PERUSE PERU
Already sick of winter? Head south and get a jump on summer in Peru, home to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Shop
Ilaria
Skip
the capital of Lima and head straight to magnificent Cusco, the gateway
city for all travelers headed to Machu Picchu. We found adjusting to
the altitude (the city sits at 11,000 feet) was made easier by a visit
to jewellery store Ilaria, especially when we scored some
oh–so–delicate handmade star and moon drop earrings for $28.
www.ilariainternational.com
Eat
Baco
Once
you've had a chance to acclimate, head to the bijou Baco. Get to know
your South American wines with a flight of three for 20 soles (about
$8), then dig into an alpaca steak with wasabi butter, oven roasted
olives and sweet oca mash. Ruinas 465, Cusco,
www.cicciolinacuzco.com/baco
See
If
you're not traversing the Andes via the Inca Trail to get to Machu
Picchu, your best (and most panoramic) option is Peru Rail and its
vistadome rail car. Departing daily from Cusco, the
three–and–a–half–hour train ride takes you through the Sacred Valley
and along the white rapids of the Urubamba River, while your car
attendants offer up complimentary coffee, snacks and yes, a fashion
show.
www.perurail.com
Sleep
Sol y Luna Hotel
If
you're not in a hurry, hop off the train in the town of Urubamba and
head straight for the Sol y Luna hotel. This Belgian–owned spa resort
has its own ranch, yoga instructors, tennis courts, and one of the most
to–die–for salt scrubs we've ever experienced. Sacred Valley indeed!
www.hotelsolyluna.com