible views of the Andean peaks, the Urubamba Valley and the powerful Vilcanota River.

The itinerary departs daily from the United States.

The cost per person including domestic airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima via local airlines and all private ground arrangements with daily breakfast, entrance fees, Vistadome train tickets, private tours, private transfers, room taxes-service charge, is $2175 based on double occupancy at 3-star properties; $2590 pp/dbl using 4-star properties or $3706 using 5-star hotels.

These rates are in effect from Dec.1, 2014 to Nov.30, 2015

Airfare is available from Miami from US$650-850, New York $750-950, Los Angeles $900-1100 and add-ons from other major cities are available upon request.

You can see the full itinerary at www.taratours.com/peru.htm#Lima,_Cuzco_&_Machu_Picchu_Private

Tara Tours Inc., which has been operating tours to Latin America since 1980, is based at 12002 SW 128 CT, Suite 209, Miami, Fla.33186, 305-278-4464 or 800-327-0080, www.taratours.com.

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