New Machu Picchu routes aren’t the only reason to visit Peru this year
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
If you’re heading to Peru this year, you have a lot to look forward to.
The most exciting update is arguably the addition of new, alternative routes to Machu Picchu, expected to open in 2020. They’re designed to reduce foot traffic on the most popular trails, while also highlighting important communities and cultures in the area, according to Lonely Planet. Both trails will also improve economic opportunities for locals in the region.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
The forthcoming Amazon access route, for example, will connect the Intihuatana community with San Miguel, Inkarakay, Mandor and Puente Ruinas as it leads visitors to Machu Picchu Town. Another route will connect Choquellusca with San Antonio de Torontoy, which is also on the way to the iconic Inca citadel.
The two new routes are part of a massive development budget totaling 4 million Peruvian sols (about $1.2 million). Additional projects include trail maintenance, new lookouts and additional information centers, among other infrastructure improvements. The budget will also support a massive reforestation and restoration initiative to plant one million native plants and trees along the pathways.
The best-known route to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, will reopen to visitors on March 1, Matador Network noted. Access to the trail — which closes every February during the rainy season for routine maintenance — was restricted in January following a severe landslide.
Travelers with plans to visit Peru will discover more than just additional routes to Machu Picchu. There are also buzzy hotels cropping up all over the country you’ll want to keep on your radar.
The 11-room Cirqa, located in Arequipa, quietly opened its doors to travelers last year in a 16th-century monastery. Rates at the Relais & Châteaux property start around $200 per night. Expect striking volcanic sillar stone buildings, vaulted ceilings and a heated plunge pool on the patio.
Related: The best hotel credit cards for 2020
Hilton loyalists can look forward to a new Motto by Hilton hotel opening in Lima. While it will break ground this May, you’ll have to wait until 2022 to stay there. But because it’s the first Motto by Hilton hotel in Latin America, we’re sure it will be worth the wait.
And, come September, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection will set sail for the first time in South America, too. Two new itineraries will bring guests to the Amazon River in Peru on the 32-passenger Aria Amazon. Choose from a 15-day or 11-day tour of Peru and the Peruvian Amazon.
It’s no wonder why so many tourists are flocking to Peru. If you need more trip inspiration for this year, though, be sure to check out our guide on where to travel in 2020.
Featured image by jimfeng/Getty Images
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at US restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Accelerate your path to Medallion Status, with Status Boost®. Plus, in 2021 you can earn even more bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) to help you reach Medallion Status.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.