Soak up the local culture and some extra oxygen at these high-elevation locales.

Accordingly, the trip over will take a little more planning than a weekend in the Catskills.

Or maybe thats just thealtitude sickness.

Machu Picchu, the citadel of the Inca Empire

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Lima

The country’s capital is where most travelers first land in Peru.

SinceLimais just above sea level, it requires no acclimation.

Spend a couple of days here to settle in and prepare yourself for your Machu Picchu journey.

Bar at the Westin Lima, in Lima, Peru

Courtesy of Westin

Sacred Valley

From Lima, fly into Cusco, the closest airport to Machu Picchu.

Usually served in an oversized glass, the sour, cider-like chicha also comes in a strawberry flavor.

But dont let the risk of altitude sickness scare you off entirely.

Tambo del Inka, Sacred Valley, Peru

Courtesy of Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Cusco, Peru

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