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Cusco• Peru• Sacred Valley• Travel

Places to visit in the Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo, Maras y Moray

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, is a place full of history, culture, and natural beauty. In this blog, we will explore three of its most fascinating destinations: Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray. Each of these places offers a unique experience, connecting visitors with the rich legacy of the Incas and the natural wonders of the region.

Ollantaytambo: The Living Fortress

Ollantaytambo is one of the most important towns in the Sacred Valley and an essential stop for any traveler. Known for its impressive Inca fortress, this historic site served as an important religious, agricultural, and military center during the Inca empire. The ruins of Ollantaytambo offer a window into the past, with perfectly preserved agricultural terraces and massive stone structures that defy the passage of time. Visitors can stroll through the local market, sample traditional food, and enjoy the hospitality of the locals.

Maras: The Millenary Salt Mines  

About 40 kilometers from Cusco, Maras is famous for its ancient salt mines. These salt mines have been exploited since pre-Inca times and continue to be a source of salt today. The salt pans of Maras are composed of thousands of small pools staggered on the side of a mountain, creating a unique and spectacular landscape. Visitors can walk among the pools, learn about the salt production process, and buy local salt as a souvenir. The panoramic views from the salt pans are breathtaking, especially during sunset when the sunlight reflects off the pools creating a magical effect. 

Moray: The Inca Agricultural Laboratory  

Moray is an Inca archaeological site distinguished by its unusual circular terraces. Located about 50 kilometers northwest of Cusco, Moray is considered one of the most striking examples of Inca agricultural engineering. Moray’s concentric terraces resemble an amphitheater and are believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with crops and microclimates. Temperature differences between terrace levels can be as much as 15°C, which allowed the Incas to simulate different climatic conditions and develop crops adapted to various altitudes. Moray offers a unique perspective on the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Incas and their ability to adapt agriculture to the challenging Andean conditions.

Visiting Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray is an enriching experience that allows travelers to connect with the history and culture of the Incas while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Sacred Valley. These three destinations, each with their magic and mystery, are a sample of the ingenuity and grandeur of one of the most fascinating civilizations in history. What are you waiting for to visit them? 

Customize your journey with our specialized team. We can’t wait to share the magic of Peru with you! 

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com 

 

 

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On 23 Mayo, 2024 • By
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Nazca• Peru• Travel• Travel Tips

Best Things to do in Paracas and Around

Paracas is a small port town in the Paracas district and it is located in the Ica region in the south of Lima. It is well-known to travelers due to the large amount of activities and tours available in the area and the peaceful atmosphere. Paracas is also the jumping point to reach and visit the Islas Ballestas and the amazing Paracas National Reserve. 

Here is a list of activities available in the area: 

  • Islas Ballestas and Paracas National Reserve: to visit the site we suggest you to book in advance a relaxing boat tour leaving from the “El Chaco” pier. During the tour you will explore the area and see the popular ”El Candelabro”, a large prehistoric petroglyph of unknown origin spanning over 150 meters high and 50 meters wide, which is considered a mysterious symbol; the peculiar rock formations; the different species of animals and birds in the island, like sea lions, Peruvian booby, cormorans, penguins among others.

  • Winery Tour in Ica: Paracas is located in the Ica district at only a 1-hour car ride from Ica city, popular for its vineyards. This is the perfect chance to engage in a fun winery tour. In Ica you can find many wine “bodegas” that produce a sweet red wine and also the famous national Peruvian spirit: Pisco. During the tour, you will learn about the different kinds of grapes, the production process, and the tools used and have the chance to taste several types of wine and Pisco varieties. The varieties depend on the different kinds of grapes used in the elaboration process.  Do not miss the chance to buy wines and Piscos directly in the “bodega” for a cheaper price.   
  • Huacachina Tour: this is a unique oasis in the heart of the Peruvian desert, considered a paradisiac place with palms, a blue-green lagoon, and sand dunes where you can engage in multiple fun activities or, if you are not an active traveler, just relax. Huacachina is ideal for sports activities, such as buggies and sandboarding. As for the buggies, you can rent four-wheel-drive dune buggies and go up and down the dunes with a professional driver. We suggest you take the afternoon tour to avoid the heat and enjoy the beautiful sunset in the desert. As for sandboarding, if you are an expert you can just rent the board otherwise just take the tour with a professional instructor, who will explain how to surf the dunes and help you choose the right sandboard for you. 

 

Nazca Lines Tour: if you are into adventurous trips, you can also fly over the famous and mysterious Nazca lines. Flights usually leave in the morning and you will have the chance to see the incredible lines, whose history is still controversial. 

