The Hiram Bingham train, Image courtesy of Orient-Express.

One of the joys of creating experiential travel for people is the fun of deciphering what in fact they really have in mind– sometimes I have the distinct feeling that I am a shrink. Luxury means exactly what? Stunning architecture at a resort? Exquisite Michelin star meal in a French Chateau? Or learning about Andean music with a local musician in Cuzco? Alone in the middle of nowhere with a white glove picnic?

Well to one of my recent clients it meant creating a trip that would allow their college freshman son to be INSPIRED, and be eager to travel with them (his middle age parents). What inspires an American kid these days? Luckily I was allowed to interview him and really gain his trust– that just because I was a half a century older than him, I still could understand the type of experience he was looking for.  I quickly found the bridge – jazz! The young man was astounded that growing up in India I was a jazz fan, and when I arrived in New York, not a lot older that he was now, I was lucky enough to hear many of the jazz greats in person.

I found that by encouraging him to email me directly he did not feel that he was embarking on his parent’s dream trip but in fact helping to create his own memories.  It became such a fun game that we ended up mapping out the next 5 year plan for travel – to all the places in the world where he could be inspired – by animals, environment, landscapes, indigenous peoples, rural interactions and learning the local cuisines.

Unfortunately, the local cuisine in Peru became a problem.  Teens being teens, he didn’t heed my advice to never eat the truly local street food unless you are sure of the hygiene and there in the beautiful city of Cuzco he landed in the local clinic– an immersion of another kind but a learning experience nonetheless!

Back home after what he described as a fantastic trip to Peru, we have a happy family — and an inspired American teen, who is actually looking forward to the next five years of family travel– which he helped plan.

The Journey…

Image courtesy of Aqua Expeditions of the Aria on the Amazon.

They flew directly from the USA to the Amazon – with an day room at the airport hotel. With the minimal time difference, jet-lag is not much of an issue and the cruise on the Aria is very relaxing. There are plenty of nature photo-ops, gourmet cuisines and interaction with locals on the riverbanks.

There is no choice but to use Lima as a center hub for connecting through the country on either LAN or Taca.

Image courtesy of Hotel Sol y Luna.

Flying into Cuzco it is advisable to go directly to the lower elevation Urubamba valley – aka the Sacred Valley.  This allows for a better acclimatization to the high altitude of Cuzco.  Staying at Sol y Luna allowed for day excursions to nearby ruins and colorful rural markets and craft centers– if time permits, travelers can make some of the ceramics in the local style with an award winning craftsman.

Image of Machu Picchu courtesy of Orient-Express.

Machu Pichu is a spiritual experience and staying on site at the Sanctuary Hotel is the best way to drink in the atmosphere.

Image courtesy of Orient-Express.

Cuzco is one of the most charming Spanish colonial cities of Latin America and the new hotel – Palacio Nazarenas is not only stunning but has oxygenated rooms to help guests acclimate!  This is also the center of the Andean music– a private session with a local musician is highly recommended.

A more esoteric but truly enlightening experience is a shaman (or healer) blessing. We arranged for the shaman to explain their historical significance and perform a private ritual ceremony.

Image courtesy of Orient-Express, Lima.

Lima is a city of museums, lively students and gourmet food.  The family were able to have a private day of shopping in the market and a private lesson with a master chef. The Hotel Miraflores is the best place to make your headquarters.

I often work with a ground operator in Peru to make my guests trip experience flawless.  Aracari is one of the best as recognized by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure.