Uncover Cusco's Lost Secrets: Amerindia's Hidden Gems in Peru
Uncover Cusco's Lost Secrets: Amerindia's Hidden Gems – A Review That Gets Real (and a Little Lost)
Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the beans on Amerindia. Cusco, right? Lost secrets? Sounds mystical, a bit pretentious…and also, kinda intriguing. I went in with expectations, mostly fueled by Instagram and a desperate need for a vacation where I wouldn’t be judged for eating ALL the snacks. Did Amerindia deliver? Did it live up to the hype? Did I actually find any "lost secrets"? Let's see…
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta appease the algorithm, right?)
- Title: Amerindia Cusco Review: Hidden Gems or Overhyped Tourist Trap? (Detailed & Honest)
- Keywords: Amerindia, Cusco, Peru, Hotel Review, Spa, Restaurant, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, WiFi, Pool, Views, Luxury, Hidden Gems, Travel, South America, Things to do, Spa, Restaurant, Cleanliness, Safety, Amenities.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Amerindia Cusco, focusing on accessibility, amenities, dining, safety, and whether it lives up to the "lost secrets" promise. Prepare for unfiltered opinions and a slightly disorganized perspective.
First Impressions & Getting Settled (The Arrival…and My First Panic Attack)
The airport transfer was smooth. No drama, blessedly. I got whisked away in a car that, thankfully, didn’t look like it was held together with duct tape (a common sight, I've learned). The first thing? The altitude. Woah. My lungs felt like they'd run a marathon even before I got to reception. I’m not sure I can make it, and I’m gasping just typing this now.
Check-in was… interesting. They had a "contactless" system, which is great, I guess? But it felt a little…sterile. Like, am I getting checked into a hotel or a maximum-security prison? The staff seemed friendly enough, even with my frantic attempts to catch my breath, but I did get the distinct feeling that I was the tourist here, and not them.
Accessibility & Navigating the Labyrinth (My Inner Cyclops is Loving This)
Okay, serious kudos here. Wheelchair accessible. They actually mean it. Ramps, elevators, accessible rooms – the works. A huge win, honestly. And the elevators? They actually work. (Small victories, people, small victories.) The hotel is HUGE, though. Seriously, you could get lost. I did a few times. But hey, there are worse places to wander than a beautiful hotel with amazing views, so I can live!
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Didn't notice a specifically designated area. However, most of the public spaces, including the restaurant/bar areas, were readily accessible.
Internet Access & Keeping Connected (My Digital Lifeblood)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the internet gods! And it actually works! (Again, small victories.) I didn't test the LAN in the room itself because…well, who uses LAN anymore? Unless you're a hacker in a movie, and I am definitely not a hacker (Officer, I swear!), I mostly needed to check my emails and scroll through Instagram.
Wi-Fi in public areas: Also strong and reliable. Essential for posting those "I really wish I wasn't working" vacation photos to make all my friends jealous.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax & That Spa…Oh, That Spa!
This is where Amerindia truly shines.
- Pool with a View: Yep. And it's stunning. Infinity edge, looking out over… well, I'm not going to lie, I spent most of the time in a blissful daze.
- Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/Sauna: All the things you need to feel like a pampered goddess…or just a slightly less stressed human.
- Gym/fitness: I saw it. I walked in. I walked out. (Those snacks, you know?) But hey, the option is there for those who actually enjoy exercise.
- Massage: Yes, please! A must. I opted for the deep tissue, because honestly, my shoulders were practically screaming from the flight, and they are constantly strained from the stress of existence, and it was absolute HEAVEN. It felt like a whole team of tiny hands was working through all the knots in my body. I emerged feeling like a limp noodle, in the best way possible.
- Body Wrap/Body Scrub: I didn't partake of these. I'm skeptical, but I can't give a full review, and I am not always the most trusting of fancy-sounding beauty treatments.
- Foot bath: didn't try it.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, the World is a Mess)
Anti-viral cleaning products Yes. Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep. Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Hygiene certification: Check. Individually-wrapped food options: Yes. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Generally observed Professional-grade sanitizing services: Seems like it. Room sanitization opt-out available: I don't know, I didn't ask, to tell the truth. Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes Safe dining setup: Yes Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes Staff trained in safety protocol: I presume so, yes
Honestly? I felt safe. Like, genuinely safe. The hotel clearly takes hygiene seriously, which is a huge comfort in the current climate.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Primary Objective in Life)
- Restaurants: Multiple.
- A la carte in restaurant/Buffet in restaurant: Everything available.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant/ Western cuisine in restaurant: Yes!
- Bar/Poolside bar: Excellent choices
- Coffee shop/Desserts in restaurant: Delicious. Really, really delicious.
- Room service [24-hour]: Because, you know, emergency chocolate cravings.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A feast! The usual suspects are present, but what I found most impressive were the local specialities.
- Asian breakfast: A highlight! A different style of food is exciting.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Included in their menus.
- Snack bar: A great choice for a snack between meals.
- Soup in restaurant: Yes, it's there.
- Western breakfast: Yes, there are some options for the less adventurous.
- Happy hour: Drinks are on offer.
I'm not going to lie, I ate. A lot. The food was generally fantastic. Lots of international and local dishes, all well-prepared. The breakfast buffet was epic, the coffee was good, and the pisco sours at the bar were…dangerous. (But in a good way!) I tried to maintain some semblance of willpower, but…well, see above regarding the snacks.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, and thank goodness because it's hot and cold.
- Business facilities: Adequate for business travelers.
- Concierge/Cash withdrawal: All as expected.
- Daily housekeeping/Laundry service: Excellent.
- Elevator/Facilities for disabled guests: Fine, it is all on point
- Luggage storage/Safe deposit boxes: Fine
- Wi-Fi for special events: As expected.
The staff were helpful and friendly, always willing to go the extra mile. Laundry service was prompt, the concierge was great at helping. No complaints here.
For the Kids (My Inner Child Definitely Got Some Pampering)
- Family/child friendly: Yes, but I went on my own so
- Babysitting service: Yes, if you need it
- Kids facilities/Kids meal: Not that I noticed.
Rooms (The Sanctuary…or the Place Where I Decided to Exist Unshowered for a Day)
- Air conditioning/Alarm clock: Yes.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for altitude-induced insomnia.
- Coffee/tea maker/Complimentary tea: Perfect.
- Daily housekeeping: Wonderful
- Desk/Free bottled water: Yes.
- Hair dryer/Ironing facilities: Yes
- In-room safe box: Secure.
- Internet access – LAN/Internet access – wireless: Both
- Mini bar: Helpful.
- Non-smoking/Private bathroom: Yes
- Refrigerator: Useful for storing the aforementioned snacks.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yep.
- Seating area/Shower: Fine
- Slippers/Smoke detector: Yes
- Toiletries/Towels: Fine
- Wake-up service/Wi-Fi [free]: Fine
- Window that opens: Nice!
My room was…lovely. Clean, spacious, comfortable bed, great views. (I spent a significant amount of time just staring out the window, contemplating life and the vast
Forbidden Blossoms: Nara's Secret Koriyama Flower Garden (Adults Only)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable experience that is Cusco, Peru. This isn't your perfectly-polished travel blog. This is the real deal. My brain, my bladder, and my general sense of direction, all meticulously (and sometimes disastrously) applied. Let's do this.
Amerindia Cusco: A Love Letter (and a Few Mild Complaints)
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude…or, the Great Gasping Game
Morning (7:00 AM, Cusco Time…whenever that actually is): Arrived at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Beautiful, right? Nah. Just…airport-y. Stuffed my luggage into the waiting taxi, who looked at me like I'd just landed from Mars (maybe I had, after that red-eye). Immediately felt the thud of altitude. This is not a joke. My lungs felt…well, let's just say my breathing sounded like a dying walrus competing in a huff-and-puff contest.
Mid-Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Checked into Hotel Casa Andina Standard Cusco Koricancha. The reviews were decent, it was "centrally located" (a HUGE plus when you have the mental capacity of a sloth), and it claimed to have oxygen-enriched rooms. I didn't believe the rooms were actually oxygen-enriched, because the first hour I felt I would need a oxygen tank. Honestly, it felt like I was breathing through a straw. The hotel itself was a charming colonial building with, as Peruvians love to do, central courtyards.
Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Acclimatization. aka: Trying to Breathe, Slowly. The hotel staff handed me coca tea. Okay, I thought, I'm used to drinking green tea at least, I can handle this. Oh, how wrong I was! This wasn't my usual tea, this was some straight-up herbal concoction that tasted like… well, it tasted like the Andes Mountains themselves. A little bitter, a little earthy. I actually started to feel a tiny bit better after two cups. Walking around slowly, and taking a small walk down close streets.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Found a small, unassuming place called "El Inca" near the Plaza de Armas. Amazing. I knew I was in good hands when I saw the locals flooding in. Ordered a classic Lomo Saltado (beef stir-fry). The food was spectacular.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Attempted the Plaza de Armas! Seriously, the main square in Cusco. It was beautiful, the cathedral was massive, the cobbled streets were charming, and I was gasping every three steps. I spent way too much time sitting on a bench, feeling sorry for myself, watching the local kids chase each other around the fountain. Saw some Inca ruins. I might have taken a nap on that bench I was feeling so tired from the hike.
