Travel To Machu Picchu

The Government of Peru and Macchu Pisco LLC Launch the Centennial Macchu Pisco ...

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 05, 2011

Macchu Pisco LLC launches this week the Centennial Macchu Pisco Sour Competition as a collaboration with the Government of Peru to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Machu Picchu's re-discovery by American archeologist Hiram Bingham and the upcoming celebration of National Pisco Day ( www.macchupisco.com ).

While events and activities will be held year-round in Peru to toast this legendary Lost City of the Incas, Macchu Pisco LLC and the Government of Peru aim to bring to the American public who will not be able to travel to Peru a taste of Peru's magic to a city near them. The Centennial Competition will be traveling from DC, to Boston, New York (July 5th), San Francisco (July 5th), Los Angeles (July 6th) and culminating in the city of lights, Las Vegas (July 7th). Winners of each of these cities will travel to Peru courtesy of Avianca/Taca airlines in the Fall where the winning cocktail will be crowned the official "Centennial Macchu Pisco Sour" and its creator will win a trip to Cusco where he/she will stay at the 5-star Orient Express property, El Monasterio Hotel ( www.aviancataca.com ).

Company founder, Melanie Asher, noted, "While we toast to one Peruvian treasure being re-discovered by an American, likewise Peruvian Pisco is being put on the map thanks to American bartenders who embody Hiram Bingham's spirit of adventure." And to highlight the upcoming National Pisco Day, mixologists' sense of adventure and creativity will be tested when they shake up their variations of the iconic national cocktail of Peru, the Pisco Sour.

Although Pisco has recently been dubbed the fastest growing spirit category in the US, the participants in this competition are trailblazers who embraced Macchu Pisco since it arrived in these shores 5 years ago. Today, Macchu Pisco LLC boasts being one of the top exporters of Pisco due in large part to their success in spirits competitions, most recently the Ultimate Cocktail Challenge where it was awarded a 95-point score and deemed the "Extraordinary" choice for classic Pisco cocktails ( www.ultimate-beverage.com/wine_reviews/cocktails-results / ).

Lizzie Asher, President of Macchu Pisco LLC, concluded, "The pool of talent participating in this competition showcases the leading innovators in the world of mixology today and reflects the importance of the US in leading the revival of Pisco." While Pisco had its heyday in the US during the Gold Rush period, the versatility of this white spirit made from grapes will be on display not only during the Centennial Macchu Pisco Sour competition but also during the entire month of July in the cocktail menus of participating bars and restaurants.

Brownell Travel Journal: Peru and Machu Picchu: March 2011

We arrived in Lima at the Hotel Miraflores –a beautiful seaside oasis located amid the Lima shopping district. A visit to Mercado was perfect for finding those handmade curios and souvenirs as well as funky and fun accessories. I brought home 15 belts, 10 pillow covers, and enough table linen to last a lifetime. The prices are definitely right! The real gem in Lima is the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum, which provides a wonderful education in all the Inka cultures and artifacts, a must see for all first time visitors! Lunch was wonderful at the Café Del Museo –the garden setting and authentic menu makes you want to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening enjoying the alfresco experience. I loved it! The Sacred Valley is filled with luxury resorts but my top pick is Sol Y Luna –this wonderful find truly provides the ultimate experience in the lush valley of the Incas! A week here would spoil me rotten! From beautiful horse stables and romantic villas to a 5 star restaurant where you may watch the chefs prepare authentic Peruvian cuisine, every detail is well conceived and well delivered. The 2 hour journey to Machu Picchu via Ollantaytambo and the Vistadome train was filled with sights of the local farms and people of Peru. It was like looking at a postcard to watch the Peruvian women carrying their children, foods and supplies on their backs wearing their traditional clothing. The colors are breathtaking and the smiles warm your heart. If people make the experience then Peru exceeds my expectations! My first sight of Machu Picchu was one of amazement and awe. It looks just like the pictures, only grander and more inviting. I wanted to explore every inch of this place and our guide was amazing! Being an Inca man, he recanted stories told by his ancestors with feeling and emotion, as only someone of that culture can do. I saw two rainbows as I left this magical and mystical place –quite fitting I must say. I would not say I left Machu Picchu a better person, but I certainly left with a different perspective on life and the importance of place. After a fabulous lunch at Inkaterra –another great lodge in Aqua Calientes – we were back on the train for our return trip to Cusco and a tour of this historical city. The buildings, cathedrals, and sights of Cusco are lovely. And of course there is shopping and dining as well.

V!VA Travel Guides, Peru

Viva Travel Guides Machu Picchu and Cusco, Peru, Including the Sacred Valley and Lima

VIVA Travel Guides Machu Picchu and Cusco

Turn Right at Machu Picchu, Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

The Machu Picchu guidebook, a self-guided tour