about: Jennifer’s February Pick

This fertile Andean valley crowning jewel was discovered in 1911.
This iconic lost city has been splashed on every must-travel-to destination the past several years.
My first travel pick for 2019 is Peru’s Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu.
 
The rapidly expanding mountain city of Cusco is the jumping off point to the Sacred Valley.
My recommendation is to savor Cusco for a few days. Another reason not to rush – literally - is because the elevation is 3399 meters/11,150 feet . It takes a little time to acclimatize.



This image of the narrow walk-way in Cusco shows the carefully hand-laid cobbles. Look closer at the base of the walls.
The ‘base’ or foundation of today’s buildings is Incan stonework from centuries gone by.  
 
Don’t rush the 75 kilometers between Cusco and Machu Picchu either.
The archaeological sites of Pisac and 15th-century Ollantaytambo Inca fortress are mind-boggling.
 
Take time to meet the locals, wander through villages, explore markets and don’t forget to try the local delicacy Cuy.
Your last stop and gateway to Machu Pichu are Aguas Calientes. From Aguas buses wind their way up mountainside switchbacks to this magical grandaddy of Incan ruins, Machu Picchu. Take your Passport, you won’t want to miss this bragging rights ink in your Passport.


Avid hikers may want to add a 4 day Inca Trail Trek to their itinerary. Truthfully, THAT’s not on my radar 😊

One last must while exploring the Sacred Valley is the2-hour rail trip through the valley floor. Let the mysteries of the Incan Empire and gold thirsty Spanish Conquistadores dance in your head as you sit back, as lush farmland and local life passes by. The Sacred Valley is a travel gem not to be missed.  
 
Footnotes:
How did the Incans cut stones so precisely and wedge them so tightly no mortar was used?
The Sacred Valley is not only brilliant for adult travellers it is brilliant for families (including Gramma & Gramps)