Welcome to my very first blog post! This is the beginning of a journey that will follow me (Maddy) and Kevin, my now fiancé, on all of our travels. I have a passion for planning down to the tiniest of detail and creating memorable trips. So, I thought I’d start out with one of our most spontaneous and unforgettable trips to Peru, taken back in 2023. It was a last-minute decision after purchasing a flight on a whim and planning within a tight time frame. Buckle up for a jam-packed itinerary and loads of adventure!
🇵🇪 Peru Information
- Currency: Sol (S/)
- Language: Spanish (with some Quechua in the highlands)
- Water: Stick to bottled water or water that has been boiled to avoid any tummy troubles.
- Safety: Peru is generally safe for travelers, but like anywhere, stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Temperatures: Expect cool evenings and warm days, especially in the highlands.
- Time of Year: We visited in early August.
🛬 Day 1: Chicago to Lima
Our journey started with a bit of chaos – the flight from O’Hare International in Chicago was delayed. Because of this, we missed a highly anticipated reservation at the world-renowned Central, which was named one of the top restaurants in 2023. Featured on Chef’s Table, Central is located in Lima and offers a unique tasting menu that celebrates Peru’s rich biodiversity, from Amazonian to Andean ingredients. It’s still on our bucket list!
Instead of dining at Central, we had a delicious first meal at Tanta, where we toasted with Pisco Sours (a must-try drink in Peru!).
We caught a domestic flight with SKY Airlines to Arequipa, then grabbed a taxi to our hotel for the night.
Hotel: We stayed in a private room at Selina Arequipa. Now known as Socialtel Arequipa. While the place was affordable, the room was perfect and clean. It also had a cool vibe with treehouses, a pool, and a bar, it’s what we’d consider a party hostel. The music went late into the night, and after such a long day, we were too exhausted to care. Despite the noise, it was a cozy spot to crash.
🏞️ Day 2: Arequipa – Colca Canyon
After just a few hours of sleep, we woke up at 2:15 AM for a day trip to Colca Canyon. The tour was booked through Viator, and they picked us up at 3 AM for the adventure.
Colca Canyon: At over 11,900 feet, it’s one of the world’s deepest canyons. The views were stunning, and we had the chance to see Andean condors soaring overhead. As we drove through traditional Andean villages and terraced farmland, the scenery was breathtaking.
Altitude: Let’s be honest – I was not feeling 100%. The combination of lack of sleep, dehydration (I’m not great at keeping up with water), and the high elevation hit me a bit. Arequipa’s elevation is around 7,500 feet, and Colca Canyon takes you even higher. I pushed through the tour, but the bus naps were frequent.
We stopped in Chivay for a breakfast of biscuits with jam, butter, and coca tea, which is common in Peru and used to help with altitude sickness.
Coca Tea: Coca tea is a traditional Peruvian drink made from the leaves of the coca plant. It’s commonly consumed to help with altitude sickness by boosting oxygen levels and reducing fatigue. The tea has an earthy flavor and is often served to travelers in high-altitude areas like Cusco and Rainbow Mountain. Just a heads-up: If you drink coca tea, be mindful of potential drug screenings. While the tea is legal in Peru, it comes from the same plant used to make cocaine and could cause a positive test result.
At Cruz del Condor (Condor Cross), we got a front-row seat to Andean condors gliding above the canyon. Seeing one of the world’s largest flying birds up close was unforgettable.
Lunch: We enjoyed a buffet lunch consisting of meats, rice, chips, guacamole, and vegetables. It was a typical stop for tour groups, offering a variety of local dishes.
In the afternoon, we visited the Yanque Hot Springs to soak in naturally heated pools of varying temperatures. It was a relaxing end to a day full of adventure, though we learned that it would’ve been smart to bring our own towels, as drying off afterward wasn’t as easy as we’d hoped.
We returned to Selina Arequipa by 5:30 PM, tired but happy, and headed out to explore the plaza in Arequipa before dinner.
Dinner: We dined at Zig Zag Restaurant, a fun restaurant where they start by placing a paper bib on you. We tried a “meat flight” that included chicken, beef, alpaca, and lamb. The alpaca was surprisingly tasty, though we both agreed that beef was our favorite. For dessert, we had Grandmother’s Sweet Pie and a chocolate mousse made with Peruvian cacao—both were heavenly.
We wrapped up our day with a good night’s sleep, ready for more adventures tomorrow!
Hotel this night: Selina Arequipa
📍 Hotel & Restaurant Links:
🌡️ Weather Snapshot:
- Arequipa (August 1, 2023):
- Morning: 12.4°C (54.3°F)
- Afternoon: 25.0°C (77.0°F)
- Evening: 18.7°C (65.7°F)
🏞️ Day 3: Nature Vive Sky Lodge – Cusco
We were up early (5:30 AM) and coordinated a taxi with our hostel to take us to the airport. We had a flight from Arequipa to Cusco. Once we landed, we dropped our big piece of luggage off at our future hotel, Casa Andina Premium, and packed our backpacks and a carry-ons for the next few days of exploration.
