Lima, Peru: Culinary Capital of Latin America

Peru

By Brittah Springer, Southwind Senior Marketing Specialist

The kitchens of Lima are heating up. Peru’s capital finds itself in the midst of a culinary renaissance. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, including the prestigious ranking of Central at #1. This vibrant city continues to redefine itself as a gastronomic hub, attracting food enthusiasts from around the globe to experience its diverse culinary offerings, from traditional cevicherías to innovative fine dining establishments. National Geographic highlights Lima’s remarkable transformation over the past decade, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore the rich flavors and culinary heritage of Peru.

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Meet our top guide in Cusco – Romulo Lizárraga who grew up in the shadow of Machu Picchu

Peru

By Tom Damon

On your next Southwind trip to Peru, you could have the opportunity to travel with the descendant of one of the local discoverers of Machu Picchu! Romulo grew up at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain before venturing to Cusco, the former Incan capital, to study Tourism at the San Antonio Abad University. For the past 25 years, this native of the Andes has been guiding travelers throughout Peru’s highland communities and majestic mountain ranges. He is fluent in Quechua, Spanish and English and co-author of two guide books on the region. Romulo is a great asset to any Southwind Peru trip, especially family trips. He lives in Cusco with his wife and two daughters. Continue reading →

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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Aboard the M/V Aria: Cruising and Conserving the Peruvian Amazon

Peru
M/V Aria
In September 2014, Southwind Adventures Travel Specialist Cynthia Ord embarked on the M/V Aria, a 32-passenger deluxe vessel, for a five-day Peruvian Amazon river cruise. The voyage departed from Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest.

For me, cruising the Peruvian Amazon in the luxury of the M/V Aria had its obvious perks. The experience felt almost like spectating a grand performance. In my cabin I had a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window framing an unbeatable view of the river, and a California king-sized bed with fine Peruvian cotton linens where I could curl up and just watch the rainforest landscape drift by. Continue reading →

Southwind Guide Spotlight: Meet Francis Casapino

Peru
One of Southwind’s best friends and most beloved guides, Francis is a native to the Cusco region of Peru. Francis graduated with a degree in Tourism from the San Antonio Abad University in Cusco. Having worked as a guide, receptionist in hotels, at the regional tourism office, in travel agencies and as a guard in Manu National Park, he has gained over 14 years of experience in the travel industry. When it comes to Incan history and anthropology, Francis has a natural curiosity and keeps himself well-versed in all the recent finds and latest theories. He’s one of the best and most intelligent guides in Peru today. Continue reading →

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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