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.
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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.
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.
Courtesy of Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure
