A feeling of distance and isolation emanates once you reach Peru’s altiplano. You may be surprised when the airline hostess offers “mate de coca”, a tea made of coca leaves offered everywhere else in Cusco, a deterrent against high altitude sickness.

Shielded by Andes mountains that surround it, Cuzco used to be the proud capital of the powerful Inca empire that extended from Argentina to the Ocean. The fantastic combination of colonial architecture, Inca walls, Spanish churches, and colorful ‘mercados’ is spellbinding.  

The surrounding citadels of Sachsauyhuaman and Machu Picchu lost in the jungle add to the mystique. The serene waters of Titicaca Lake protect the old traditions of the local tribes on secluded islands. While the white building of Arequipa reminds of the conquistadors who changed the course of the land.