Recently, some of Cusco’s top travel agencies were invited to visit Machu Picchu to see the new protocols post-covid, and Kuoda Travel was honored to be a part of this select group. Along with protecting visitors from getting sick, some of these protocols will also protect the ancient site itself. While these protocols may change as time goes on and we learn more about how to stop covid-19, here are some of the things that you can expect when visiting the citadel of Machu Picchu in the near future.

Getting There – Biosecurity Measures on the Train and Bus

The first significant change you will see will be with regards to the trains that bring you from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes or the start of the Short Inca Trail, currently running at 50% capacity. To be allowed on the train, you will need to have filled out a sworn declaration that you do not have the illness. When boarding, you will have your temperature checked for a fever of 38° C/ 100° F and will need to disinfect your feet and wash your hands. While onboard, you must wear your mask AND a face shield at all times, and consuming any food or drink is prohibited. Also, you are not allowed to get up to walk around at all, except to use the restroom. All of these measures are in place to limit contact between people as much as possible.

The bus running from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu is also running at 50% capacity, with only the window seats available. Again, you will have your temperature checked before getting on the bus, and while onboard, you will need to keep your mask and face shield on.

Getting Into Machu Picchu

As with the train and the bus, Machu Picchu will also have biosecurity controls in place. These will include another temperature check at the entrance, as well as a place to disinfect your shoes and your hands. Also, this is the only time you will get to go to the bathroom during your tour, so use it wisely – there are no bathrooms inside the citadel itself!

Masks are Very Important, and Very Required

During your visit to Machu Picchu, you MUST keep your mask on over your mouth AND your nose at all times – the only time you may move it (BY THE EAR LOOPS) is to take a sip of water. At this time, eating is not permitted within the citadel, and for right now, you may not even remove them for pictures. (Think of it this way… if you end up with your Machu Picchu pictures including a mask, it means you were there during a unique time in history. Embrace it!) As of the beginning of November, this rule is being very strictly enforced, and people breaking this rule may be asked to leave the site.

Also, as you may not be accustomed to walking around outside and climbing stairs with your mask on, it’s a good idea to train while wearing your mask before you get here. Also, you may want to consider getting a few athletic style masks, which will make it easier to explore archaeological sites in general.

Social Distancing!

Along with wearing your mask at all times, visitors will also be required to keep their distance from one another. Right now, the rule is to maintain at least 1.5 meters/ 5 feet from each other in the same group, and groups are required to stay 20 meters/ 65 feet from each other. They are making it easier to keep your distance by limiting the number of people allowed in each day to under 1,000 (for reference, up to 6,000 people would visit daily during the busy season and around 4,000 people during the rainy season). This rule serves to help with social distancing and helps avoid over-tourism, which can (and has) damage the citadel. Also, in areas where your group may stop for an explanation, you will find painted circles on the ground where people can stand so that each person gets their own space.

The Old Rules Still Apply

Along with these new safety protocols, the pre-covid rules are still in effect. This includes no plastic bottles allowed in the citadel (this will be more strictly enforced), and so you’ll want to have either a reusable bottle or a hydration system, like a Camelbak. Also, very large backpacks will not be allowed in, with the limit being about 20L or so – they are sometimes a bit flexible if you are right on the edge. Still, it’s better to err on the side of smaller. Large, professional-grade camera equipment is also not allowed in unless you have a special permit, which you must apply for. And walking sticks are not allowed in unless you can demonstrate a need, in which case you are permitted to bring in one rubber-tipped walking stick (this is to preserve the stones and walkways).

While this may seem like a lot of rules, the good news is that Machu Picchu is getting ready to welcome visitors again! As of today, local Peruvian visitors are starting to visit, paving the way for international travelers to follow in their footsteps. As the world opens up, we will be ready and excited to meet you here.

When researching and planning a trip to Peru, you may come across the city of Arequipa, often called the “White City,” named for the sillar. This white volcanic rock is used to build much of the town. Many consider Arequipa a jumping-off point to visit Colca Canyon; however, this beautiful city has much to see and experience in its own right. With nearly perfect weather year-round, Arequipa boasts 300 days of sunshine, low humidity, and temperatures that reach highs of 25 °C (77 °F) and lows of 5 °C (41 °F). Therefore, you will have incredible weather to explore this vibrant city, visit its fascinating churches and monasteries, and try some tasty treats. Here are just some ideas of things to do with a free day in Arequipa!

