New Machu Picchu routes aren't the only reason to visit Peru this year
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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.