HOUSTON: It was a profoundly special gathering of old college friends in their expedition across the coastal expanse of Lima, the deep Andean folds of the Sacred Valley, and the legendary heights of Machu Picchu. Curated with four-star hotels, private guides, and seamless transfers, their journey balanced deep historical discovery with warm camaraderie.
So unfolded the tale by Ratan Bhagat and his wife Nimmo last Friday night, October 2 at the very soft opening of the new location of Nirvana restaurant on Memorial and Kirkwood. They shared pictures and insights from tracing Inca footsteps from the Sacred Valley to the Citadel at a semi-annual meeting of the Connoisseurs Club, a social group dedicated to sharing the passages of life while also partaking from the unusual liquors that each of the members bring.
Their adventure began with a descent across the semi-arid western slopes of the Andes toward Cusco and the Sacred Valley. They explored the monumental stone gates and living Inca town of Ollantaytambo (altitude 2,886 meters), standing in awe before the colossal pink granite monoliths of the Templo del Sol.
At Maras, they gazed down at over 3,000 active, pre-Inca salt evaporation ponds cascading down the hillside, and marveled at the concentric terraced bowls of the Moray agricultural laboratory, where ancient engineering created microclimates varying by up to 15°C. Strolling through local Andean villages, browsing vibrant handicraft markets, and stopping at charming local cafés added warmth and color to the highlands.
The crown jewel of the journey arrived on boarding the panoramic Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, cutting through thick river valley foliage and cloud gaps. After reaching the sanctuary, the guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage citadel of Machu Picchu left them spellbound. Walking among the agricultural terraces, the Urban Sector, the Main Temple (Templo Principal), and the Sacred Rock under the golden afternoon glow revealed the incredible stonework and sacred geography of the Inca Empire.
Returning to Cusco, they explored the massive 15th-century fortress of Saqsaywaman – built with limestone blocks weighing up to 125 tons that absorb seismic shocks through their brilliant zigzag design. Strolling through the Plaza de Armas, they admired Andean-Catholic syncretism in local art, including Cusco School paintings and ornate gilded altars. They even discovered a unique painting of a “Black Jesus” and Jesus in the arms of Father Joseph.
After returning to Lima they took in the wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean from the clifftops, visited the Cathedral of Lima where Francisco Pizarro is interred, and walked around the around the Government Palace and the Central Plaza. Their last night ended with classic Peruvian cuisine – fresh ceviche and a classic Pisco Sour.