Visit the Yanahuara Overlook

Constructed in the 19th century, this set of arches was made from sillar, and you will find an inscription in each arch telling a bit of history of each department in the country. This place also offers an incredible panoramic view of the city below and the Misti Volcano in the distance. It’s lovely in the golden hour before the sun starts to go down, and a great place to witness the sunset itself!

Visit the Catedral de Arequipa

Located in the historic center of Arequipa, this incredible cathedral was constructed between the years of 1540 and 1656, with its ornate façade in the Baroque style. Inside, you will find a lovely museum where you can see a large number of historic religious objects, many of which are made with the white sillar volcanic rock. With its vast collection of historical pieces, this cathedral is definitely worth a visit.

Visit one of Arequipa’s famous Picanterías

Arequipa’s picanterías form part of the South Peruvian tradition. A picantería is a popular center where they serve spiced dishes with a delicious chicha de jora (fermented corn beer). Here in the White City, many picanterías conserve the culinary tradition typical of Arequipa, cooking with a wood stove. Though many things have changed, the food remains exquisite. You can ask your guide which picanterías they recommend, as each Arequipeño will have their favorite!

Visit San Camilo Market and try some Queso Helado (Frozen Cheese)

San Camilo Market is a remarkable place to explore, offering all sorts of goods for sale. There are rows of ladies offering fresh juices, butchers offering every usable part of the animal, what seems like a million different types of potato, and more! One item that is unique to Arequipa that can be found here being whipped up in big wooden tubs is the artisanal queso helado ice cream. Don’t be fooled by its strange name – there is nothing cheesy about this refreshing, cinnamon-flavored treat. A queso helado is the perfect accompaniment to a stroll through the sunny streets of Arequipa.

Visit the Monasterio Santa Catalina and the Momia Juanita

While you can visit both of these sites on your own during a free day in Arequipa, another great way to visit them is as part of a day tour in Arequipa with an expert guide. The still-functioning Santa Catalina Monastery, constructed in 1579, is like a city within a city. You can walk through this incredible place, visiting its many cloisters, gardens, chapels, and kitchens, and really get a glimpse into what life was like for the nuns who called this place home. Then you can visit little Juanita, a little girl who was sacrificed in the 15th century and discovered in 1995 alongside the artifacts buried with her. Due to the conditions she was found in, high in the mountains, she is incredibly well preserved. You will find her to be a tiny mummified girl who gives a glimpse into another way of life entirely.

Whether you enjoy a guided tour of Arequipa, a free day to explore, or both, you will find much to see and taste and do in this incredible White City. More than just a launchpad to visit Colca Canyon, Arequipa is a great place to explore in itself, and worth visiting for a day, or two, or more!

Most larger cities have a Bohemian, artist area, and Cusco is no different. In the San Blas neighborhood, you will find lots of hidden gems, full of charm and whimsy. From unique shops selling singular items to charming coffee shops, and some of the best views of Cusco, you’ll want to budget some time to explore this vibrant neighborhood.

Shops

Hilo – This unique shop can be found on Carmen Alto, one of the streets that branches from the San Blas Plaza. When you step into Eibhlin Cassidy’s extraordinary store, you get a sense of her creative genius. “Each collection is a journey into another realm from post-apocalyptic visions to subtle sensuality and gender play, to ethereal shadows of the past,” according to their website.

L’atelier – This funky little shop is also on Carmen Alto in the San Blas neighborhood, and worth a visit. Inside you’ll find alluring and modern handbags, jewelry next to fun, vintage shirts, jackets, dresses, and more! It’s a great place to find an exciting and unique souvenir or gift for your hip friends back home!

A La Lau! – This fun little store is located on Cuesta San Blas, which is the street that you walk up when going from the Plaza de Armas up to the Plaza San Blas. A La Lau! focuses on sustainable fashion and empowerment of women, so all of the items for sale are made locally, including beautiful sweaters, ponchos, purses, jewelry, and so much more! You don’t want to miss the chance to shop here.

