Peru: More than Meets the Eye

I was so excited to have the chance to travel to Peru recently. Machu Picchu has long been on my list of “bucket list” things to see in the world. And, as a foodie, I wanted to check out the dining scene in Lima, former holder of the #1 place on the “World’s Top 50 Restaurants” with it’s gem, Central. Though Central is no longer #1 - it has actually been moved to the very short list of the “Best of the Best” - Lima still holds four spots on the list including #5 Maido. (update since the first draft of this blog - Maido has been listed as #1 on the 2025 list!!!!)

I did get to see and experience Machu Picchu. I did not get a coveted table at Central. But … I left Peru with a new-found respect for its history, diversity, and landscapes. To say I fell in love with Peru is probably an understatement. I was utterly captivated. Enthralled. And completely surprised.

My first surprise? The length and depth of her history. As an American, I had learned of the mighty Incans. That is how I thought of Peru. Very early on in my travels, I realized that the Incans were a very tiny slice of the pie in the history of Peru. The history of Peru dates back thousands of years, as I witnessed while experiencing a very special tour of the Amano Museum, an exhibition of the history of Peru through its textiles. To see 4000 year old textiles, with amazing detail and craftsmanship, was just mind-blowing for this textile nerd.

The second surprise? You don’t have to have a table at Central to experience amazing food in Peru, especially Lima. From their coastline and abundance of fresh seafood to their amazing biodiversity that produces ingredients I was completely unfamiliar with, I found myself tasting amazing creations at the tiniest of local establishments.

The third surprise? The stunning beauty of her landscapes. Though I had seen photos, nothing prepared me for the intense beauty of Peru. And I only saw a tiny slice. The Andes are a mountain range in a class all by themselves. Rich and deeply green, the landscapes can take on the beauty of a piece of art. The shadows in the ravines, the texture of the green color, all of it sometimes looks unreal.

Lima

I started in Lima with a few extra days before I met up with my group of travel colleagues. I am so happy I did! I walked the streets and parks, gazed at the beautiful sunsets over the pacific from rooftops, ate at amazing restaurants, explored museums and the city center, shopped for local crafts, as well as learning so much about her history. I instantly and forever fell in love with this city!

Lima is often viewed as just the jumping off point to a Peruvian itinerary. That is such a shame. The city is vibrant, full of art, easy to walk and full of amazing architecture. I loved the markets and shopping. There were very cool small galleries of local artists and craftspeople.

I mentioned the Amano Museum above, displaying the history of Peru through its textiles. I experienced a great tour that took me behind the scenes and opened up the textile collection rarely seen. The Larco Herrera Museum is another must see in Lima. This museum portrays the pre-Incan history of Peru that so few of us understand.

Once I met up with my industry colleagues, we spent a couple of days strolling and shopping in the markets, had a few mixology classes (yes, my Pisco Sour is perfected), visited hotels across the city and shared a meal prepared by an amazing local chef.

The Sacred Valley

After flying from Peru to Cusco, we were immediately whisked away to the lower altitude Sacred Valley. This is a normal part of any itinerary as it is extremely important to acclimate to the elevation. Cusco is at 11,000 feet and you fill it when you are still in the jetway departing the plane. The drive to the Sacred Valley is not long and I usually make sure my clients have a lovely surprise and delight along the way.

Besides acclimating, the Sacred Valley is meant to be savored! I could have easily spent more time there. Not only it is spectacularly beautiful but there is so much to do. The Sacred Valley is full of Incan ruins, small ancient villages, markets, opportunities for hiking and horseback riding and other incredible wonders.

We were treated to a lunch that showcased a traditional meal called a pachamanca. Food is gathered and carefully layered in a hole in the ground, blessed and then cooked while we explored the organic farm and sipped wine under a startlingly blue sky. Pinch me moment, for sure! What an amazing meal.

I opted for a lovely hike with a guide and friends while the rest of the group chose to ride the “very spirited” horses of Peru. Not for the faint of heart or those with bony behinds but they looked beautiful and the group had loads of fun.

The Salineras de Maras are amazing salt mines located near the ancient town of Maras. The salt is still cultivated here today in plots split amongst the local community. Providing a basis for their economy through tours and sales, I found them well worth the stop and still love the little salt I have left!!!!

One of my favorite experiences was a traditional Andean ceremony where the earth was blessed and protections were placed on all present. It was so authentic and beautiful. It was deeply, deeply felt by all of us and some emotional tears were shed.

It is always recommended that you spend 2-3 days in the Sacred Valley to acclimate but I highly recommend more. It is serene, the landscape stunning and dotted with lovely villages, markets and restaurants. It is one of the most peaceful places I have ever visited. The name goes back to the Incan time but I still felt the “sacredness” of this place the entire time I was there.

Machu Picchu

There is a reason why Peru is on a lot of “bucket lists”. Voted one of The New 7 Wonders of the World, it lives up to every single bit of hype you hear. It takes some work to get here but I have never heard a single word of disappointment ever.

You can walk the Incan Trail (there are several routes and ways of doing this) but not everyone wants to spend fours days hiking and sleeping in tents. You can walk just the last leg, taking a full day, which gets you access to the Sun Gate entrance. The only people that can enter that gate are the ones that have worked for it!