Evening (6:00 PM - Whenever I can keep my eyes open): Dinner at Cicciolina. This place was… fancy. And romantic. And again, I had trouble breathing. But the food was divine. I opted for the Alpaca, which was a surprisingly tender and delicious. I also did not drink way too much, being in the high altitude. Passed out in bed.
Day 2: Sacsayhuamán and the Sufferfest (more hike)
Morning (8:00 AM): Wake up! Survived the night! Again, tea. And water. Lots of water, I should mention. The altitude hadn't completely devoured me.
Late Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Sacsayhuamán. Look, I'm not gonna lie. This place is epic. Huge stones, incredible engineering, a view that makes you want to weep. The stones were so huge, I was getting dizzy, almost as if I was going to have a stroke, but no, I was just tired. The climb up the hill nearly killed me. Seriously. Felt like I was climbing Mount Everest in my pajamas. But the views…totally worth it. Mostly.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Another small restaurant. I didn't care about the name, I was just focused on shoving food in my face. (No regrets).
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Explored more Inca ruins, but the name of them were slipping from my mind, because it was a lot of hiking. I was starting to feel like Indiana Jones, but, more like a breathless, slightly-less-in-shape Indiana Jones.
Evening (7:00 PM - Whenever): This is where things get a bit fuzzy. I'm pretty sure I had dinner. I think I maybe saw a show (probably not, I was pretty exhausted). I definitely was in bed early. Repeat: Lots. Of. Water.
Day 3: Food, Market and Cooking
Morning (9:00 AM): Slept in! The altitude, after two days, was getting less, I could walk around at a faster pace.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visited San Pedro Market. This place is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Mountains of fruits I'd never seen before! People selling everything from fresh juices to, uh, questionable meat. The smell of spices was intoxicating. Bought a bunch of weird fruit.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): A small cafe. I grabbed a juice and a small snack.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Peru is known for its incredible cuisine, and what better way to experience it than by making it yourself. I booked a cooking class through a local company. I learned how to make Ceviche! The chef was hilarious, and the experience was delightful.
Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Eating what I cooked! It was so fun and tasty. Headed back to the room, extremely full and content.
Day 4: The Train
Morning: Started the day with coca tea.
Morning (9:00 AM): Went on a train ride to the Machu Picchu. The scenery was incredible!
Afternoon: Arrived at Machu Picchu, and felt extremely good.
Evening: Still exploring Machu Picchu. Going to enjoy dinner.
Day 5: Machu Picchu (The Big One!)
Early Morning (4:00 AM): Woke up before the sun. Had to catch a bus up to the site. This was the most intense and rewarding experience. I really liked the scenery.
Morning (6:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Machu Picchu. (Yes, again. Worth it). Words cannot describe this place. The sheer scale of it, the history, the mystery… it's overwhelming. The views from the top… I was speechless. I spent hours just wandering around, soaking it all in. The crowds were… well, there were a lot of them. But you can't help but be awestruck.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Food, again. I needed it! After the big hike!
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): More Machu Picchu! (Yes, again!) I had an incredible time, and there was a lot to enjoy. It was the highlight of my whole trip.
Evening (6:00 PM): Started the trip back to Cusco.
Day 6: Departure and Reflections
Morning (8:00 AM): Last breakfast in Cusco. Felt surprisingly chipper, thanks to the altitude.
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Last-minute souvenir shopping. Found a beautiful hand-woven scarf. (Yay, shopping).
Afternoon (12:00 PM): Headed to the airport.
Quirky Observations and Ramblings:
- The stray dogs of Cusco are EVERYWHERE. And they're mostly chilled out. They just kind of…exist.
- The alpaca sweaters are soft, but the prices… ouch.
- I got ripped off at one of the tourist shops, but I don't even care. I wanted a llama keychain.
- Never underestimate the power of a good shower after a day of hiking. Seriously. It's a religious experience.
- Coca tea. It's a must. Embrace the earthy flavor.
- Altitude sickness is a real thing. Don't be a hero. Take it easy.
Final Thoughts:
Cusco is not a perfectly curated travel destination. It's a place of grit, beauty, challenges,
Escape to Paradise: Unveiling Station Phu Thap Buek's Hidden Gems
Uncover Cusco's Lost Secrets: Amerindia's Hidden Gems - FAQ (Because, Seriously, You're Probably Wondering...)
This trip – is it *really* worth the hype? Because Instagram makes everything look picture-perfect, and I'm a cynical human.
Okay, look. Here's the deal. Instagram lies. Beautiful people in flowy dresses atop Machu Picchu? Probably a paid gig. This trip, though? Yeah. It's worth it. *Mostly*. It’s not *perfect* perfect. You’ll sweat buckets (seriously, pack deodorant), you'll likely get altitude sickness (I did, projectile vomiting in a bus is a GREAT conversation starter – NOT), and you might argue with your travel buddy (I almost divorced my friend over a llama incident, but that's a story for another day). But the good parts? They're freaking *amazing*. Think ancient ruins that whisper secrets, food you'll dream about for weeks, and people who make you rethink everything you thought you knew about life. So, yeah, it's worth the hype. Just... temper your expectations with a healthy dose of reality and a good supply of Immodium.
