The ancient Incan warrior-priest, unmoving and in the shadows, remains unnoticed until he brandishes his long-handled battle-ax at us.
My companions and I are in a cozy corner of the 500-year-old Palacio del Inka hotel in Cusco, awaiting a history lecture … we think. What we get instead is a one-man show, in full costume, with music and a rousing tale of Andean adventure and deep-seated Inca tradition. Even though it doesn’t last long, the compelling performance will stay with us for ages.
My best travel memories — and I doubt I’m alone in this — are less novel-length narratives than a collection of brief encounters. Creating such seemingly minor but memorable moments is part of the mission of Azamara, long known for its destination-intensive itineraries and creative shore excursions. One of its newest land adventures, full of such encounters, is a brilliant introduction to Peru: the five-night “Machu Picchu, Cusco & Hiram Bingham Train.”