Our journey started in Ollantaytambo where you can catch one of several trains, ranging in budget to very luxurious. My group chose the VistaDome which sits in the middle with dome cars and entertainment without the glitz. The train route itself is beautiful, winding along the Urubamba River, taking you from views of snow capped mountains into the cloud forest near Aguas Calientes, the jumping off point for Machu Picchu. Some of my group hopped off at mile marker 104 to do the day-long hike but I opted to travel on via train. The altitude had the best of me and I was thankful for the beautiful full train ride.

Aguas Calientes is a tourist town. While I adored the hotel I stayed at, I was hard pressed to find a lot I loved in town. But it is here that you then catch the bus to Machu Picchu. Everyone catches the bus. It is a bit disorganized but, once loaded on your bus, it is a short drive up a winding road to the magical land at the end.

Machu Picchu is a mystical city, an iconic Incan city that showcases their incredible ancient engineering skills and how they may have lived. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is set high in the Andes and was largely unknown for centuries. Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911 and spent years fighting back the jungle to uncover this amazing and sacred monument to the Incans. The site features massive walls, terraces, places of worship and living and an amazing water management system.

There are now four “tracks” that you can purchase tickets for. While the lower levels do offer some flatter ground, most of the site has a variety of ancient steps and few handrails. If you are up for it, hike to the top (with the correct track pass) and get the incredible iconic views of the entire city, depicted in my photo at the beginning of this post. Well worth the time and effort.

Please do note that people with mobility issues may have a hard time exploring this site. An experienced guide can help you with the best route to take.

After exploring the city and enjoying the views over two days, I took the bus back to Aguas Caleintes for an evening of celebration (by those who actually did the hike), great food and a restful sleep. After the second day of exploring, we boarded the famous Hiram Bingham train to bring us up to Cusco for the remainder of the trip. Though expensive and lavish, it was definitely worth it! We ate wonderful food and spent the evening with drinks and music and dancing as we climbed in the gentle dark of the night.

To say that Machu Picchu is stunning and worth the effort is an understatement. It should be on every bucket list out there!

Cusco

Once the capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco is now a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a bustling city, full of interesting architecture, busy markets with some interesting offerings, and great restaurants. Though ancient, it is also a vibrant city center and has a great mix of traditional and contemporary experiences.

We explored the city center, strolled the markets, visited some sites right outside the city center and enjoyed as many last tastes of Peruvian cuisine that we could. The city center is full of little alleys that now are shops with art and fashion and local handcrafts. They are great for an afternoon wander.

While the city center itself is easily walkable, the city begins to rise into the mountains all around it. If you want to explore those neighborhoods, I highly recommend getting transportation to the top and winding your way down. At 11,000 feet, even after you have acclimated, those hills are not easy to climb!

Some other Options for A Peru itinerary

Arequipa

Arequipa, known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), is a stunning colonial gem in southern Peru framed by three dramatic volcanoes, including the iconic El Misti. Built largely from white volcanic sillar stone, its architecture is both elegant and distinctive—most notably in the UNESCO-listed historic center. Travelers come to soak up the baroque charm of the Santa Catalina Monastery, stroll cobblestone streets lined with vibrant markets and cafes, and sample Peru’s finest cuisine—Arequipa is a proud gastronomic capital. Nearby adventures include day trips to the surreal Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, where you might catch a glimpse of majestic Andean condors gliding overhead. Whether you're a history lover, foodie, or nature enthusiast, Arequipa offers a captivating blend of culture, scenery, and soul.

Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, is a breathtaking natural wonder in southern Peru—twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in places. This dramatic landscape is carved by the Colca River and flanked by terraced hillsides that have been cultivated since pre-Inca times. A visit here is a journey through both raw nature and rich culture: charming Andean villages, centuries-old churches, and vibrant traditional dress bring the region’s heritage to life. The canyon is also one of the best places to spot the mighty Andean condor, often seen soaring over the cliffs at sunrise. Whether you're trekking through its rugged beauty, relaxing in nearby hot springs, or simply taking in the sweeping views, Colca Canyon offers an unforgettable high-altitude escape.

The Amazon Jungle in Peru

Visiting the Amazon Jungle in Peru is a once-in-a-lifetime immersion into one of the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Whether you explore from Puerto Maldonado in the south or Iquitos in the north, the experience is both wild and wondrous. You'll cruise down winding rivers, trek through lush rainforest, and sleep in jungle lodges surrounded by the sounds of nature. Guided excursions reveal a staggering array of wildlife—monkeys, macaws, sloths, pink river dolphins, and countless insects and medicinal plants. Indigenous communities offer insight into ancient traditions and a deep connection to the forest. A journey to the Peruvian Amazon is not just a trip into nature, but a powerful reminder of the Earth’s raw beauty and ecological richness.

Final Thoughts

Whatever part of Peru you would like to explore, start making those dreams happen now! Peru is a stunningly beautiful country, full of history, culture, food and nature. While Machu Picchu is usually the draw, I encourage you to explore more of Peru. You won’t be disappointed!

Peru does have its travel intricacies and I would love to help you navigate them as well as putting together the itinerary that perfectly aligns with what YOU want to see and do!

You can schedule a conversation to get started HERE. If you would like to join a small group trip that I am hosting in November of 2025, please find more information on the itinerary and pricing HERE.

However you would like to explore Peru, just do it. It is warm and welcoming and worth the trip!