An avid walker, Kyla takes daily strolls in and around her home in Vermont with her dog. You won’t find any pets mixed in with the alpacas, llamas and chinchillas on the Inca Trail, so she sought out another family member to join her on her Machu Picchu hike—her sister, Melissa.

While both sisters were anticipating their visit to Machu Picchu, each was picturing their own experience in Peru. Kyla was really looking forward to the physical activity and Melissa was after a sense of cultural immersion on her vacation. It wasn’t long before they were both pleasantly surprised by their experiences.

On one of her favorite treks in Peru, Kyla made her way to the ancient Maras salt mines. The walk provided the sense that she was, “completely alone in the Andes, with nothing for miles but some unexpected local traffic – herds of sheep and oxen.”

Melissa, on the other hand, experienced her first cultural exchange when the group came upon a mother and daughter near the salt mines. Melissa, a kindergarten teacher, was thrilled to interact with the locals by sharing stickers that she was carrying with the young girl. Though they had no common language with which to communicate, Melissa and the young girl were still able to make a strong impression upon each other. Later, the group learned from their local Trip Leaders that each of the Maras Salt Mines were family-owned plots, passed down from generation to generation since the time of the Inca.

Though this may have been the first, there were many other outstanding cultural encounters in store for the group on their tour of Peru. With the help of their Trip Leaders, Kyla, Melissa and their wonderful small group of travel companions were invited into a local family’s home as they explored a small village that still maintains the Inca system of urban planning.

Later that afternoon, the group headed out for a walk into the Andean Highlands. Kyla recalls following the Urubamba River out of Cusco on the bus after a visit to a local Peruvian market where the travelers got to see the stunning array of diverse fruits and vegetables.  The bus began climbing along a highway to Cuyuni Pass, a mountain peak at an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet.  Leaving the last of technology behind, it was here that the group got the opportunity to attend a Cuyuni religious ceremony.

Here, VBT Trip Leader, Jorge, translates for the Cuyuni spokesman as he introduces the cultural traditions of the native community and gives us a glimpse into the ceremony that is about to unfold.

Cuyuni Ceremony in Peru from Al Duggan on Vimeo.

Afterward, they began their walk (accompanied with alpacas, music and tradition) on the stunning footpath and came upon Cuyuni women as they sat right in the wilderness weaving: “Taking the walks that the Cuyuni take every day, then rounding a corner to see these beautiful, vibrant colors made me feel very blessed to have such an authentic experience.”

The entire group, of course, was grateful for Jorge’s Spanish translation during the ceremony, but this wasn’t the only instance when their local Trip Leaders were able to enhance cultural immersion in Peru. “No question went unanswered. Their local knowledge extended well beyond our trip and into what it was like to grow up in this amazing place…. They could anticipate the crowds and knew exactly when to arrive and when to leave places so that we had a once-in-a-lifetime experience without a lot of extra people around.”

The group’s other Trip Leader, Miguel, is passionate about keeping Inca tradition alive in Peru. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua—the language of the ancient civilization. He has dedicated much of his life to exploring and recovering Inca traditions and is always happy to share local customs with travelers. His fervor for his heritage was infectious. “Miguel loved it so much, he made the group love it even more.” Perhaps he provided the last little bit of inspiration needed to get the group ready for the Inca Trail.

On the fifth day of their tour of Peru, it was time for Kyla and Melissa to hike the Inca Trail. For Kyla, it was more like taking steps back in time. She was amazed that the trails were still standing after so many years. “Just walking along paths that you knew the Inca built was an unforgettable and humbling feeling.” She was also struck by the ever-changing climate as she hiked. “The day opened with open vistas and blue skies, and then we climbed up, and at one point, we passed a waterfall and the next thing you knew you felt like we walking in a rainforest.”

Looking down onto Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate was the true pinnacle of the Peru vacation. As Kyla and Melissa approached, they were both so in-tune to their walk that they didn’t realize what they were coming upon. All of a sudden, they turned a corner and a local on the trail reached out his hand and heartily announced, “You made it!”

“It’s so hard to put into words. It was just the most unique and unmatched feeling I’ve ever had,” recalls Kyla. Though each sister was impacted in a different way by their walk along the Inca Trail, it still remains as an experience that each will carry with them for a very long time to come.

