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ELLE travels Peru's gold mountain
El Dorado, the Lost City of the Incas, how Lara Croft! But there's more than one way to enjoy Peru's treasures.
By Helen Buttery
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Where
Perched 3,326 metres above sea level in the Peruvian Andes, the city of Cuzco and nearby Machu Picchu will literally take your breath away.
The vibe
Misty ruins, folksy pan pipe music, colourful textiles, Catholic churches, noisy processions, cuddly alpacas and llamas, steep terraces, butterflies, air plants, orchids and-oh my-the revivifying effects of coca tea.
Big picture
Colonial arcades surround Cuzco's bustling Plaza de Armas with its upmarket cafés, restaurants and shops. Wander down narrow walkways and run your hands along original Incan walls. Stay at the five-star Hotel Libertador, built over Aclla Huasi, where the chosen Incan virgins lived-ancient history for some, maybe, but you're sure to get the purest night's sleep. Watch the Peruvians promenade or, if you're feeling insanely energetic, book yourself a guided trek to 16th-century Machu Picchu. Boy, will you deserve that pedicure!
Why you should go
If you're into active vacations, but don't want to skimp on pampering. If you hankered after your brother's pet as a child (the local delicacy is grilled guinea pig). If you're a demon haggler after the perfect gold trinket. Or if you yearn to star in your very own Lara Croft movie (there's that hardy trek again). But if you're more Carrie than Croft, take heart. Hop on the switchback train to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu, and gaze in comfort and awe at the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. From Aguas, it's a short trip uphill to the elusive Lost City of the Incas, hidden from the Spanish conquistadors in their rampaging quest for gold.
What to pack
Think hiker chic: aviation and cargo pants for trekking in the Sacred Valley during the day, paired with a sexy pair of slingbacks for taking on Cuzco's nightlife. The perfect white V-neck T-shirt that can be plied with layers, as the Andes can go from warm and sunny to rainy and cool in minutes, a trench is a must.
If there's one thing you buy
An alpaca scarf from Alpaca 111 could be the softest textile you've ever felt. Gisele Bündchen and Kofi Annan thought so.
Photography of the ruins of Macho Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, courtesy of Helen Buttery
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