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North America

Peru

During my trip to Peru, I was captivated by the country’s stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of Lima to the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu, each destination offered a unique experience. In the Sacred Valley, I marveled at the terraced hills and learned about Inca traditions that have been preserved for centuries. The hike to Machu Picchu was nothing short of transformative—standing on those ancient stones, with the mist swirling around the mountains, I felt connected to the past in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Along the way, I tasted the delicious flavors of Peruvian cuisine, from ceviche in the coastal city to the comforting heartiness of Andean stews. Peru is a place that leaves an indelible mark on the soul, and I can’t wait to return to explore even more of its hidden gems.

Exploring the Wonders of Peru: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Natural Beauty

June 24 – Lima: A Glimpse into Peru’s Rich Past and Vibrant Present Our adventure began in Lima, where we enjoyed breakfast at Los Pineiros before embarking on a city tour that showcased the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the ancient Huaca Pucllana ruins to the grandeur of the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the majestic Cathedral, Lima’s blend of history and modernity was on full display. The highlight of the day was the visit to the renowned Museo Larco, home to an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold and silver artifacts.

June 25 – Family Time in Lima After a leisurely breakfast at our Airbnb, we spent the day reconnecting with family. It was a heartwarming experience, filled with laughter, storytelling, and delicious homemade Peruvian cuisine.

June 26 – Journey to Cuzco: The Heart of the Incan Empire An early flight took us to Cuzco, where we checked into the Casa Andina Standard Plaza. The afternoon city tour led us through the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Convent of Santo Domingo, built atop the sacred Incan site of Koricancha. Venturing beyond the city, we explored the fascinating archaeological sites of Kenko, Puca Pucará, Tambomachay, and the awe-inspiring fortress of Sacsayhuamán.

June 27 – The Sacred Valley: Tracing the Footsteps of the Incas Our day began with a visit to the Pisac Ruins, perched atop a mountain with breathtaking views. We then explored the colorful artisan market in the town of Pisac before heading through the picturesque Sacred Valley to Urubamba for a delightful lunch. The afternoon took us to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, where we marveled at the precision of Incan engineering.

June 28 – Machu Picchu: A Dream Realized Taking the PeruRail Vistadome train, we journeyed to the legendary Machu Picchu. The guided tour introduced us to the architectural wonders of the site, including the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Sacred Plaza. The experience was truly surreal, a testament to the ingenuity of the Incan civilization. The return train ride featured a unique fashion show showcasing exquisite baby alpaca garments.

June 29 – From Cuzco to Trujillo: Coastal Culture and Colonial Charm After a scenic flight, we arrived in Trujillo and settled into our Airbnb. The evening was spent enjoying a delicious dinner from El Romano and preparing for the next leg of our journey.

June 30 – Unveiling Trujillo’s Ancient Treasures Our exploration of Trujillo began with a visit to the Huacas de Moche archaeological complex, where we admired the intricate reliefs of the Moche civilization. At Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world, we wandered through the impressive Palacio de Nickan. Lunch in Huanchaco was followed by a captivating performance of Marinera Norteña and Paso Horse Show. The day concluded with a memorable dinner at El Cellar de Cler.

July 1 – Immersing in Trujillo’s Colonial Elegance After breakfast, we embarked on a city tour before enjoying lunch at the prestigious Club Central. The afternoon offered free time to soak in the charm of Trujillo, followed by an evening of entertainment at a local theater.

July 2 – A Relaxing Day Before Heading to Cajamarca Sunday was spent unwinding, attending church, and savoring lunch at Ziba. In the evening, we boarded an overnight bus to Cajamarca, ready for the next adventure.

July 3 – Cajamarca: A Journey Through Time Arriving early, we settled into our Airbnb before setting out on a city tour. The historic Plaza de Armas, Atahualpa’s Ransom Room, and the Belén complex provided fascinating insights into the region’s past. The day ended with a breathtaking view from the Santa Apolonia hill.

July 4 – Cumbemayo, Otuzco, and Baños del Inca Our day trip began at the Cumbemayo rock formations, an ancient Pre-Incan aqueduct site. We then explored the Otuzco necropolis before indulging in a relaxing soak at the Baños del Inca hot springs, a rejuvenating end to an adventure-filled day.

July 5 – Back to Lima: A Final Taste of Peruvian Culture Returning to Lima, we lunched at La Cuadra de Salvador before strolling through the artsy Barranco district. In the evening, we marveled at the Magic Water Circuit, a dazzling display of lights and fountains.

July 6 – An Adrenaline-Fueled Finale Our last day in Peru was nothing short of exhilarating. We soared over the Lima coastline with a paragliding experience before visiting the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco, famous for its eerie catacombs. A delicious farewell lunch at Chifa Wa Lok concluded our unforgettable journey.

Reflections on an Unforgettable Adventure From Lima’s colonial grandeur to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, from the vibrant markets of the Sacred Valley to the ancient wonders of Trujillo and Cajamarca, this journey was a profound exploration of Peru’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Peru left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we cannot wait to return one day to uncover even more of its hidden gems.

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