Peru
Peru wasn’t just a trip—it was a challenge, a history lesson, and a high-altitude bonding experience all wrapped into one. From the coastal energy of Lima to the cobblestone charm of Cusco, and finally the misty, bucket-list magic of Machu Picchu, this trip had it all. We hiked, we ate things we couldn’t pronounce, and we navigated altitude sickness with questionable amounts of coca tea.
Lima: Ruins, Rooftops, and Rare Moments of Sibling Peace
Lima turned out to be one of those cities that quietly wins you over. It doesn’t scream for your attention—it just keeps handing you something different every few blocks. We started in the historic center, standing in front of the grand Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, its twin towers glowing against the sky. Between the architecture, the energy of the plaza, and the sea of umbrellas from tour groups, it felt like stepping onto a movie set—but with more humidity and better churros.
Then we explored Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe pyramid right in the middle of a modern neighborhood. The sheer contrast was wild—pre-Incan ruins with high-rises in the background. It’s also where, miraculously, the kids got along long enough for a photo without bribery, threats, or eye rolls. I think even they were impressed that a site over 1,000 years old was just casually existing next to cafes and condos.
We finished the day in Miraflores, walking along the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean. The views stretched for miles, the breeze was perfect, and the city skyline curved effortlessly along the coast. It was one of those rare parenting wins—plenty of walking, zero complaints, and just enough sibling peace to make me wonder if something suspicious was going on. Lima surprised us—historic, coastal, and weirdly charming in all the right ways.
A Pit Stop with a View: First Look at Cusco from the Road
We took the long, winding drive from Lima to Cusco—a journey packed with sharp turns, changing weather, and views that made it worth every minute. Somewhere along the way, we pulled over for a pit stop and found this overlook. It was one of those accidental pauses that turns into a full-on photo session. The view of Cusco spilling out into the valley, surrounded by green hills and dramatic skies, was unreal. You could see the whole city at once—red rooftops, narrow streets, and that perfect grid of life happening below while we stood there in total quiet.
Cusco in a Day: Cobblestones, Culture, and Constant Altitude Checks
Spending the day in Cusco felt like stepping into a living museum—with better snacks and thinner air. The city is layered in every sense: Incan stonework forms the base of colonial churches, which sit beside modern cafes and alpaca wool shops. Everywhere I turned, something caught my eye—narrow alleys filled with color, locals in traditional dress walking beside tourists trying to catch their breath (myself included), and perfectly preserved architecture that somehow still felt alive.
We wandered through the Plaza de Armas, stopping to admire the massive cathedral and soak up the sun in between bursts of clouds. The city buzzed with energy, but not in a rushed way. It invited us to slow down, take it all in, and maybe stop for another coffee or empanada. I popped into shops selling handmade textiles, watched street performers dancing in the square, and kept being amazed at how much history was packed into every block.
By the end of the day, I was tired, winded, and completely hooked on the place. Cusco isn’t just a launch point for Machu Picchu—it’s a destination in its own right.
All Aboard to Machu Picchu: The Train Ride We Absolutely Don’t Regret
We didn’t do the multi-day trek to Machu Picchu. No blisters, no sleeping bags, no 4 a.m. starts in the rain. Instead, we hopped on the train—and I have zero regrets. The ride itself was an experience, winding through lush valleys and rushing rivers with windows that turned every view into a postcard. It was calm, scenic, and—best of all—didn’t require altitude acclimation or hiking boots. Everyone was in good spirits, snacks in hand, and for once, nobody was fighting over legroom or Wi-Fi.
We arrived in Aguas Calientes, the small town that serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu. It’s nestled right in the jungle, surrounded by towering cliffs and mist that rolls in like it’s been staged for dramatic effect. The town itself is full of cafes, souvenir shops, and narrow streets that buzz with travelers from all over the world. You can hear at least five languages at any given moment and probably smell four kinds of grilled meat. It’s a little chaotic, but in a fun, mountain-town-meets-tourist-hub kind of way.
Sure, the trek might have given us bragging rights. But the train gave us views, comfort, and enough energy to actually enjoy Machu Picchu the next day. Not every adventure has to be uphill to be unforgettable.
The Main Event: Standing in Awe at Machu Picchu
After all the build-up—the flights, the winding roads, the altitude adjustments, the train ride—it finally happened: I stood in front of Machu Picchu, and it completely lived up to the hype. The first glimpse of the ruins with the mountains rising behind them is one of those moments that actually takes your breath away (and not just because of the altitude). Seeing it in photos is one thing, but being there in person—watching the fog lift slowly off the stone terraces, hearing the wind rush through the valley, and realizing just how perfectly it all fits into the landscape—was something else entirely. Every step through the site felt like walking through a mystery: how did they build this here? Why here? And how has it lasted this long? It was humbling, surreal, and something I’ll never forget.
