Peru | Blog Magical Cuzco Tours

What you need to know Before Visiting Machu Picchu in 2024

Here we tried to collect some of the main questions we received from people eager to visit Machu Picchu.

First, let’s start from the question of question! What is the best time to go? Here there are divergent opinions that we can report. On one side, we can say that the best time is from July to August, which is the dry season, when you will not find rain and humidity. On the other hand, we can also say that the quietest moment to visit the citadel is the rainy season, where it is less crowded, and prices are generally lower.

When is it convenient to buy tickets? We suggest you buy your entry tickets in long advance since there is a limited number of visitors allowed per day, at the moment 2500 for the citadel and less for the other options (see below). There are two slots per day: in the morning (6:00am-12:00pm) and in the afternoon (12:00-17:30pm).

What are the ticket options? There are several kinds of entry tickets, the basic entry allows you to visit the citadel, but you can add the visit to Huayna Picchu, which allows you to explore the mountain throughout a 2–3-hour hike where you will enjoy stunning landscapes and a great view of Llaqta. The access to Huayna Picchu is allowed only in the morning. The other option is visit to the citadel and Machu Picchu Mountain, a high mountain from where you will enjoy charming views of the citadel. There are more tickets available for Machu Picchu Mountain than for Huayna Picchu daily. Finally, there are tickets available for those visitors who decide to do the Inca Trail.

How do I reach Machu Picchu? This is another common question we often receive. Also, here you have several options:

Train from Poroy or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which is the little town located at the bottom of the valley below Machu Picchu. The town is also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. The journey lasts 3-4 hours. From here you can take the bus to the citadel. Buses start running from 5:00am in the morning.
If you want to do the Inca Trail you will reach the citadel on your own, but you might need to book the Inca trail several months before due to the high demand and the few spots available.

How do I need to dress? We suggest you wear comfortable shoes, also bring a raincoat, a hat, and sunglasses. It is mandatory to use sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Sun could be very strong over there.

If you need more information, contact us: info@magicacuzcotours.com or call us (1) 703-822-5311.

On 11 junio, 2024 • By magicalblog

Peru• Travel Tips• World travel

Luxury Fashion that Brings Peruvian Heritage to the World

When traveling to Peru you can think of luxury and fashion, there are many Peruvian brands that manage to capture the cultural and artistic essence of the country and at the same time provide an amazing product.

The Gift of a Story:

This collection is a tribute to the cultural and artistic heritage of ancient Peruvian civilizations. Imagine wearing a piece of Nazca history, reflected in a delicate and elegant baby alpaca and silk fabric. These garments not only envelop us in luxury but also connect us with the legacy of our ancestors.

Intricate design with lots of color:

For those looking for the perfect balance between style and comfort, we found these stoles. Made with baby alpaca and silk fibers, this multicolored garment is a reflection of elegance and sophistication. It is a constant reminder of the harmony and beauty found in our culture, allowing us to carry a piece of it wherever we go.

Art and Spirituality in Every Garment:

Also recommend series of stoles that are true canvases of inspiration. Each piece, designed by Kelly Abarca, fuses art and spirituality, using baby alpaca and silk fibers. These garments not only adorn but also inspire, combining beauty and depth in each thread.

When travelling to Peru, consider looking for these pieces of art. Each garment tells a story, our Peruvian story, and allows us to carry a piece of our heritage with us, wherever we go. Customizre your tour with us and we will provide recommendation on where to go shopping for pieces as special like this.

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com

Photos: from Kuna store Website

On 6 junio, 2024 • By magicalblog

Cusco• Peru• Sacred Valley• Travel

Places to visit in the Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo, Maras y Moray

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, is a place full of history, culture, and natural beauty. In this blog, we will explore three of its most fascinating destinations: Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray. Each of these places offers a unique experience, connecting visitors with the rich legacy of the Incas and the natural wonders of the region.

Ollantaytambo: The Living Fortress

Ollantaytambo is one of the most important towns in the Sacred Valley and an essential stop for any traveler. Known for its impressive Inca fortress, this historic site served as an important religious, agricultural, and military center during the Inca empire. The ruins of Ollantaytambo offer a window into the past, with perfectly preserved agricultural terraces and massive stone structures that defy the passage of time. Visitors can stroll through the local market, sample traditional food, and enjoy the hospitality of the locals.

