Peru is a country around which legends and secrets, miracles and light fly like a dense cocoon. There is so much energy here that it seems that nature itself speaks to the traveler in a language understandable to the heart. Trees in the jungle radiate radiance, sheer mountains blaze with invisible metaphysical heat, the ocean intertwines with the sky, and the valleys enter into a timeless trance. And so that nothing prevents you from enjoying all these wonders, you should pay special attention to the most seemingly everyday things – for example, the choice of hotels and restaurants. After all, everything that you see, and even more so everything that you eat, is, in fact, you. This is your world, which you create for yourself. I have chosen the best, in my opinion, the best, and now let me share this information with you.
First you will probably go to Lima, the capital of Peru. From there it is convenient to travel to the Nazca desert, and Lima itself is of some interest. It makes sense to stay at the Country Club Hotel, a grand hotel built in 1927. This hotel is really good, it is mentioned in many Peruvian novels and it really has some kind of literary charm. The interiors and decorations are antiques. Nearby there is a golf course (18 holes), and the windows overlook the green fields or, alternatively, the courtyard.
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The second option in Lima is the Park Hotel Miraflores. It is located on the Malecon, and if you are in love with the ocean, then this is the place you need. The windows of some suites look directly at it … There are even glass walls here – and the whole embankment, and the whole (almost the whole!) Ocean before your eyes. And here in some suites there are saunas and round Roman baths. Other highlights include a rooftop pool and a gourmet restaurant.
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Speaking of restaurants in Lima. Of all the best, I prefer Astrid y Gaston. This is the restaurant of the legendary Gaston Ocurio, who classifies his creations as “Creole-Mediterranean cuisine”. Imagine a suckling pig baked with tender tangerines, peppers and yucca puree (the dish is called Chinchito mandarin in the original). Or, say, devilfish in a Japanese sauce with stuffed mushrooms (look for Pez diablo de Peñas Cercanas on the menu). This is highly recommended.
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Restaurant Huaca Pucllana is also good. However, in this case, it is not so much the cuisine that is particularly interesting here, but the location. This restaurant works right next to the Huaca Puklan pyramid. Yes, there are ancient pyramids in Lima. There are several of them, and Huaca Puklana (2nd century BC) is one of the most interesting. In general, the fact that a restaurant was set up there says only one thing – the flow of tourists is very powerful. And not all tourists know that Huaca means “Grave” in Quechua. That is, in essence, a restaurant in a cemetery … There is also a museum and guided tours. The food here is good, I especially liked the crab soup.
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From Lima you will most likely travel to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas. It is worth staying at the Monasterio Hotel. It is called so because it is located in the building of a Spanish monastery of the 16th century. The mood is appropriate, but in general the place is of very high quality, and the presidential and royal suites are beyond praise.
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Dine in Cusco is good at MAP Cafe. What is served here is called “High Andean cuisine”, and everything that is cooked here is grown high in the mountains. Take pasta with pisco sauce. And be sure to try the fried guinea pig with potatoes and peanuts, you won’t go wrong.
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You will definitely visit Machu Picchu. So I’ll tell you where to stay and here. Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. This is Orient-Express, a mark of quality. The hotel stands on a mountain, right next to the famous ruins, for which everyone comes here. I can especially highlight the suites with terraces. The views from them are uncompromisingly excellent – the mountains and the valley of the Urubamba River. The hotel has a good restaurant.
Now Lake Titicaca. Everything is also quite simple here: Titilaka Hotel. The hotel is small and very pleasant. 18 suites. Some overlook the lake (Dawn Suites). Others – on the creek (Dusk Suites). Very authentic and comfortable.
And to end the Peru theme, I would recommend a hotel in Colca Canyon. It’s called Las Casitas del Colca. It should be noted that this is generally one of the best Peruvian hotels. There is a swift river, the most beautiful mountain views, fragrant eucalyptus trees. A very meditative place. The hotel is made up of 21 villas, each with fireplaces, terraces and swimming pools. And the restaurant at the hotel is very good. The true spirit of Peru.