Customize your journey with our specialized team. We can’t wait to share the magic of Peru with you! 

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com. 

 

 

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On 22 Junio, 2023 • By
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Arequipa• Food• Peru• Peru Destinations• Travel• What to do

TOP 5 Things to o in Arequipa

Arequipa is also known as the “white city”, in the Spanish language “Ciudad Blanca”, due to its colonial elegant buildings made of white porous volcanic stone called “sillar”. It is the second largest city in Peru after Lima. It’s a great stop while visiting Peru and you can consider staying there for 2 or 3 days during your Peru trip.

Here is a list of things you can consider doing and places to visit in Arequipa:

  • Plaza de Armas: the social heart of the city, where you can find the popular white cathedral, the beautiful fountains, and the characteristic palm trees. Here you can relax and get in touch with local people who usually gather in the main square. The square is surrounded by arches where you can find bars and rooftop cafes to chill and enjoy the view of the square. After sunset the lighting is amazing and you can enjoy the square at its best.

  • St. Catalina Monastery: One of the most ancient spots in the city, the monastery is a large complex in the heart of the city center. It’s located only a 5 to 10-minute walking distance from Plaza de Armas and is easily recognizable due to the colors of the walls, which go from red to deep blue. You can visit the area on your own or through a guided tour.  

  • Yanahuara: This is a middle-class residential district of Arequipa, famous for its Mirador and the Yanahuara’s Church. The area is not located in the city center, but it is worth visiting. El Mirador (lookout point) offers an amazing view of El Misti Volcano. The district is full of colonial buildings and churches.

  • El Misti Volcano: If you are into treks, and are an experienced climber, you should pay a visit to the charming Misti Volcano, located at more than 5,500 mt above sea level, which last erupted in 1985. Remember to bring with you coca leaves which will help you with the altitude if you want to do the 2-day trek to reach the top.

  • Sachaca District: This is another district of Arequipa famous for its mirador where you can enjoy a charming view of the city’s historic center and El Misti volcano. The plus of this district is definitely food since there you can find several “picanterias”, traditional restaurants serving local dishes such as “rocoto relleno”. 

We did not include the Colca Canyon on purpose since we believe you need an additional 2 days to include it in your itinerary. 

For more information, you can send us an email at info@magicalcuzcotours.com or call us +1 7038225311. 

 

 

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On 12 Mayo, 2023 • By
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Food• Peru• Travel• What to do

Best Outdoor Dining Experiences in Lima

COVID-19 has changed several aspects of our lives, and it has also changed our dining habits. We now prefer outdoor restaurants and dining places to the fancy indoor restaurants, since we definitely feel safer there. That is why we want to give you some of the best outdoor dining options in Lima, so that you can enjoy our delicious food without any risk and being able to fully enjoy the dining experience. Yes, that is what it’s about, having a meal in one of these restaurants is a true life-changing “experience”.

  • Huaca Pucllana Restaurant (https://www.facebook.com/restauranthuacapucllana): this restaurant is merged into an ancient pre-Incan Huaca, located in the middle of Miraflores district. You will dine outdoor with a stunning view of the Huaca enjoying delicious traditional food with a modern twist. The site is charmingly illuminated at night, so we suggest to have a romantic dinner there. 

  • Osaka (https://www.facebook.com/OsakaOficial): when in Lima do not lose the opportunity to try Nikkei cuisine, a fusion between Peruvian and Japanese food. The result is an amazing mixture of tastes, savors and textures. You will definitely love it. This restaurant is one of the best places to have a real Nikkei experience and get to know it. The restaurant is located in San Isidro district.

  • Astrid & Gastón (https://www.facebook.com/AstridyGastonLima): You cannot live Lima without dining at this restaurant if you are a foodie. Here you can catch the real essence of Peruvian food. Do not forget to try their delicious drinks as well.

  • La Plazita (https://www.facebook.com/laplazitalima): this is a more casual option, where ou can find gourmet Peruvian traditional food in the heart of Miraflores district. This is a real win-win option for lunch if you want to try Peruvian cuisine in a casual atmosphere.

  • La Lucha Sanguchería (https://www.facebook.com/laluchasangucheriacriolla): Are you more in fast food style dining experience? You do not want something too fancy and you’re looking for comfort food and fast meal? This is the perfect option for you. The chain has several points in the main Lima’s districts. This is a sort of Peruvian fast-food, where you can taste delicious sandwiches, native fried potatoes or sweet potatoes, that we call camote, and delicious juices and shakes with local fruits. We definitely recommend his option if you are looking for a real Peruvian experience. Many locals dine there as well during the week.  