Maras: The Millenary Salt Mines

About 40 kilometers from Cusco, Maras is famous for its ancient salt mines. These salt mines have been exploited since pre-Inca times and continue to be a source of salt today. The salt pans of Maras are composed of thousands of small pools staggered on the side of a mountain, creating a unique and spectacular landscape. Visitors can walk among the pools, learn about the salt production process, and buy local salt as a souvenir. The panoramic views from the salt pans are breathtaking, especially during sunset when the sunlight reflects off the pools creating a magical effect.

Moray: The Inca Agricultural Laboratory

Moray is an Inca archaeological site distinguished by its unusual circular terraces. Located about 50 kilometers northwest of Cusco, Moray is considered one of the most striking examples of Inca agricultural engineering. Moray’s concentric terraces resemble an amphitheater and are believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with crops and microclimates. Temperature differences between terrace levels can be as much as 15°C, which allowed the Incas to simulate different climatic conditions and develop crops adapted to various altitudes. Moray offers a unique perspective on the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Incas and their ability to adapt agriculture to the challenging Andean conditions.

Visiting Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray is an enriching experience that allows travelers to connect with the history and culture of the Incas while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Sacred Valley. These three destinations, each with their magic and mystery, are a sample of the ingenuity and grandeur of one of the most fascinating civilizations in history. What are you waiting for to visit them?

Customize your journey with our specialized team. We can’t wait to share the magic of Peru with you!

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com

On 23 mayo, 2024 • By magicalblog

Cusco• Machu Picchu• Peru

Discover Machu Picchu: A Journey to the Heart of the Inca Empire

Machu Picchu, an architectural wonder lost deep in the Peruvian Andes, is much more than just a tourist destination; it is a portal to the past, a window into the grandeur of the Inca Empire. In this blog, I invite you to discover the history, nature, and emotion of Machu Picchu, where every step is an adventure and every view is an unforgettable experience.

Epic Hikes

Machu Picchu does not reveal itself easily. To reach this hidden wonder, one must embark on an epic adventure, either along the legendary Inca Trail or along less-traveled routes. These treks offer much more than simple trails; they are time travels that transport you through changing landscapes, from dense cloud forests to clear highlands, each step bringing you closer to the majesty of Machu Picchu.

Special Moments

Every corner of Machu Picchu breathes history and mystery, and exploring it is like unraveling an ancient enigma. Imagine stopping at the Sun Gate at dawn, while the first rays of sunlight illuminate the ancient Inca stones or sitting in silence at the Temple of the Condor, feeling the presence of those who built it centuries ago. It is these special moments that make Machu Picchu an unforgettable visit, leaving a lasting impression on the souls of those who experience it.

Incredible Views

From the moment you set foot in Machu Picchu, you are immersed in a world of breathtaking views. The towering mountains surrounding the citadel, such as Huayna Picchu and the imposing Machu Picchu, dominate the skyline, creating an imposing backdrop to this architectural wonder. As you walk through its terraces and plazas, each glance offers a new perspective, a new postcard-worthy of being captured to remember forever.

An Unforgettable Adventure

In short, Machu Picchu is much more than a tourist destination; it is an adventure that awakens the senses and nourishes the soul. Whether you embark on a challenging hike, pause to contemplate moments of awe, or marvel at the incomparable views, every moment at Machu Picchu is a unique and unforgettable experience. Are you ready to discover the heart of the Inca Empire? The journey awaits you, full of great adventures, epic treks, special moments, and incredible views. Customize your journey with our specialized team. We can’t wait to share the magic of Peru with you!

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com

On 16 mayo, 2024 • By magicalblog

Nazca• Peru• Travel• Travel Tips

Best Things to do in Paracas and Around

Paracas is a small port town in the Paracas district and it is located in the Ica region in the south of Lima. It is well-known to travelers due to the large amount of activities and tours available in the area and the peaceful atmosphere. Paracas is also the jumping point to reach and visit the Islas Ballestas and the amazing Paracas National Reserve.

