Ilana Goldstein

My recent tour to Cusco, Valle Sagrado, Machu Pichu and the Peruvian Amazon was nothing less than Magical. After arriving in Cusco with a private transfer waiting for us, having some time to adjust to the altitude, the walking tour though this wonderful picturesque city, center of the Inca Civilization with their government palaces and residences; exposing the Plaza de Armas with the old colonial buidings that today houses wonderful restaurants was a great start. Next morning we visited the famous Sacred Valley, the town of Pisac and Ollaytantambo marveling at how the Incas were able to built this places, all the preamble of what was next to come. The following day's early start to catch the Vistadome train for a 1.30hours ride into Aguas Calientes, to board the bus that would take us to one of the most inspiring places ever Matchu Pichu. What a special place, so high up in the mountains, you marvel at the architecture from the Incas in a sacred space nestled within the tallest mountain range. So much energy, so many thoughts feeling so close to the clouds. All the time accompanied by an expert guide who related their story so well you can feel a part of it. After about 4 hours in this beautiful place we returned back to Aguas Calientes for our train back to Cusco, surprised by a special dinner to celebrate my husband's birthday, organized and gifted to us by the operator. The next morning after a very early rise we were on our way to the Airport for our flights with Iquitos as our destination.  Greeted by our guide who would be with us for the next 3 days we boarded our boat ride in the Amazon River to our destination the Ceiba Tops resort, nestled in the middle of the Amazon jungle. For the next 3 days we went on several excursions in remote places. Next boat ride was to the Indiana township, rode a Tuk Tuk to a small town called Masan to board a different boat on the Napo river to get to the hanging bridges of the second Ceiba Tops lodge. After that we went hunting for Pink dolphins and visited visited a Jagua Indians community learning about their way to survive in the jungle, participating in their dances and even shooting a blow gun. Also got to carry a Sloth. Upon returning to the hotel, we did a night walk in the jungle. The prettiest starry sky I have seen. on our 3rd morning, we went again on our boat to Monkey Island, a place all kinds of Moneys get rehabilitated and you get to see them roaming around cage less! After we attempted some Piranha fishing but were not very successful. By noon we were back at the resort to collect our belongings, say good by to the jungle that left me with a longing for more adventure. A 50 minute boat ride back to Iquitos, a bustling city that looks like Vietnam with all the Tuk Tuk's being used as the main form of transportation. boarded ou 1.30 flight to Lima, Peru's Capital and enjoyed dinner at the most famous restaurant Astrid and Gaston; What an experience!. Morning after we took a city tour to Lima's downtown area that hosts a wonderful history form the Spanish colony times.  The buildings are very well kept and again we had a very knowledgeable guide who knew the history in an unbelievable way. After we were taken to the Miraflores neighborhood that hosts ancient and modern sites to be visited, Barranco an area with a more eclectic feel and San Isidro the more elegant area were most the Embassies and consulates are.  I feel I could have used a second day in Lima as it is regarded as a gastronomic capital and wished I had had the time to enjoy the city more.