Welcome to my Peru travel journal—a collection of stories, tips, and inspiration from one of the most breathtaking countries I’ve ever explored. From the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu to colorful markets, mountain towns, and unforgettable hikes, this section is where I document the places that moved me and the experiences I’ll never forget. Whether you’re planning your first trip or just daydreaming about the Andes, I hope you find something here that inspires your own adventure.
If you’ve ever looked into hiking the Inca Trail, you might have come across the term Qhapaq Ñan and wondered what it actually means. At first, I assumed it was just another name for the Inca Trail. It’s not. And once you understand what it really is, …
When I came home, the first dish I wanted to try was Lomo Saltado. If you’ve spent any time in Peru, you know this dish shows up everywhere. It’s comforting and familiar, but also distinctly Peruvian. Tender strips of beef are sautéed with onions and …
Twenty one years ago, when I first came to Cusco, dinner felt simple. We ate at Inka Grill, one of the restaurants that felt established and welcoming to travelers at the time. The focus then was the adventure. Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the altitude, not …
One of the most fascinating places I visited in Cusco was Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun. This site is a powerful reminder of the city’s layered history—where the Spaniards literally built their monastery right on top of the Inca’s most sacred temple. When I …
After wandering through the charming streets of San Blas, we settled in for dinner at Pachapapa, one of the neighborhood’s most inviting restaurants. Just to let you know we did have reservations and I’m glad we did, they were busy. The moment we stepped through …
After finishing our long trek along the Inca Trail, we finally had time to slow down and explore Aguas Calientes, the little town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Like so many towns in Peru, the heart of Aguas Calientes is its main square. The …
Every great city has a gathering place, and in Cusco it’s the Plaza de Armas. This beautiful square is the heart of the city, buzzing with life at all hours of the day. Right in the center stands a towering statue of Pachacuti, the great …
While staying in San Blas, we stumbled upon the San Blas Market, a smaller, version of Cusco’s famous San Pedro Market. Even though it was more compact, it sold all the same things—fresh produce, meats, cheeses, household supplies, and plenty of local snacks. What I …
After finishing our 27-mile trek along the Inca Trail, we landed in Aguas Calientes tired, dusty, and completely over the moon. To celebrate, we ducked into Full House and ordered a round of pisco sours. We managed to get a table right by the window, …
After days of enjoying Peru’s incredible flavors—hearty stews, roasted meats, fresh corn, and potatoes galore—we found ourselves craving something a little different. That’s how we ended up at La Bodega 138, a cozy spot near San Blas Square known for its wood-fired pizza and pasta. …