Saturdays – Artisan fair in the plazoleta – If you find yourself in Cusco on a Saturday, and are looking to buy some delightful artisan pieces, then the San Blas Plaza is where you will want to go! Every Saturday, artisans set up stalls to sell their wares, including extraordinary woven belts and scarves, handbags, statues, paintings, and even little chess sets where instead of white vs. black, you will find the Incas facing off against Spanish conquistadors.

Coffee shops

The Meeting Place – This lovely little coffee shop is located right in the San Blas Plaza, offering delicious coffee, tasty milkshakes, and excellent light meals, perfect for the high altitude of Cusco. They are also a non-profit business, committed to putting 100% of their profits back into the local community. For example, one of their projects includes providing backpacks and school supplies for children who otherwise would not be able to afford them.

Laggart Café – One of the larger coffee shops in Cusco, the Laggart has two large, comfortable rooms with walls covered in unique art, and some of the tastiest baked goods you will find, including vegan and gluten-free items! And they not only have delicious coffee, but tasty teas, chai lattes, and hot chocolate to die for.

Siete y Siete – If you want a coffee with a view, this is the perfect place! This coffee shop is at the top of a hill in the San Blas neighborhood, right on the corner of 7 Angelitos and 7 Diablitos (from where it gets its name). While you enjoy your latte and the incredible views, you can also take in the décor celebrating the seven angels and seven devils from which the streets get their names.

Restaurants

Green Point – One of the first vegan restaurants in Cusco, Green Point has an extensive and delicious plant-based menu full of delicious dishes that even the most hard-core meat eater will enjoy. If you’re vegan or just looking for a light, healthy, meat-free meal, Green Point is the perfect place to try.

La Bo’M Creperie – Crepes are a great, light meal option for when you’re getting used to the altitude. La Bo’m offers great French-Peruvian crepes, with a fusion of flavors, both sweet and savory, using local ingredients such as avocado, sauco (elderberry), aguaymanto (golden berries), Andean cheese, and much more! If you’re feeling hungry, the perfect meal is a savory crepe for your entrée and a sweet crepe for dessert.

Pachapapa – This restaurant is located in an old mansion in the San Blas plaza, just across from the Church of San Blas. Offering delicious local flavors, Pachapapa pays tribute to the region’s traditions, customs, art, and, most importantly, cuisine. If you are interested in trying Andean dishes in a beautiful setting, this is a great choice. And if you’re looking to try cuy (guinea pig), this is the perfect place to do so! (Just let us know in advance, as this dish takes about an hour – hour and a half to prepare.)

Bars

Km .0 – If you’re looking for a fun place with live music, Km 0 is a great place to visit. They also have craft beers and tasty cocktails that you can enjoy while you listen to the wide variety of music they play. The main drawback is that it can get crowded, so if you decide to check this place out, you’ll want to get there early to get a comfortable table.

Limbus Restobar – Though it’s a bit of a hike to get here (there aren’t any taxis that can take you up the stairs, unfortunately), the effort is definitely worth it. Situated on the hill above San Blas, Limbus offers one of the best views of the city, as well as imaginative and innovative cocktails and tasty appetizers. The balcony of Limbus is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Imperial city of Cusco, and the lights start to twinkle in the surrounding mountains as darkness falls.

If you have built some free time in Cusco during your personalized trip to Peru, the San Blas neighborhood of Cusco is a great place to use it. You can shop in the unique little shops or artisan stalls, enjoy a coffee and a snack at one of the lovely coffee shops, savor a great, locally inspired meal, or watch the sunset over the city with a delicious cocktail or local craft beer. No matter what you are looking for, San Blas has something for everyone to enjoy!

If you love colorful celebrations, June is the month to plan your trip to Peru – the Jubilee month in Cusco!

1. Hayhuarikuy

Where: Plaza de Armas
When: June 1, 2020

The festivities kick off with an Inca ceremony that takes place on the Plaza de Armas on June 1. Known as Hayhuarikuy in Quechua, the festival marks the beginning of Cusco’s plethora of June parties and events. Andean priests gather on the Plaza de Armas with offerings of agricultural products and chicha de jora, a fermented beer made from corn. The Apus or deities of Cusco are invoked and asked to oversee and bless the important rituals that take place in June.

