Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate
This image is from an interesting, and beautifully illustrated, piece on the hike from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu in the New York Times
This is a stunning trip which we have recently added to our portfolio of Peru holidays. The hiking is tough but the rewards phenomenal as you can read in this article.
If you would like to hike from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, why not call us on 01273 676 712 to discuss this remarkable walking holiday.
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Updated 03rd May 2011.
FALSE ALARM! The Peruvian authorities have decided that closing Machu Picchu in the height of the season isn’t such a good idea after all. You can probably expect some disruption to your visit if you are going to be at the site on either the 6th or 7th July 2011. Hopefully they’ll try and keep those dignitaries cooped up in corner somewhere though so you can still enjoy your time at the citadel.
Updated 05th April 2011.
Machu Picchu will now be closed on both the 6th and 7th July 2011. See further details below.
News just in from Peru is that Machu Picchu will be closed on July 7th 2011
This is due to the celebrations that will be held for the 100th anniversary of the re-discovery of Machu Picchu. Let’s face it, it’s really the 100th anniversary of people in North America/Europe finding out about Machu Picchu but that’s a discussion for another time!
The Peruvian Government has decided to close access to the Citadel on July 07th, 2011. Nobody will be able to visit Machu Picchu that day and no trains will run either way on that specific day.
This revelation is likely to lead to some interesting levels of chaos for those who have booked their holiday to Peru already in the hopes of arriving at Machu Picchu on the 7th July.
Pura Aventura clients visiting Machu Picchu at around that time are unaffected as dates fall just before and just after the 7th July.
Ceviche - served in the classic Peruvian style
Every country has it’s national dish. In Peru it is undoubtedly ceviche. It is a dish of fish marinated in lime juice, the acid from which actually ,’cooks’ the fish. It is mixed with finely sliced red onions and chilli, served on a plate with lettuce, corn on the cob and sweet potato. Try it with an ice-cold Inca Cola for the truly Peruvian immersion experience!
When I first arrived in Peru, from Ecuador, I arrived in the northern town of Chiclayo. The first thing that struck me was the amount of people out, wandering the streets until late in the evening. This didn’t happen much in Quito or Cuenca, where the streets were often deserted after dark.
For the first week I spent my evenings wandering and enjoying what I thought was the national dish of Peru: spit-roasted chicken, served with chips and salad. I blame it on the sheer volume of “Pollerias”, (restaurants dedicated to serving chicken). I hope that I have now been forgiven by the people of northern Peru for thinking such a thing!
The first time that I tried ceviche in Peru, was in the city of Trujillo. For me, it was love at first bite! Myself and my travelling companion were recommended a “Cevicheria”, by the owner of the hostel where we were staying. We took him up on his recommendation.
Ceviche must be prepared using very fresh fish and Peruvians are very keen on cleanliness, especially when it comes to serving food. The freshness of the fish means it takes on the flavour of the lemon and the heat of the chili. Upon closer inspection, it was apparent that the fish was cooked all of the way through! The acid in the limes had cured the fish. Each mouthful of the mix contained a variety of flavours and the ice-cold Inca Cola was a perfect compliment to it.
I was left in no doubt that ceviche is Peru’s national dish on a separate visit to Trujillo, when I was staying in the coastal town of Huanchaco. After a shopping trip in the morning, returning to our hotel, the streets of this small town were deserted. This was quite strange for an early afternoon. On the corners of some of the streets, were plain-clothed police, carrying guns.
It transpired that the president of Peru had just decided to pop-in to his favourite cevicheria for lunch. Apparently, he had flown up from Lima in his helicopter especally. After lunch, he was whisked away, presumably back to Lima to continue with his working day.
I have travelled extensively throughout Peru. When I meet people and speak of my times in this fascinating country, I will always mention ceviche when asked about the cuisine. Peru’s cuisine is quite unique in all of South America and ceviche is the signature dish. It sometimes raises a look of bemusement with first timers, but it is perfectly safe to eat and highly recommended for anybody who is a fan of seafood.
Find out more about our Peru holidays or read our guide to Peru.