Altitude sickness. Tell me the TRUTH. Will I die? Should I pack an oxygen tank?
Okay, deep breaths. Will you die? Probably not. Should you pack an oxygen tank? Unless you *really* like lugging around heavy things and looking like a cyborg, probably not. The altitude is a beast. It can hit you even if you're a super-fit marathon runner (I saw it happen). I’m a reasonably healthy hiker! I felt like I was trying to breathe through a straw made of concrete. The first few days? Headache from hell. Nausea? Yep. Feeling like you're going to pass out at random moments? Oh, absolutely. The coca leaves help (chew them, don't snort them – trust me, the police are a buzzkill), and the pills they give you are good too! Take things slow! Seriously, SLOW. No running. No jumping. Just… exist. Hydrate like your life depends on it (because, in the high altitudes, it kinda does). And if you're really worried, talk to your doctor. Better to be safe than spewing your lunch all over the sacred valley, right?
Side Note: That projectile vomiting I mentioned? Yeah, that was me. In a crowded bus. Embarrassing. Lesson learned: listen to your body and *don't* eat the street food on day one. MISTAKE!
Okay, so what’s the deal with the food? I'm a foodie and I need details!
The food? Oh, the FOOD. Let’s just say, the food almost made me forget I was slowly suffocating at 11,000 feet. Cuy (guinea pig) is an experience – I tried it, once. It's... definitely a cultural experience. Alpaca? Delicious. So tender! The soups? Heart-warming and life-giving, especially when you're feeling like a zombie from the altitude. Aji de Gallina (creamy chicken stew) is a must. And the potatoes! They have a MILLION kinds of potatoes, and each one is more amazing than the last. Don't be afraid to try everything. (Except, maybe, the cuy. Unless you're feeling adventurous.) And oh, the *chicha morada* (purple corn drink)? Sweet, refreshing, and the perfect antidote to a long day of hiking/vomiting.
Rant Alert! Speaking of which, *don’t* be that person who complains about the food being “too different.” Embrace the weirdness, people! You're in Peru! Get over your avocado toast obsession and eat something new!
What about safety? Is it ridiculously dangerous? Should I bring a bodyguard?
Alright, safety. Bodyguard? Probably overkill. Peru, in general, is pretty safe, especially in the tourist areas. Cusco felt pretty secure to me! But, you know, basic travel safety rules apply. Don’t flash wads of cash. Watch your belongings. Don’t go wandering alone in dark alleys at 3 AM (duh!). Be aware of your surroundings. And don't trust the guy offering to sell you a "genuine Inca artifact" for a ridiculously low price. (It’s probably a rock.) Use common sense, and you should be perfectly fine. Oh! And try to learn a few basic Spanish phrases! They truly appreciate that! Plus: they genuinely are helpful when you’re lost and babbling like an idiot.
How about the hiking? I'm moderately fit. Will I survive?
Moderately fit? You're fine. Probably. Unless you haven't exercised in a hot minute. The Inca Trail is the big one, and it's *tough*. Like, your-lungs-are-on-fire, legs-are-screaming tough. I did Salkantay (which is another option I highly recommend), and it was beautiful, but still challenging. The key? Pace yourself. Hydrate (again with the hydration!). And pack light! Every pound you carry will feel like a ton. There are plenty of easier hikes, though, so don't feel like you *have* to do the Inca Trail to have a good time. You can also pay someone to carry your bag -- no shame in that game! But, seriously, do *some* training before you go. Walk up some stairs. Do some squats. Your knees will thank you.
Machu Picchu – the main event! Is it really as magical as everyone says?
Okay, drumroll please… YES. It is. It *absolutely* is. Words fail. Pictures, even. Standing there, looking out at those ancient stones, surrounded by the mountains, it's… spiritual. (And yes, I know, I can be a cynical human, but this place got to me, man.) It's a feeling of awe, wonder, and a deep connection to something bigger than yourself. It's the reason you came. Get there early to beat the crowds, because Trust me. It'll be packed. Then, just… breathe. Take it all in. And try not to accidentally push someone off a cliff while you're taking your selfie. (Just kidding… mostly.) It's one of those places that will stick with you forever.
The market! I need to buy souvenirs. Is it full of tourist traps?
Oh, the markets! Yes, they're full of tourist traps. But also, they're *amazing*. Don't go in expecting authentic, hand-crafted masterpieces at bargain-basement prices. ButHotel Finder Reviews