2. Q’oyllur riti

Where: Sinakara Valley
When: June 6-10, 2020

Next up is the Q’oyllur ritior Star Snow Festival, which this year will be held from June 6 – 10, during June’s full moon. This massive pilgrimage sees huge contingents of Quechua and Aymara-speaking communities gathering together and making a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Q’oyllur riti, located in the remote Sinakara Valley on Mount Ausangate, one of the most important Apus, or mountain deities in Cusco. Tens of thousands of people are in attendance for this six-hour journey: it is considered to be one of the largest yearly pilgrimages in South America. The pilgrims, dressed in colorful traditional Andean garb, chant prayers and sing songs during their walk, and participate in ritual bathing to purify their energies before approaching the Gods. The custom of imbibing chicha de jora, which is considered a sacrament, is widespread during the pilgrimage.

3. Corpus Christi

Where: Cusco’s Plaza de Armas
When: June 11, 2020

The main day of the Corpus Christi Festival takes place on June 11 this year, sixty days after Easter Sunday. Although this feast is celebrated throughout Latin America, it is at its most vibrant in Cusco. It is ostensibly a celebration of the Eucharist, which was introduced by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Many saint icons are brought in colorful processional parades to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and exhibited to the crowd that are numbers in the thousands. They are housed in Cusco’s Cathedral for a week before returning to their home churches on the eighth day, an occasion for more parades.

Corpus Christi has a special meal that you can find being prepared throughout the city, known as Chiriuchu. It’s a cold meal that celebrates the diversity of products available throughout the Inca Empire, including chicken, sausage, torrejas (pancakes made from cornmeal), fish eggs, seaweed, a bit of cheese, some Cusco corn on the cob (not sweet, but delightful nonetheless), colorful rocoto peppers, and guinea pig, or cuy. We can help you find a local restaurant to try this dish, or, it may also be found being sold by Andean ladies in booths around the Plaza de Armas and other sites in Cusco.

4. Festival of Q’eswachaka

Where: Canas Province
When: June 14, 2020

The Festival of Q’eswachaka falls on the second Sunday in June: this year it’s on June 14th. This is a great way to learn about a Peruvian tradition that has all but died out: it is a coming together of communities to reconstruct the suspension bridge that spans the Apurimac River in the Canas province. At one time, these bridges could be found throughout the Inca Empire and this is one of the very few that remains. The material used to build the bridge, a type of grass known as ichu, is gathered beginning on the Thursday before the main event. Men, women, and children all participate in the gathering, curing, and braiding of the ichu grass, and on the fourth day, (Sunday), the bridge is rebuilt to last another year, accompanied by much ribaldry, music, celebration, and fun.

5. Inti Raymi

Where: Cusco
When: June 24, 2020

Inti Raymi is a religious reenactment of a Quechua ceremony that celebrates Inti, the Sun God, and asks for his blessings for the coming agricultural season and the year. It begins at the Qoricancha, or Golden Temple, moves to the Plaza de Armas, and ends with an elaborate ceremony at Sacsayhuaman, the archaeological site overlooking Cusco. Tens of thousands of people visit Cusco to partake in the festive atmosphere of processions, parades, music, dancing and prayer that are part of this exciting and vibrant event.

6. Festival of Ollantay Raymi

Where: Ollantaytambo
When: June 29th, 2020

The Ollantay Raymi Festival takes place in the town of Ollantaytambo on June 29th this year. It is a festival that celebrates Inti, the Sun God and is held at the spectacular ruin overlooking Ollantaytambo: it is accompanied by festivities, music, dancing, and prayer. A theater enactment known as the Drama of Ollantaytambo is performed during the Ollantay Raymi Festival. It recounts the story of the ill-starred love affair between an Inca princess and a military general.

We would be delighted to arrange for you and your companions to attend any or all of these Cusco festivities in June. Contact us for help with planning your Peru luxury trip.

Have you considered adding some adrenaline to your Peru adventure? One of the more exciting activities that you can add to your Peru journey is white-water rafting! The best part about adding a rafting adventure to your trip is that it gets you out of your comfort zone, speeding down the river over exciting rapids while passing new and interesting landscapes only found in the Andes.

Rafting is an incredibly fun and hair-raising sport that requires teamwork and cooperation to get the most out of it. Our team here at Kuoda recently had the opportunity to go white-water rafting in the South Valley, giving us a chance to learn all about working as a team while having a great time together.

