Cusco & the Sacred Valley SOUTHERN STAR
In the year that marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Machu Picchu, Andy Hoskins profiles travel to the famous Inca citadel and its homeland in southern Peru
Machu Picchu, and not without good reason. The majestic 15th-century Inca citadel is Peru’s number one tourist attraction, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was voted one of the New Seven Wonders (N7W) of the world in 2007. What’s more, July 24 marks the 100th anniversary of its discovery by American explorer Hiram Bingham. A series of celebrations is being held
A
to mark the occasion including, reportedly, a concert from Sting or Paul McCartney, and a lavish ceremony attended by delegates from Machu Picchu’s fellow New Seven Wonders.
26 July/August 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
sk someone to name a historic attraction in South America and the likelihood is they’ll say
The anniversary is also being used by
Peruvian authorities to put pressure on the University of Yale to return archaeological artefacts it took from the site in the days of its discovery. Whether the campaign is successful
or not, the 100th anniversary has at least pushed Peru and Machu Picchu to the forefront of many people’s minds. Already featured in virtually all Peru itineraries, many tour operators have this year added themed anniversary itineraries featuring guest speakers and guides or incorporating special events. And while Machu Picchu more or less
sells itself, agents need to be in the know when it comes to the ins and outs of trekking the Inca Trail – and the
alternatives available – and arriving by train, as well as getting familiar with the impressive accommodation portfolio in the Sacred Valley region. Although the Peruvian government
and tourist board, PromPeru, are making efforts to attract visitors to the north of the country, the fact is most people arrive in the capital city Lima, mid-way along Peru’s Pacific coast, stay a couple of days, and then head south with Machu Picchu the ultimate goal.
Cusco Capital of the ancient Inca heartland and later subject to 300 years of Spanish rule, beautiful Cusco is the gateway to the Sacred Valley which
stretches away northwest amid the towering peaks of the Andes mountain range to Machu Picchu. While backpackers might brave a long-distance bus ride from Lima to Cusco (taking anything from 20 to 24 hours), most visitors will opt for a considerably more comfortable 60-minute flight up into the Andes. At an elevation of over 3,000metres,
many visitors will spend a few days in Cusco not just to acclimatise before embarking on the Inca Trail, but to explore its many historic sites, soak
Clockwise from main image: native Quechua people are descendants of the Incas; Machu Picchu; llamas thrive in the Andean highlands
© BMI / ANDY HOSKINS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52