We highly recommend the charming café, L’Atelier, in the San Blas neighborhood. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy coffee, avocado toast, muffins, and fresh juices while sitting on the balcony with views of the surrounding area.
After breakfast, we explored the Plaza De Armas and a few nearby museums, including the Chocolate Museum, where we tasted some delicious Peruvian chocolates. The museum also featured a chocolate replica of Machu Picchu, which was a fun and unique stop.
We also spent some time browsing local shops, particularly those selling alpaca-fur clothing. As part of our travel tradition, we always pick up an ornament at each destination. This time, finding the perfect one proved to be quite the challenge!
We had an unforgettable lunch at Morena Peruvian Kitchen, one of the best spots we ate at during our trip. Peru is known for ceviche, and Morena did not disappoint. Here’s what we ordered:
- Drinks: Passion fruit sour and chicha morada sour
- Croquetas de cholco con queso: Local corn, Andean cheese, Huancaina sauce, and corn ashes
- Ceviche de trucha: Fresh Andean trout, artichoke leche de tigre, aji limo, sweet potato puree, toasted corn, and green herb oil
- Chorizo bruschetta: Artisanal bread, Andean chorizo, local cheese, caramelized onion, and roasted chili chimichurri
- Dessert: Cacao (Peruvian chocolate ice cream, brownie, chocolate mousse, crushed caramelized peanuts, and chocolate sauce)
The highlight of our day was the next adventure – a stay at Nature Vive Skylodge. I had seen it on a social media years ago and had to make it happen. These are transparent capsule suites on the side of a 1,200-foot cliff in the Sacred Valley! We were picked up at a gear shop in Cusco and driven to the base of the mountain. After a safety briefing, we climbed via ferrata up to our pods for the night. It was an incredible experience.
There are three pods available, each holding up to 4 guests. One communal pod is where we ate dinner. The staff was super helpful, guiding us up the mountain, assisting with our meals, and even taking pictures. The package, which cost about $415 USD for both of us, included round-trip transportation from Cusco, a gourmet dinner, ziplining down the mountain the next day, and more.
To book a stay at the Skylodge: You can visit their official website at www.naturavive.com.
Dinner, prepared by the Nature Vive guides, was a delicious chicken cordon bleu with a sauce, veggies, and potatoes, all paired with wine.
🏞️ Day 4: Nature Vive – Aguas Calientes
We woke up early the next morning for breakfast at 7 AM in the main pod. The breakfast spread included bread, meats, cheeses, fruit, coffee, and juice – a perfect start to the day before heading back down via zipline!
Before we left, we arranged with Nature Vive to be dropped off at Ollantaytambo instead of Cusco. From there, we caught a train with Peru Rail to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The train left at 12:55 PM, and we arrived in Aguas Calientes by 2:55 PM.
While waiting for the train, we found a random spot for some snacks in Ollantaytambo – cheese rolled in a tortilla with guacamole and a pineapple crepe with ice cream.
The train ride to Aguas Calientes was even more scenic than we imagined. The lush mountains and views of the Urubamba River made for a gorgeous journey. We booked an open-roof train, which gave us a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, we walked just two minutes to our hotel for the night, El MaPi by Inkaterra. It’s a modern hotel with a central location in town, offering great amenities like an included dinner and an early breakfast buffet for those heading to Machu Picchu. It also has a quality bar with cocktails.
We had our included dinner at the hotel. The food was good and a great way to unwind after a busy day.
After dinner, we treated ourselves to a spontaneous massage at the hotel spa. It was the perfect way to relax and end the day before an early start at Machu Picchu the next morning.
📍 Links:
- Casa Andina Premium Cusco: https://www.casa-andina.com/en/destinations/cusco/hotels/casa-andina-premium-cusco
- L’Atelier Café: https://lateliercafeconcept.com/en/
- Morena Peruvian Kitchen: https://grupomorena.com/en/
- Nature Vive: Nature Vive Skylodge
- El MaPi by Inkaterra: https://www.inkaterra.com/byinkaterra/el-mapi-hotel/the-experience/
🌡️ Weather Snapshot:
- Aguas Calientes (August 1, 2023):
- Morning: 15°C (59°F)
- Afternoon: 26.0°C (78.0°F)
- Evening: 17.5°C (63.5°F)
🏔️Day 5: Machu Picchu
This was the culmination and the entire purpose of our trip! While we would’ve loved to do the Inca or Salkantay Trail, we opted for a day trip due to limited time—and a desire to experience more of Peru. And honestly? No regrets. Machu Picchu was spectacular.
Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu
1. Buy Tickets in Advance
Machu Picchu is one of the most visited attractions in the world, and tickets sell out fast—especially during peak season (April to October). Book entrance tickets online via the official Machu Picchu website or authorized vendors weeks in advance.
- Aguas Calientes: Buy bus tickets at the official station on Av. Hermanos Ayar near Puente Ruinas (5:00 AM–9:00 PM daily).
- Online Bus Tickets: Book ahead through Consettur to avoid lines during peak season.