Before we set off, we had a short briefing with the guides where they instructed us in the signals used to let us know when to paddle on the right, when to paddle on the left, how to turn the raft, when to stop paddling, etc. Basically, you are placed in a large inflatable floating device, with the others in your private group, and given paddles, life jackets, and instructions on how to make the boat do what you want it to. Then you’re off! Some sections of the journey are mellow and lovely, your raft gently floating down a lazy river with beautiful landscapes and an Andean mountain backdrop. Then, as you approach the Class III and IV rapids, everyone springs into action, and your role is to do your best to work with your teammates and paddle for your lives while getting splashed from all sides!

This experience will make you feel exhilarated as you cooperate with your group to safely navigate the churning, torrential waters together, and all come out in one piece. What we unexpectedly gained from our rafting adventure was a sense of real camaraderie with each other in a brand new setting. The other thing I gained was a sense of excitement and adventure from getting out of my comfort zone, trying something so thrilling and new.

There are many rafting adventures that we can offer, which range from half-day to multi-day excursions in very remote areas, with all sport and safety gear and wetsuits provided. If you are adding rafting to your Peru trip, we suggest you go with a half-day or full-day tour on the Rio Urubamba in the Sacred Valley or in the South Valley, which we can easily add to your Peru itinerary. You can also try rafting in the Colca Canyon, if you are visiting that region during your trip. No matter where you try your hand at rafting, it will be an unforgettable addition to your Peru adventure.

Congratulations! You’ve just booked your luxury Peru vacation! You have gone over the details with your Kuoda Travel Designer, and you are confident that this will truly be your dream trip to Peru: the trip of a lifetime! As you make arrangements to take this much-deserved time off from the daily grind, you find yourself faced with an enigma: what can and cannot be brought into Peru?

It would be a shame to have to face hefty tariffs, just because you innocently didn’t know that your goods would be evaluated and taxed. This guide is to help you avoid just that situation with a list of what can and cannot be brought with you on your Peru custom vacation. (Please note that the information provided is correct during time of publication.)

Items allowed into Peru must be in quantities for personal use or consumption only and include such goods as:

PERSONAL ITEMS (for personal use only):

• Toiletry
• Clothing and wearable gear
• Jewelry
• Books, magazines, newspapers, etc.

MEDICATION, SUPPLEMENTS, AND MEDICAL DEVICES

• Personal medications (narcotics may be restricted)
• Vitamins and supplements for your own use
• Medical devices and appliances, such as glucose monitors, crutches, or walkers, may be brought in as long as they are for the purpose of mobility and monitoring the health of the traveler.

Don’t bring medical marijuana or CBD-oil products.  Medical marijuana is legal in Peru, but the policies and procedures are not yet fully delineated, so no need for you to experiment by bringing cannabis products. If you absolutely must have that CBD oil for your aches and pains, such products may be found in Peru.

ELECTRIC AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES:

• 1 laptop computer
• 2 cellphones
• 1 tablet
• 2 cameras (conventional or digital) with up to 10 rolls of film, or 4 memory cards,
• 4 USB sticks and 2 external hard drives
• 1 video camera or camcorder (portable and not for professional use)
• 1 video game device (portable) including 10 games,
• 1 portable CD player
• 20 CDs or DVDs
• 1 portable calculator,
• 2 hairdryers /electric combing devices
• 1 Electric shaver
• You can bring drones into Peru but they MUST be declared.

If for some reason you need to bring items above the allowed limits, for example, if you need to bring two laptop computers, the rule states that the excess item must be declared to “aduanas” or customs and that the value of the second item must be lower than $500 in order to not be assessed.  If it does exceed $500 but is worth less than $1000, it should be declared and a 12% tax will be assessed. It is best to bring receipts if you have to declare items, as you may find yourself being taxed at very high rates if the customs officer looks up the items and assesses them on his or her own discretion.

FOOD THAT ARE ALLOWED INTO PERU:

Food items can be brought into Peru from the USA, Canada, or the European Union if they are in normal household quantities, labeled, unopened and commercially packaged or sealed. These items include:

• Cooked meats
• Processed cheeses
• Canned foods
• Pasteurized milk and dairy products
• Processed honey.

CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOL:

• For travelers 18 or older, you are permitted to bring tobacco products up to 400 cigarettes, up to 50 cigars, or up to 250 grams of tobacco. You can also bring 3 liters of alcohol beverages. If the name “Pisco” is on the label and it is not from Peru, it is not allowed.

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:

• 1 musical instrument (portable)
• 1 set of sports gear for personal use
• You can also bring up to US$500 in miscellaneous articles for personal use or for gifts.

BRINGING MONEY INTO PERU:

• Amounts less than $10,000 cash or monetary instruments, you do not have to be declared when entering Peru. However, it is prohibited to enter or exit the country with amounts in excess of US$30,000 or its equivalent in another currency.

The regulations I’ve mentioned here are geared towards tourists bringing items in their suitcases, which is not the same as shipping goods into Peru.

Lastly, please remember your baggage will be cleared at the first airport of entry in Peru. For most people, this will be in Lima.

Now that you have access to the information you will need to pack appropriately, you can rest easy, knowing what to expect from customs when you begin your luxury Peru vacation!

If you are looking for something a little different to do for Christmas this year, why not spend the holidays in Peru? This blog will give you seven great reasons to consider bringing your family on a tour to Peru this Christmas, where you will experience firsthand how the holidays are celebrated in the rich cultural traditions of the Andes.

1- Get Away from Crowds and the holiday stress – A lot of time and money is spent in crowded malls every year to find the “perfect present” for family members. What if the perfect gift could be an experience rather than another material thing? On a Peru holiday, you and your loved ones can visit the magnificent Machu Picchu, partake in the Christmas traditions of the Andes, and experience nature in all of her glory. What could be better?

2- Christmas Giving, Andean Style (Chocolatada) – One of the most charming Christmas traditions practiced in and around Cusco is the annual Chocolatada. During this event, we go out to rural communities and provide Christmas treats in the form of hot chocolate and panetón (a type of fruitcake) and provide gifts for the children. At Kuoda we host a yearly chocolatada; we’d be happy to include you in the event as a way for you and your family to practice the joys of Christmas giving, Andean style.

3- Santuranticuy Market – Every year on December 24th artisans from all over Peru come together to sell their wares at the Santuranticuy Market on Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. This market has been happening every year since the 16th Century! Crafts of all kinds, baked goods, food products, toys, dolls, jewelry, candy and treats, handmade soaps and toiletries, and figurines of saints (for which the market is named): all are on display and for sale from the loving hands of the artisans that made them. You can experience the vibrant bustle of this historic market during your Christmas in Peru vacation.

4-Nativity Scenes– Peruvians spend a great deal of time and effort creating amazing scenes of Baby Jesus in the manger surrounded by his family, the wise men, and the barn animals. These elaborate, lifelike, and highly artistic scenes are often filled with plants (often, actual plants are used for the greenery), animals, people, and tiny villages. Families that live in the highlands arrive in Cusco with handpicked and handcrafted nativity materials that they sell on the Plaza de Armas during the above-mentioned Santuranticuy Market that takes place on December 24th each year.

5- It’s Summer! – If you happen to live in one of the colder climates in the western hemisphere, you will be delighted to enjoy the summer weather in Peru in the month of December. Although there does tend to be some rain in Cusco this time of year, temperatures are generally warm during the day. If you are interested in visiting the beaches around Lima or the northern coast as part of your Peru holiday, you’ll find warm summer temperatures and radiant sunshine!

6- Food! –  Here’s your chance to enjoy some of the Peruvian food you’ve been hearing so much about. From a traditional turkey with the fixins’ (usually served on Nochebuena, December 24th) to a Christmas lechón (flavorful roast pork) to the traditional Andean dishes made famous by Gastón Acurio and other top Peruvian chefs, you will get the chance to gorge on sumptuous Andean fare during your Peru holiday!

7- Christmas at Machu Picchu – What could be more special than to be with your loved ones at this sacred site during this special time of year? Christmas coincides by a few days with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. In many religious and spiritual traditions, this is considered to be a time of year when creative and harmonious energies are at their peak.

Note: Be sure to plan your Peru Christmas trip soon, as certain activities, such as climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain when you are at Machu Picchu, are booked well in advance, and many hotels fill up quickly this time of year.