After exploring, up-close, the actual site of Machu Picchu, the group took a triumphant ride to their next lodgings, Inkaterra. It was a dramatic change from the challenge of the Inca Trail, but still memorable. From the moment they were greeted with chilled drinks at the 5-star resort, it was the ultimate experience in pampering and relaxation. When they weren’t indulging in delicious local cuisine, some of the group enjoyed the many activities the Inkaterra’s Eco Center had. Their bear sanctuary on the premises, hummingbirds flying all around as you walk to dinner and a variety of gardens and orchids spread throughout the property are just few of the everlasting memories. It was a flawless way to cap off their life-changing trip to Peru.

Mingle with locals, get the thrill of a hike along the Inca Trail and unwind and relax when you join VBT on your very own adventure in Peru.

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Winding along cliffs over the Pacific, a stroll through Miraflores’ El Malecón is a great way to enjoy an afternoon among Lima’s gardens and seaside setting. After your walk, venture into the city to take in Museo Larco, a stunning sight dedicated to pre-Colombian art and ceramics. Then, perhaps amble over to the state-run museum, Museo Nacional de Arqueología Antropología e Historia del Perú to enjoy over 100,000 historical Peruvian artifacts. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, indulge in some local Peruvian cuisine. Featuring nods to its Cuyuni population as well as its Inca heritage, the city’s gastronomical community has enjoyed a celebrated emergence in recent years. Finally, before setting off for the nation’s interior take in the architectural jewels of Lima’s main square, Plaza de Armas.

On to greater heights; Peru’s awe-inspiring Sacred Valley is truly the journey’s reward. Contrasting the colonial architecture of Cusco, the Pisac ruins serve as a great introduction to the region’s myriad traces of a lost empire. Trekking along ancient trails, and through the welcoming villages of the Andes, most travelers will ultimately make their way to the iconic Inca Trail.

Our link to Machu Picchu and one of the most important parts of the Inca Road system, the Inca Trail is an 8 mile trek toward one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A steady, gradual incline frames your approach upon Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains, cloud forests and verdant valleys below make this trip a true bucket list experience. Arriving at Intipunku, the Sun Gate, get your first glimpse of the “Lost City.” Linger as long as you like to gaze down into the stone structures of Machu Picchu and after catching your breath press downward, to eventually stand face-to-face with over five centuries of history.

At day’s end, toast your discovery with a chicha or two, an Andean beer made from fermented corn, chat with the locals and savor your journey before resting up for another day of travel in Peru.

Discover the wonders of the Incas for yourself this year on VBT’s Peru: Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley walking vacation.

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Spain—Mezquita de Cordoba

Sometimes a change of tune is a good thing. Perhaps the perfect example of the adage is Cordoba’s Mezquita. Originally constructed in the 7th century, the denomination of the UNESCO World Heritage Site has been adapted several times over by its governing inhabitants. And, yet the combination of Christian and Moorish influence upon the cathedral’s design only adds to its aesthetic appeal. Take a guided tour of Cordoba de Mezquita on our Spain: Under the Andalusian Sky biking vacation.

Puglia—Cattedrale di Monopoli

Attractive from afar, and intoxicating from within, is the fortified town of Monopoli. The port village’s location has drawn many invaders historically, and much of the architecture has been built and rebuilt by its flux of inhabitants. Restored in the 17th century, the Cattedrale di Monopoli is one of the most noteworthy structures in the small town. At almost 200 feet high, the cathedral’s soaring tower is visible from quite a distance. Yet the baroque cathedral offers an even more stunning view at its base. Enjoy a close-up of the historic Catterale di Monopoli on our Puglia: Italy’s Undiscovered Coast bicycling vacation.

Portugal—São Jorge Castle

Europe’s western-most capital, Lisbon, boasts a collage of architectural styles. For a classic example of Lisbon’s hodgepodge of building styles, peer up at São Jorge Castle from the Baixa neighborhood of the coastal city. Atop Lisbon’s tallest hill, the Moorish castle rests like an ancient crown, capping off an elegant blend of Roman, Celtic, and even French architectural styles. Explore São Jorge Castle on an extension after our Walking Portugal’s Douro River Valley vacation.

