Some weeks ago, Cesar -Director of Sales of Fiesta Tours- and I decided to travel to Cusco. Our objective was to visit our Operations team, to do some hotels and trains inspections and to see how they were handling the hygiene and safety protocols.
It was my first trip in Covid times and I was feeling really curious about it. I had been to Cusco many times but, of course, never in a similar situation.
When we landed in Cusco, Manuel and Ricardo -our colleagues in charge of the transfer- were already waiting for us. Both wearing the uniform and the face mask correctly, and keeping the physical distance. After they disinfected our hands, shoes and luggage, we started our transfer to Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, our home for the first two nights.
As I expected, the streets were quiet, with less people than usual. We arrived at the hotel and the protocols were well applied. I felt that, even with the cares and the physical distances taken, the experience in this property was excellent, as usual. We start our journey with an amazing suite with a balcony and a stunning view to San Blas.
Time for lunch. I would have loved to visit my favorite restaurant but it was not operating yet. As there is always a positive side to everything, we were able to try new restaurants that really impressed us. They were not known but the food and quality of service were pretty good and they were even offering great discounts!
As you cannot travel to Cusco without visiting the Sacred Valley, we did not hesitate to accept Aranwa’s invitation to stay in their enchanting property located in Urubamba. We enjoyed the tranquility and the nature around this hotel. I have to say that the gastronomy in this place is a strength. I keep dreaming with the quinotto (quinoa risotto) and roasted alpaca.
We were wondering how the local authorities were handling the covid situation and how they were applying the protocols in each tourist attraction. So, first of all, we decided to visit the archeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. In both places, the people in charge were very careful when monitoring our temperature, disinfecting our shoes and we could notice that they had installed portable faucets for hand washing before admission. In addition, the capacity of each site has been reduced and we had to keep 2 meters of distance -at least- with the rest of travellers. These are now the protocols for most of the tourist places. Did we feel safe with this? Of course!
Visiting Machu Picchu was a must! We could make it thanks to our friends of Inca Rail. I was really missing traveling by train and to enjoy that wonderful view of the river and the mountains on the way from the valley to Aguas Calientes.
If you have been to Machu Picchu more than once, you know that every visit is pretty different and special. This time, markedly with less tourists, the experience was really nice and we could take amazing pictures. In addition, the company and knowledge of Walter Ayma -recommended tour guide of Fiesta Tours- made this excursion a unique and unforgettable experience.
After visiting the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, we returned to the city of Cusco looking for a place to relax. What could be better than staying at JW Marriott El Convento? So, this was the amazing hotel where we enjoyed our last three nights of the trip. We arrived there on Cesar’s birthday so you can imagine how pampered he was. Hats off to this hotel and the fantastic service they provide. By the way, if you visit this property, do not forget to ask for the Habemus Papa, premium cocktail of the house. You will love it!
We had one full day left and we wanted to make the most of it. We departed early morning in search of our last adventure: Palcoyo. I hadn’t listened about this place before and sincerely I don’t know why. In my next post I will tell you more about this wonderful mountain range of colors that also has an impressive stone forest.
After this adventure I suggest you to keep traveling and to do it with no fear. Peru Luxury Journeys and our partners (trains, hotels and restaurants) will take care of you, complying with all the health and safety protocols established by the government and by the WHO.
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Special thanks to:
Marisol Montero and Marco Rincón – JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
Alexandra Teixeira – Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
Raquel Risco – Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness
Lorena Uribe – Inca Rail
Michael Leitao, from Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, for the great hospitality and birthday breakfast for Cesar.
Miguel Melgar, from Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness, for the amazing dinner and the funny talk.
Jorge Alvarez, from Terra Andina Hotel, for the excellent attention, service and food. You have to try the lomo saltado and trout ceviche in this place!
Fiorella Gibaja, from Palacio del Inka, for her kindness and for the delicious dinner.
And very special thanks to Walter, Ricardo and Manuel, for making this trip so special. I really enjoyed your company.
