Pre- and Post-Trips Ideas for Peru

Continuing my conversation with Diana Bauer, the owner of Be Peru!, a DMC based in Lima, with representatives in the main destinations in Peru, such as Cusco.  We talked about what is the latest in meetings and events in Peru.  Here is what she shared with me regarding pre- and post-trip options for attendees wishing to extend their once in a lifetime trip to Peru:
 
First Timer – There are so many options for First Timers planning a pre- or post extension in Peru.  Diana recommends Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas as must sees in Peru.  Lima with its Miraflores District, its museums and world-class cuisine should be part of an extended stay.    Other great destinations to appreciate Peru’s history and culture before and after the Conquest, include the Uros Islands man-made platforms on Lake Titicaca near Puno and the jewelry and mysticism of Trujillo and Huaca del Sol y la Luna (The Temple of the Sun and the Moon).

Active/Adventure –  Peru has all of the standard adventure activities including ziplining, whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and horseback riding.  However, few destinations offer hiking options better than Peru with the Inca Trails leading to Machu Picchu.  There are Inca Trails in and around Cusco for day hikes or multi-day hikes.  One of the challenges for participants can be the higher altitude which can impact breathing and recovery time.  As a point of reference, Colorado’s highest altitude is 6,800 ft. and Cusco’s altitude is 10,800 ft.

Luxury – For those seeking luxury, Diana recommends a post-meeting trips to the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which feature 70 plus large ancient geoglyphs of animals, birds, fish and human figures in the Nazca Desert, in southern Peru and to Iquitos, along the Amazon River in northern Peru.

The Nazca Lines can be an expensive excursion, which includes private transfer by air or bus, sightseeing flight and hotel accommodations.  There is very limited connectivity by air to Ica or Pisco (known for the Pisco Sour, Peru’s national drink), the nearest cities to the Nazca Lines.  If you are staying in Ica, a must see is the village of Huacachina.

The luxury Peruvian Amazon River tours where discussed in my last blog (Part 1).  Thanks, again to Diana for her insight into Peru. Check out www.beperu.com  for sample incentives.