Here is a list of activities available in the area:

Islas Ballestas and Paracas National Reserve: to visit the site we suggest you to book in advance a relaxing boat tour leaving from the “El Chaco” pier. During the tour you will explore the area and see the popular ”El Candelabro”, a large prehistoric petroglyph of unknown origin spanning over 150 meters high and 50 meters wide, which is considered a mysterious symbol; the peculiar rock formations; the different species of animals and birds in the island, like sea lions, Peruvian booby, cormorans, penguins among others.

Winery Tour in Ica: Paracas is located in the Ica district at only a 1-hour car ride from Ica city, popular for its vineyards. This is the perfect chance to engage in a fun winery tour. In Ica you can find many wine “bodegas” that produce a sweet red wine and also the famous national Peruvian spirit: Pisco. During the tour, you will learn about the different kinds of grapes, the production process, and the tools used and have the chance to taste several types of wine and Pisco varieties. The varieties depend on the different kinds of grapes used in the elaboration process. Do not miss the chance to buy wines and Piscos directly in the “bodega” for a cheaper price.

Huacachina Tour: this is a unique oasis in the heart of the Peruvian desert, considered a paradisiac place with palms, a blue-green lagoon, and sand dunes where you can engage in multiple fun activities or, if you are not an active traveler, just relax. Huacachina is ideal for sports activities, such as buggies and sandboarding. As for the buggies, you can rent four-wheel-drive dune buggies and go up and down the dunes with a professional driver. We suggest you take the afternoon tour to avoid the heat and enjoy the beautiful sunset in the desert. As for sandboarding, if you are an expert you can just rent the board otherwise just take the tour with a professional instructor, who will explain how to surf the dunes and help you choose the right sandboard for you.

Nazca Lines Tour: if you are into adventurous trips, you can also fly over the famous and mysterious Nazca lines. Flights usually leave in the morning and you will have the chance to see the incredible lines, whose history is still controversial.

Customize your journey with our specialized team. We can’t wait to share the magic of Peru with you!

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com.

On 22 junio, 2023 • By magicalblog

Galapagos• Travel Tips• What to do• World travel

Top Things to do in Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands are one of the best spots to visit in South America. Located 900 km away from the Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos is a volcanic archipelago of 18 islands, famous for its wildlife and amazing landscapes.

Snorkeling and Diving: get in the clean water and go snorkeling and diving as much as you can in the Galapagos. The world under the Pacific Ocean waters is amazing and full of species to discover and colorful corals. Sea turtles, sea lions, whale sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads, reef fishes, among others are part of what you will enjoy during the immersions. You can go snorkeling everywhere in the archipelago, but some of the best spots are Floreana Island, San Cristobal Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago Island, among others.

Birdwatching: birdwatching is one of the most popular activities you can do in Galapagos islands. Let’s keep in mind that the islands were used by Charles Darwin for his researches and species classification for his theory of evolution; the site is basically a unique place for birdwatching. You can encounter flamingos, footed boobies, frigate birds, among others species you can spot.

Wildlife spotting: a part from birdwatching, you can engage in multiple others activities in the Galapagos archipelago, such as the wildlife spotting. You can encounter marine iguanas on the beach, sea lions, penguins, tortoises, seals and finches. All these species inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. You can engage in this activity everywhere in the Galapagos islands, since in all islands you will encounter beautiful species. However, the best spots are Isabela, Fernandina and Bartolomé Islands for penguins, Santa Cruz and Isabela islands for giant tortoises, Santa Cruz, Fernandina and Isabela Islands for land iguanas.

Hiking: in the archipelagos you can also go hiking thought exciting trails, such as the Sierra Negra Volcano trail on Isabela Island, which is located more than 1300 meters above the sea level; Playa Mann, Playa Punta Carola and Cierro Tijeretas trail on San Cristobal Island where you can enjoy stunning landscapes and do birdwatching; North Seymour Island trail where you can hike through cactus and Palo Santo trees and there you can spot many wildlife species.

For more information you can contact us at anamaria@magicalcuzcotours.com or call us (+1) 703-822-5311

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On 9 febrero, 2023 • By magicalblog

Cusco• Travel Tips• What to do

Five Best Things to do in Cusco

Cusco is a must-seen when traveling to Peru. You should definitely add 3 or 4 days in Cusco when planning your Peru trip. For many travelers visiting Peru without exploring Cusco is like writing a story without a real plot, since you cannot catch the essence of the country. Cusco is a vibrant city, rich in history and culture. Considering that, and being sure that you all have added a stop in Cusco in your Peru’s itinerary, in this article we tried to list top things and activities to do in Cusco area.

