143plete without touring some of its natural
(and manmade) wonders. Plan an excursion
to Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled
among sweeping sights of the Andes
Mountains. Here, you’ll also fi nd the salt
pools of Maras, ancient, geometric salt pools
that have been harvested since Incan times
(guests are able to purchase bagged salt at
market stalls on site).
Perhaps Peru’s most widely recognized
wonder is Machu Picchu, which is a three-
to four-hour train ride from Cusco and not
to be missed. Journey in style aboard the
impossibly luxurious Belmond Hiram Bing-
ham train, which takes its name from the
explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu.
Inside its 1920s-style carriage, expect white-
tablecloth dining, top-notch beverages, live
entertainment and unbelievable, up close
views of the Andes. At your destination,
awe-inspiring grandeur awaits. An ancient
Incan citadel, Machu Picchu’s allure is a
product of both raw beauty and enigmatic
mysticism.
Back at the JW Marriott, don’t close
out your trip without a guided tour of the
hotel’s Incan and pre-Incan artifacts—up
close evidence of the region’s deeply rooted
history and incomparable culture.
jwmarriottcusco.com
clockwise from top left Cusco, Peru, is known for
its Spanish Colonial architecture. The JW Marri-
ott El Convento Cusco is a restored convent. In
Chinchero, local weavers produce textiles using
natural dyes. The Junior Suite. Panchita, the
resident baby alpaca. opposite Machu Picchu.