  • Cebichería La Mar (https://www.facebook.com/LaMarCebicheriaPeruanaLima): this is not a suggestion, but take it more as an order: do not live Lima without tasting a real ceviche. Ceviche is the traditional dish from Peruvian coast, made of marinated fish, Peruvian boiled corn and sweet potatoes. At this historical restaurant you can taste the real essence of Peruvian ceviche, as well as other delicious seafood dishes. The restaurant is located in Miraflores district.

As you can see there are plenty of options for outdoor dining in Lima. COme to Peru and discover our amazing food culture.  

RESTAURANT ADDRESSES AND CONTACTS 

Huaca Puccllana Restaurant 

Calle General Borgoño, Miraflores
T: +51 (1) 445 4042  

Osaka Restaurant 

Felipe Pardo y Aliaga 660, San Isidro
Phone: +51 (1) 222 0405 

Astrid & Gastón 

Av. Paz Soldán 290,San Isidro 

Phone: +51 1 4422777 

La Plazita Restaurant 

San Fernando 380, Miraflores, Lima 

Phone: +51 994 972 336 

La Lucha Sanguchería 

  1. LARCO 999, MIRAFLORES/AV. DIAGONAL 308, MIRAFLORES/ PASAJE CHAMPAGNAT 139, MIRAFLORES/ AV. SANTA CRUZ 814, MIRAFLORES 

Cebichería La Mar 

Calle Mariscal La Mar 770, Miraflores 

Phone: +5114213365 

  

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On 28 Octubre, 2021 • By
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Peru• Peru Destinations• Travel• Travel Tips

Best outdoor sites to visit in Lima

Tourism has changed due to COVID-19 pandemic and travelers are often looking for outdoor places to visit and outdoor activities during their trips. Fortunately, Lima and other Peruvian destinations have a lot to offer on this side. Lima has also a mild climate; temperatures do not drop drastically in winter and it is never rainy, so it is possible to keep staying outdoor even in the cold season. 

Here a list of outdoor places you can visit while in Lima: 

  • Huaca Pucllana: we have already talked about this archeological site in the middle of Miraflores district here (http://www.magicalcuzcotours.com/blog/best-places-to-visit-in-lima/). It’s easy to reach even on foot if you are staying in Miraflores or San Isidro districts. Ther you can visit the site and also dine at the restaurant located inside.

  • Mercado 28 (https://www.mercado28.pe/): when in Lima you cannot miss the opportunity to discover Peruvian food and this place is definitely what you are looking for. Several food stalls from different restaurants in the country who serve their main dishes. There you can find traditional Peruvian food, chifa, nikkei, wich is a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese food, traditional Peruvian desserts and much more. All in an open space, so it is quite a good option for your meals in the capital city.

  • Miraflores and Barranco’s Malecon: those are the best places to enjoy the breeze of the Pacific Ocean and its charm. Grab some snack and have a picnic there, you will have a peaceful afternoon in a quite outdoor place and enjoy beautiful view. Also, there are plenty of activities you can do, such as biking along the Malecon or paragliding.

  • Parque de las Leyendas (https://leyendas.gob.pe/): if you are traveling with kids that’s a pretty good option to make them happy. It is a zoo where you can find archeological sites, a botanic garden with trees from all over the world, and learn a lot about Peru and its culture.

  • Lima city centre: a stroll in the city centre is a good way to get in touch with Peruvian culture and history. Visit Lima’s main square, called Plaza de Armas, with the cathedral, the bronze fountain in the centre, the Archibishop’s Palace and the presidential palace. This square is UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Parque de la reserva (https://www.circuitomagicodelagua.com.pe/): the park, a Lima city icon, is located in downtown Lima and there you can find the Magic Water Circuit. The park has thirteen cybernetic fountains which combined with music and colorful laser lights create a magic and attractive show surrounded by Art Deco style architecture.

Parque de la reserva (https://www.circuitomagicodelagua.com.pe/): the park, a Lima city icon, is located in downtown Lima and there you can find the Magic Water Circuit. The park has thirteen cybernetic fountains which combined with music and colorful laser lights create a magic and attractive show surrounded by Art Deco style architecture.

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On 8 Septiembre, 2021 • By
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Peru• Travel• Travel Tips• World travel

Tips for traveling during pandemic

With the increase of people getting vaccinated all over the world and the drop in infection rates in many countries, we can definitely say that travel is becoming a lot safer now and tourism is recovering. Also the fact that people are more used to live respecting the usual safety measures such as washing their hands and wearing a mask indoor is helping. 

Here few tips you need to take in account while planning your next trip:

  • Test yourself. Take a COVID-19 test before leaving, ideally the day before and once you are back home. Even if you are vaccinated you might want to take the test to check your status. Some countries require a negative test to get in even if you are vaccinated, so you have to check the specific requirements for each destination. As for Peru, a negative PCR test issued up to 72 hours before boarding or a negative antigen test issued up to 24 hours before boarding is required. 

  • Use Masks or face shields. Bring with you the necessary amount of FFP2 masks and change them after 8 hours. If you prefer use a face shield to better protect you on the plane and indoor. 

  • Hand hygiene. Handwashing is the best way to protect yourself, so keep washing your hands frequently with soap and water for an extended period of time and using hand sanitizer if you do not have a place to wash your hands. Hand sanitizer must have at least 60% of alcohol in it. 

  • Bring antibacterial wipes. Bring them with you to clean up and disinfect hotel room or apartment’s doorknobs, light switches, surfaces and bathrooms. Just to be on the safe side.

  • Plan carefully your trip. Plan your trip in a smart way trying to avoid unsafe activities, such as going to crowded indoor places. Schedule in advance your visit to archeological sites, museums, parks, etc. Make the necessary restaurant reservations to ensure you have a table booked, many restaurants may have reduced available tables due to COVID-19 restrictions.

  • Enjoy your trip! Do not obsess and try to fully enjoy your trip. 

Even if things have changed and we are living in a different world today, we believe that we can still keep doing things we love using all the necessary measures to keep ourself and other people safe. So, travel, enjoy yourself, but do it in a smart way. The help of local people and an experienced travel operator could be crucial for your trip. 

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On 1 Septiembre, 2021 • By
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Travel• Travel Tips• What to do• World travel

8 Tips on How to Travel with Kids

We here at Magical Cusco Tours love to travel with our kids but it can get a little complicated unless you know how to keep them busy and happy. Here are our top 10 tips to travel with kids and teens.

Make sure that daily activities are spread out well: Don’t visit 10 different monuments in one day, let your kids rest and have some downtime.  

Bring lots of snacks and water: In our experience, kids and teens often forget to bring their own food and water so when they get annoyed or hungry, you make sure that you have all the options that they might need. It also doesn’t hurt to double-check and make sure that they have water and snacks.

Ask for their opinions when planning the activities: The activities that you do during the trip should be a mix between things that you want to do and things that your kids find interesting  

If you’re flying somewhere take an earlier flight: The flights can be less crowded and people are more likely to sleep, your kids included.  

Pack lots of activities: Keeping busy is a great way to pass the time and having activities suitable for a kid of any age is always useful. This can include coloring books (of any level), pens, cards, toys for smaller children, and more.

Bring lots of layers and other supplies for any kind of weather: You never know what the day will bring and you want to be prepared for anything to happen. Examples are flashlights, toilet paper, rain jackets, hats, mosquito repellents, sunblocks, comfortable shoes, etc.  

Bring a light blanket in case your kid gets cold on the airline. 

Be prepared for long flights: Many airlines now offer free entertainment if they have a specific app o check if your airline has one of those. If you have a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or Disney+, have them download movies and episodes to watch. 

Those are just a few of the many tips we have for you. Make sure to check out our blog on how to stay safe while traveling so you know how to keep yourself and your kids safe. We hope that these tips will help you out. 

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On 19 Agosto, 2021 • By
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Travel• Travel Tips• What to do• World travel

Requirements to Travel to Peru

It has finally come time to start traveling again. The world is opening up and there are more and more adventures to be had. And what better place to start with than Peru! If you want to travel to Peru but have no idea what the requirements are, let me help you out. 

To be able to visit Peru you must have: 

A negative RT-PCR test that was done less than 72 hours in advance. OR An Antigen Test from less than 24 hours before your trip. Usually, a PCR is more expensive and hard to find. In the US, a major pharmacy chain (like CVS or Walgreen’s) provides the Antigen test for free. 

A signed “Health Electronic Sworn Statement, and commitment to carry out the traveler’s isolation or quarantine”. Here’s the link to the statement: http://e-notificacion.migraciones.gob.pe/dj-salud/

Both the Test and Statement must be kept on hand because they’ll probably be requested once you’re in Peru 

If you are an international passenger and you have any symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of your arrival to Peru, you have to contact the health authorities of your country. 

If you don’t wear a mask and/or comply with the rules that the airline/airport/etc have, your boarding to Peru could be rejected.

Those are all the things that you need to have in order to travel to Peru. Make sure to check out my blog about safety tips while traveling.Stay safe and have happy travels! 