Sacsayhuaman: do not forget to pay a visit to this archeological Inca site located on top of the city, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Cusco. Sacsayhuaman is a mural complex, made of huge stones of approximately 300 pounds each, and reachable on foot from Cusco city. The site is located more than 3500 mts above sea level, so if you suffer from altitude sickness consider taking a taxi.

Historical Centre: do not forget to visit Cusco’s main square, ranked as one of the most important square in the world. There you can visit the magnificent cathedral, and enjoy the vastity of the square. Take a stroll in the little street around the square, where you can find cozy cafes and restaurants. This spot has been considered the real essence of the Inca Empire.

San Blas district: San Blas is the vibrant, boho and creative district of Cusco, where you can find clothes shops, Peruvian artisans’ shops, art galleries and workshops and some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes. Its cobbled streets are fascinating, as well as its colonial architecture.

Rainbow Mountain: this is a popular spot for trekking lovers. You can hike the route by yourself in approximately 2 hours or you can rent a horse to make the experience a bit lighter, in one day you will have an amazing trekking experience and enjoy a stunning view. Once you reach the famous rainbow mountain you will enjoy an amazing and not-ordinary colorful landscape. Do not forget your camera!

San Pedro Market: to catch the essence of Peruvian culture you should visit this huge market, located only 10 minutes from Cusco’s main square. This is a great place to try Peruvian authentic food, do not forget to negotiate prices, that’s the funniest part.

Here are only few things that you can do in Cusco, but Cusco is an amazing city where you can find pretty much everything depending on your preferences and specific needs.

On 30 marzo, 2022 • By magicalblog

Food• Peru• Travel Tips

5 Staple Dishes you cannot miss while in Peru

All right, now everything is set for your Peru trip, you got your flights, your accommodation, all the transportation you will need is booked and you can just relax before you leave. Meanwhile we suggest to start getting into Peruvian culture learning some Spanish words essential to survive during your trip, learn about Peruvian culture and start checking on restaurants to book for lunch or dinner, dishes you wanna try, market you do not want to miss. As you already know Peruvian cuisine is one of the most popular and well-known in the world and I am pretty sure that one of the things you do not want to miss is tasting a good ceviche and get to know the wonder and gems of our food culture. Here a list of dishes you must tr before leaving Peru.

Ceviche: This is the most popular Peruvian dish in the world. Many times, when we talk about Peru with a foreigner, then we end up talking about ceviche and its amazing and delicious taste. If you want to try the traditional ceviche we suggest to do it in Lima, since the dish is from the coastal region of Peru. Also remember that the fish used for making ceviche has to be extremely fresh. Since fishmen boats goes out very early in the morning and go back before lunch, restaurants in Lima serve ceviche only for lunch. Even tough you could find ceviche at night in some restaurants, it is not very common.

Lomo saltado: This dish comes from the union of Peruvian tradition and Chinese cuisine. The dish is made of marinated strips of sirloin, or other beef steak, red onion, tomatoes, Peruvian yellow aji chilies, French fries, served with rice, cooked at Peruvian style. The combination of ingredients create a unique flavors, you will love it! This dish is pretty easy to find in any restaurant and Peruvian very often eat it for lunch during the week.

Causa: This is considered an appetizer but it is a very reach dish, made of Peruvian yellow potatoes, avocado (we call it palta), mayonnaise and an ingredient of your choice. That means that it could be chicken, vegetables, prawns, tuna. The combination of flavors is delicious.

Aji de gallina: this is a chicken-based dish and usually Peruvians eat during the week at least once. Also expats and visitors love it for its amazing taste. It’s a spicy and creamy chicken stews served with Peruvian style steam rice and a boiled egg. In some restaurants you can also find black olives on top.

Papas a la Huancayna: this is also considered a starter, very common in restaurants and street stalls. Sliced of boiled Peruvian potatoes topped with a velvety sauce made of yellow aji pepper, evaporated milk, oil, fresh cheese and crackers. The name comes from the fact that traditionally the potatoes used to prepare the dish came from Huancayo area in the region called Junin.

