Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/643518
204 BAL HARBOUR ight now, Peru is having a moment. It's experiencing a golden age of tourism that coincides perfectly with its rising economy and unofficial recognition as Latin America's culinary capital. This country once solely known for its cultural treasures has now become a must-see destination for jet-setters. It's nearly impossible to talk about Peru without beginning with what is commonly referred to as the city in the sky, Machu Picchu. Resting at 8,000 feet above sea level in the Andes mountains, Machu Picchu is set in a backdrop that is almost too beautiful to capture. Meaning "old peak" in the ancient Quechua language of the Incans, the site is home to carefully crafted stone structures and advanced agricultural terraces that have fascinated modern-day archeologists, leaving the world with more questions than answers. The travel to Machu Picchu can be arduous. Multiday hiking treks are available, though the more popular option is PeruRail's picturesque 2.5-hour train ride along the winding Urubamba River. At the beginning of the tracks is Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, a luxury property with its own private train station that leads to Machu Picchu. Opened in 2010, the resort offers a quiet, luxurious experience and an array of modern amenities. Designed by Miami-based Arquitectonica, Tambo del Inka pulls in the surrounding nature with its floor-to-ceiling windows, welcoming the murmur of the adjacent Urubamba River and the stillness of Sacred Valley's mountains. Tambo del Inka's main restaurant, Hawa ("heaven" in Quechua), is an acclaimed spot for Novoandina (New Andean) cuisine. Using organically grown ingredients from neighboring farmers, Hawa prepares traditional Andean dishes, like cuy and alpaca, with a refined twist. Travelers who visit Machu Picchu are encouraged to stay at least one night in nearby Cusco to acclimate to the high altitude. Once the center of the Incan empire, Cusco today is a city where two worlds have collided, mixing the rich Incan culture with Spanish colonialism. Here, the modern world mingles with the old, indigenous one. Adobe homes are still built using the hands of family members and neighbors, and ladies with long, dark braids and cloth hats continue to parade the dirt streets. The distinguished resort of Palacio del Inka is built atop Incan walls. Located in the center of Cusco, the property was once the home of a Spanish conquistador. After a $15 million renovation, the resort showcases a blend of pre-Columbian, Incan, Spanish and modern cultures, from its rich colors and textures to the display of local artwork. Its restaurant, Inti Raymi, features the craftsmanship of artisans who were commissioned to rework doorways that connect the patios with the restaurant and other rooms with typical colonial coffering. New this season to both Tambo del Inka and Palacio del Inka resorts is a three-day adventure tour package, complete with mountain biking, hiking and kayaking through the Sacred Valley. Led by activity specialists Tikariy, the guided tours weave through the legendary Maras salt mines, Valley of Pumahuanca and Huaypo or Piuray lakes, providing guests with an active taste of the Cusco area while enjoying made-to-order gourmet meals. Above and left: The Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, designed by Arquitectonica, is set in the heart of the Sacred Valley; below, the historic Palacio del Inka, located in the center of Cusco, recently underwent a $15 million renovation. How to get there: JetBlue and LAN both offer daily nonstop flights from South Florida to Lima. R