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On 11 Agosto, 2021 • By
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Peru• Travel• Travel Tips• What to do

How to stay safe while Traveling

We have many clients who love to travel but have found themselves unsure of how to be safe and stay healthy while doing so, especially with COVID-19 still circling the world. After consulting with them and with our team, we’ve found a couple of tips and tricks for you. Of course, the easier way to stay as safe as possible is to get fully vaccinated. It will help you to have much less stress about the trip.

Now onto the tips!

Essential items  

Disinfectants – We would never go anywhere without a disinfectant and CLOROX wipes (we use these to wipe down chairs and tables, they’re especially useful on planes, buses, and other public areas). 

Foto de Anna Shvets en Pexels 

Mask – Does this even need an explanation? Carrying more than one surgical mask is better, just in case, and wear them whenever you’re inside to protect yourself and others.


Foto de Anna Shvets en Pexels 

Social Distancing – This is always good to practice, not just while traveling. The farther away from strangers, you are, the safer you are. If you do find yourself in close quarters with others, make sure to wear your mask. 


Foto de Kate Trifo en Pexels 

Stay hydrated – Regular advice for when you travel but very important to stay healthy. You should drink about half a gallon or 2 liters of water every day 

And finally the most important: 

WASH YOUR HANDS! The easiest and most convenient way to stay safe and healthy. Wash your hands whenever you get a chance and especially before eating or doing activities that require the use of your hands. 


Those are all of our tips to be safe and healthy while traveling. We hope they’ll help you as much as they’ve helped us. Please check out our post about the requirements to travel to Peru so you can put some of these tips to use. Happy adventuring! 

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On 5 Agosto, 2021 • By
1
Travel• Travel Tips• What to do

PHOTO VIDEO MEMORIES PROJECT

Do you want to cherish memories and support Peruvian tourism at the same time?  

Call us: 1-866-217-1542 / 703-822-5311 or 703-8225312 /+51 997 593 818 (also Whatsapp) 

Email us: info@magicalcuzcotours.com

WE WILL MAKE YOUR MEMORIES LAST FOREVER!

The current global crisis due to Coronavirus pandemic opened our eyes on the importance of the work made by our tour guides and local drivers who are on the front lines of tourism industry and they do not have the financial ability to survive in this time of crisis. They are now basically unemployed and they have no income to support their families. That is why we decided to work on a way to help Peruvian tourism and especially our people stay afloat during this difficult time.  

We launch a brand-new memories video project; for each video sold we will make a donation to our knowledgeable and reliable tour guides and drivers. The price for the video is US$150.00 total and 100% of our profit will go directly to them. 

We can produce memories videos to share it with your friends and family or simply to have lifetime memories of a special occasion. Our videos are ideal to celebrate a special occasion, a special trip anywhere else or just to celebrate the life of a loved ones as tribute. An anniversary, a birthday, a wedding, a vow renewal, the arrival of a new-born are all special occasions that deserve to remain engraved in our memory. We will help you make it special with a commemorative video made of unedited video shots, photos, visual effects, soundtrack and a customized script. They are also a great gift idea for a dear friend or family member! 

HOW IT WORKS 

  • Send us meaningful photos and video shots 
  • Tell us your story or highlights to be able to create a script 
  • Choose up to 4 music tracks to use for your video 
  • Give us a week to work on it! 
  • Your video will be delivered to your email. 

VIDEO FEATURES 

  • Duration: up to 7 minutes  
  • Customized script based on your story 
  • Linear edition  
  • Visual effects
  • Colorization (the quality depends on photos and video shots provided)
  • Photo editing
  • Soundtrack (up to 4 music track)
  • Sound quality 
  • Voice over (optional) 
  • The video can be delivered in the following formats: full HD; MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV. This is totally up to you! 

THE VALUE OF WORKING WITH US 

  • Commitment to local suppliers: we are committed to support Peruvian tourism and to value the work of those guides who are working on the field with our passengers.  
  • Competitive prices: we offer best value prices for our services compared to other suppliers. Please consider that part of the revenues will be donated to our tour guide. 
  • Flexibility: we are flexible with changes to the video and soundtrack (considering the options you sent at the beginning). As for the script, we will work on it and send it to you for approval, before finalizing the video. Once the video, the soundtrack and the script are approved, you cannot make any change.
  • Reliability: we are reliable supplier and if we offer you to have a video ready for a specific date, we will keep the promise. We always meet deadlines! 
  • Communication standard: we are always an email or a call away from you. We proud ourselves to be very quick in replying to our clients for any requests or issues they might have. 

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On 5 Mayo, 2020 • By
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