What are you waiting for? Come to Peru and taste our traditional cuisine.

On 11 enero, 2022 • By magicalblog

Food• Peru• Travel Tips

5 Peruvian Traditional Desserts

Peruvian cuisine is famous for its variety of salty dishes and tastes, but it is also popular for its traditional desserts. You can find them from the fanciest gourmet restaurant to the most rustic street stall, everyone has its own version but the aim is not to compromise the traditional flavors.

ALFAJORES

Alfajores are extremely popular in Latin America’s countries, but Peru has its own and unique version indeed. They are two-layer shortbread cookies filled with “dulce de leche”, which we call in Peru “manjar”. They are usually eaten as a snack, after lunch or for tea time, the traditional Peruvian “lonche”. They are sprinkled with powdered sugar and if you want a special exotic flavor roll it into shredded coconut.

SUSPIRO A LA LIMEÑA

This is a smooth caramel–based cream lucuma-flavored, covered by a fluffy immaculate meringue and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a real sweetness experience! The traditional version is made with lucuma, a Peruvian creamy fruit, but there are other delicious versions with passion fruit, peach, chirimoya, coconut or mango.

ARROZ CON LECHE

This is a traditional dessert which bring us back to the very first traditions of Peruvian cuisine, brought to Latin America by the Spanish conquerors who took it from the Arab traditions. It’s a fabulous combination of rice, cinnamon, cloves, condensed milk and sugar. Sometimes is served with mazamorra, another traditional dessert. When you mix arroz con leche and mazamorra the result is the “combinado”, a mix of both desserts whose tastes are perfect together.

MAZAMORRA

This s a pudding-like dessert of a brilliant purple color, usually served cold. This dessert is made with purple corn, from which comes its color, pineapple, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, cornstarch, which is used to thicken it.

PICARONES

It is very common to find food stalls in the man streets and parks that cook and sell picarones, a traditional dessert to go for Peruvians. They are the Peruvian version of doughnuts, drenched in syrup called “chancaca”.

On 22 noviembre, 2021 • By magicalblog

Peru• Travel Tips• What to do

Five Places to buy a Delicious Turron de Doña Pepa

October is the “mes morado” in Lima, it can be translated in English as “purple month”, and it is a holy month to celebrate the Señor de los Milagros, one of the most important religious festivals in the country. You can notice people dressed in purple as an offer to the patron during the month. A traditional sweet eaten during the Señor de Los Milagros celebration is the traditional Turrón de Doña Pepa. The turrón has become Peruvian family’s favorite treat and also travelers and expats love it.

In October the turron starts appearing in the pastry shop’s shelves, in the grocery stores, in the food stalls. It’s a sticky anise-flavored pastry, filled with “chancaca” syrup (a sort of honey) and topped with colorful candies and sprinkles. It’s a sort of eternal dessert, Peruvians love traditions!

Here a list of places where you can buy a delicious turrón de Doña Pepa if you happen to be in Peru in October.

Pastelería San Martín

This historic pastry shop is located very close to the Plaza San Martín, it was open in 1930 and it is a mandatory stop if you want to taste a delicious turron de Doña Pepa in Lima’s downtown.

Pastelería Italo

This pastry shop is also very old, it was opened 40 years ago in Magdalena district in Lima, today it also has a branch in Callao Monumental. It offers a wide variety of tasty desserts, but it is its turron de Doña Pepa the most delicious and popular dessert on its menu.

Antigua Panadería Huérfanos de Lima

The turron de Doña Pepa of this traditional pastry shop stands out for its dough and flavor, which makes the shop a mandatory stop during the “purple month”. The place is located in Lima downtown.

Turron Isabel

Made with fruit honey and an original recipe since 1947, this turrón de Doña Pepa is one of the most traditional in Lima downtown.

La Bonbonniere

This place has become another favorite of Limeños to taste their turrón de Doña Pepa. The dough and the syrup used create a perfect combination of flavors, which will make you want to try more. You can find La Bonbonniere in several Lima’s district.

On 4 noviembre, 2021 • By magicalblog

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