Thailand—Wat Rong Khun

Just outside of Chiang Rai, Thailand, travelers will find the unorthodox and absolutely striking Buddhist temple, Wat Rong Khun. In a land known for its vibrant natural colors, Wat Rong Khun truly stands out as much for its pristine white appearance, as its incredibly intricate façade. Though the White Temple is just over a decade old, it is certain to remain among one of the world’s sacred masterpieces for centuries to come. Marvel at Wat Rong Khun on our Exploring Northern Thailand biking vacation.

Vietnam—Hien Nhan Gate

Park your bike and take some time to explore the Purple Forbidden City, the former headquarters of the Nguyen dynasty. Located in Hue, Vietnam, the Imperial City was once surrounded by a moat and a large stone wall, and outsiders could only peer upon its enclosure. Admittedly, it was quite a view. Admire it yourself, and as you enter into the Purple forbidden City, enjoy a moment examining the detail of the massive stone entryway, the Hien Nhan Gate. Visit the Hien Nhan Gate on our Journey through Vietnam biking vacation.

Peru—Machu Picchu

What can be said about Machu Picchu to relay the wonder and awe of the “Lost City of the Incas”? We can merely echo our predecessors’ sentiments. Since its construction in the 14th and 15th century, the centerpiece of the Sacred Valley has simply amazed visitors from the Spanish conquistadors and Hiram Bingham to the ardent travelers that make their way along the Inca trail each year. Their conclusions? The journey astounds beyond words. Experience it for yourself and visit Machu Picchu on our Peru: Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley walking tour.

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On our Machu Picchu Tour we relax, recoup, and indulge at Inkaterra. Celebrated for its comfort and environmental responsibility, the Machu Picchu Hotel has recently been recognized in Travel + Leisure magazine’s Global Vision awards, and it’s no wonder why. Check out Travel + Leisure’s 2011 Global Vision Awards to read more about one of the best reasons to travel to Machu Picchu.

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Boris has traveled to many different places in the world including the United States, Panama, Cuba, Brazil, and Venezuela.  His interest in the environment and preference for warmer temperatures often lead him the rainforests of South America.  However, since joining the VBT team in 2005, Boris has excelled in leading guided explorations of Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley and he’s likely to continue for quite some time.  Why? “Because I love my job… I love to travel to remote Andean communities to learn about their lives, customs, traditions… and I enjoy teaching VBT travelers about Andean culture….”  Whether walking the Inca Trail or sampling Cusco specialties at a local market, you’re sure to catch a bit of Boris’ zeal and enthusiasm while exploring Peru.

Don’t take our word for it.  VBT traveler, Elizabeth N., had this to say about Boris: “Boris was great. He was a wealth of knowledge, full of lots of energy, a great guide! He made the trip very pleasant and always went out of his way to make sure we were enjoying ourselves.”

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At VBT we have always felt that the best way to explore the famed “Lost City” is up-close and on foot.  In his recent New York Times article, “The Hidden Route to Machu Picchu,” Mark Adams echoes this sentiment as he describes, in appealing detail, rediscovering the Sacred Valley once again.  Adams discusses some of Bingham’s less celebrated finds in the Andes, the region’s drastically varying climates, and ultimately the reward of veering off of the tourist path and taking in Machu Picchu after an invigorating hike.

The inspiration that accompanies fixing one’s gaze upon the ancient wonder is undoubtedly remarkable, but don’t just take Mark’s word for it.  Join VBT on a walking vacation through Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley and embark on a rediscovery of your own.

Click below to view a video of our own vacation to Machu Picchu.

Peruvian Contrast from Ned Van Woert on Vimeo.

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At age 71 Sonia Newhouse moved from the UK to Peru to start a new life.  It was then that she discovered the poor living and health conditions of the women and children she encountered living in the Peruvian Highlands and made it her mission to help them.  In 2007 Sonia founded the Hearts Café, whose main goal is to raise funds and create awareness for the community surrounding the Sacred Valley.  The café works in association with Sonia’s NGO, Living Hearts Association.  In addition to donations, 100% of the profits from the café go towards Living Heart’s humanitarian projects, which focus on educational support, medical support, nutrition, family planning, water purification, and sustainability.  Living Heart is also currently in the process of creating a home for abused women and abandoned children.

To learn more about their work on the Sacred Valley or if you would like to learn how you could support any of the projects check out their website http://www.heartscafe.org/

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