Quito: Pushing Culinary Boundaries in South America

Ecuador and Galapagos

by: Leah Celler & Luis Felipa

Ecuador has one of the most distinctive ecosystems in the world, from the lowland Amazon rainforest up to the Andes Mountains and all the way to the coast with the stunning Galapagos Islands. This ecological diversity provides an incredible selection of produce, meats, vegetables, fruits and fish all found year-round, in the country’s culinary scene. Continue reading →

12 Exceptional Restaurants in Cusco, Peru

Family Andean Discovery, Flavors and Culinary Traditions, Peru, World of the Incas, World of the Incas Iconic

by: Dana Johnson

Peru is fast becoming a top travel destination on any foodie’s bucketlist. While Machu Picchu remains as the main highlight in any extraordinary Peru voyage, it is important to know the top dining establishments in the friendly and historical city of Cusco–gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the famous hilltop citadel. Continue reading →

What to Do at Machu Picchu

Peru

Exploring the Ancient Citadel’s Top 12 Treasures

At Southwind Adventures, we make sure your journey to Machu Picchu is special and rich in discovery. We’ve put our heads together with our top Peru guides Romulo Lizarraga, Rosa Garcia, and Francis Casapino to highlight what to do at Machu Picchu within the citadel itself. These local Machu Picchu experts have led visitors through the citadel hundreds of times. We’ve also gotten input from Dr. Federico Kauffmann-Doig, a renowned Peruvian archaeologist, historian, and celebrated author of the definitive new book Machu Picchu: Enchantment in Stone – the culmination of 50 years of his research.

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Deluxe Andean Spa Treatments en Route to Machu Picchu

Peru

Good news for spa lovers! Thanks to the new and sophisticated spa facilities in our favorite first-class and deluxe hotels, Southwind travelers to Machu Picchu can expect comfort and deep relaxation in the high Andes. Maybe you’re planning on hiking the rigorous one-day Inca Trail from km 104 and you’d like to treat your body to a soothing sauna session afterward. Maybe you’re traveling to Peru for your wedding anniversary and want to join your partner for a romantic couples massage. Or perhaps you’re traveling with family and need a break from the kids to reward yourself after an active day.
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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu vs. Alternative Trek

Peru
At Southwind Adventures, we are passionate about exploring South America’s best-loved landscapes. Machu Picchu reigns as one of the most sought-after destinations in the world! The awe-inspiring Incan citadel is surrounded by a network of fascinating pre-Columbian trails, most famously the Inca Trail.

You may be wondering if the classic Inca Trail is the best route for trekking to Machu Picchu, or if other routes unveil a more remote and less traveled side of the area.

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