Two Peruvian Secrets - That's All You Need to Know

I was fortunate to have visited Peru right before it started to become the talk of the travel world. I fell in love with everything about Peru and I came back feeling like I had just discovered something. I am capable of giving you a detailed description of Peru and all its highlights but thats best left to the guidebooks. My personal push for the destination would be to just say: When you visit Machu Picchu and are standing at the top of the Andes Mountains, glancing up at Huayna Picchu and gazing down on the Urubamba Valley, you cannot help but to be astounded by the existence of something so inexplicable. 

My experience in Peru lead me to the discovery of two Peruvian secrets. So far these are proven secrets since no one has contested them yet. I honestly believe that the two statements you are about to read can truly maximize your cultural experience in Peru. 

1. Peruvian Cuisine is One of the Best Cuisines in the World

Most people think of guinea pig when they think of Peruvian cuisine. However, the guinea pig is mainly a tourist stunt. Peruvian food is heavily influenced by Asian cuisine. Peru actually had a Japanese president up until the year 2000. Are you a fan of Nobu Matsuhisa? Well the food you eat at one of Nobu's restaurants is considered Peruvian and Japanese fusion cuisine. Nobu actually began his culinary studies in Peru. Peruvians also use a lot of spices but are very careful to make sure that one spice never overpowers an another. You can also expect that your food will be as homemade as your own grandmother's cooking (expect a wait for your food but its worth it.) Peru is definitely a place that you should not hesitate to stumble upon a new culinary find. 

2. It is Better to Stay in the Town of Aguas Calientes Rather than on the Machu Picchu Grounds

This is the toughest secret to convey to travelers. Everyone wants to stay at The Sanctuary Lodge since it sits on Machu Picchu grounds. This hotel is always sold out, which results in so many disappointed people. However, there is no reason to be disappointed. The alternative to staying at the Sanctuary is staying at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes (a 20 minute bus ride down the mountain.) The last bus to town leaves when Machu Picchu closes. Therefore, you can stay for the sunset and leave the park at the same time as the travelers who are staying at the Sanctuary. There is also a bus available to take you up the mountain before the sun rises. Therefore, you will enter the park not a minute later than anyone else. Many people think the benefit to staying at the Sanctuary is that you have views of Machu Picchu from your room. Well, this is not completely true because during the day you most likely are in the park and at night, well, its dark. Also, once the last bus leaves the mountain you are stuck...you have no one where to go. Aguas Calientes is a quaint and charming town, slightly touristy but at least there are a few things to do.