2. Choose Your Ticket Type
Pick based on your adventure level:
- Machu Picchu Only: Main citadel access
- + Huayna Picchu: Steep hike, epic views (limited spots!)
- + Machu Picchu Mountain: Longer, panoramic hike
- + Museum: Entry to the Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón
3. Bus vs. Hike
Take a 20-minute bus or hike 1.5–2 hours uphill. The bus costs ~$12 USD each way and begins at 5:30 AM. Lines form early—be ready! We opted for the bus route to get to the ruins as early as possible.
4. Arrive Early
Book a 6:00 AM slot to beat crowds and catch the golden morning light for the best photos.
5. What to Bring
- Passport (required for entry!)
- Hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks
- Light jacket—weather can shift quickly
6. Guides and Tours
I had read online that you could find a guide once you arrive at Machu Picchu—and let me tell you, I was very skeptical. But while waiting in line, we were approached by a certified guide and decided to go for it. And honestly? It ended up being one of the best decisions of the entire trip.
He was so kind, passionate, and knowledgeable, weaving together the history of the ruins with stories, maps, and even old photos. He pointed out details we never would’ve noticed on our own, and he also offered to take tons of pictures of us—which, as a couple, was such a gift.
Fun fact: every guide offering services at the site has to be officially certified by Machu Picchu, so you can feel good about hiring one on the spot.
7. Follow the Guided Routes
The site is organized into color-coded circuits to manage visitor flow. You’ll follow one route through the major areas (main plaza, terraces, temples, Intihuatana, etc.)—with or without a guide.
8. Take Your Time
Plan for 5-6 hours, especially if you’re adding a hike like Huayna Picchu. There’s a lot to take in!
9. Respect the Site
Stay on marked paths and avoid touching or climbing ruins. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—help preserve it for others.
We woke at 4:30 AM, left our bags with the front desk, and set off to find the bus. This…did not go well. After accidentally lining up for a church (oops). We though this has to be it, what else would people be lined up for this early, but we were wrong. After going back to our hotel to clarify directions we finally found the real bus line near Hermanos Ayar Avenue.
We caught the 5:30 AM bus, and by 6:00 AM, we were exploring Machu Picchu with our guide. From 6:30 AM–10:00 AM, we toured the main plazas, temples, and lookout points, soaking up the history and stunning views. We grabbed a snack at the visitor center, then headed to the Huayna Picchu entrance.
Machu Picchu Overview:
- Location: Perched high in the Andes Mountains, at around 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level, Machu Picchu is located near the town of Aguas Calientes, which is the gateway to the site. It’s about a 3.5-hour train ride from Cusco.
- History: Machu Picchu was built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century and was likely used as a royal estate or religious site. It remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.
- Significance: The site is known for its stunning architecture, terraces, and temples, all set against a dramatic backdrop of lush green mountains and steep cliffs. It’s believed that Machu Picchu was a sacred space dedicated to the worship of Inca gods.
The 4 Main Sections of Machu Picchu:
- The Intihuatana (Hitching Post of the Sun): A large stone structure believed to have been an astronomical observatory used by the Incas to track the sun’s movements. It’s one of the most famous features of the site.
- The Temple of the Sun: This circular temple was likely used for worshiping the sun god, Inti. The temple’s windows align with the sunrise during the winter solstice, highlighting the Incas’ advanced understanding of astronomy.
- The Plaza: A central open area surrounded by buildings, used for ceremonies and possibly social gatherings. You’ll find spectacular views of the mountains and ruins here.
- The Inca Bridge: A narrow footpath that connects Machu Picchu to the outside world. The Inca Bridge is carved out of a cliffside, adding to the site’s mystique.
Machu Picchu’s Unique Features:
- Terraces and Water Management: The site is known for its advanced terrace farming systems and the complex water management systems, including fountains, canals, and baths.
- The Llama Population: There are wild llamas that roam freely at Machu Picchu, adding to the charm and authenticity of the site. These llamas were also used by the Incas for transportation and wool.
Huayna Picchu Hike
If you’re up for a challenge, this hike is 100% worth it.
Huayna Picchu (also known as Wayna Picchu) is the iconic mountain towering above Machu Picchu, offering some of the best panoramic views of the ancient site. Standing at 8,920 feet (2,720 meters), the hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, with steep stairs and narrow paths. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, and only a limited number of visitors are allowed per day, so be sure to book your ticket in advance. From the top, you’ll get stunning views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains, making it a must-do for those seeking a more adventurous experience.
- Distance: ~3.1 miles round-trip
- Time: ~2.5 hours
- Views: Best in the entire park
- Warning: Steep, narrow paths and big drops—don’t take it lightly
- Tickets: Must be purchased in advance with your Machu Picchu ticket
The final view? Unreal. We were sore and sweaty—and in complete awe.
After our hike, we took the bus back to Aguas Calientes (30 mins) and walked to the Centro Cultural Machu Picchu near Iglesia Virgen del Carmen to get our passport stamped—a fun little souvenir. We celebrated with Coke Zeros and snacks before heading to the train.
Train to Cusco – Peru Rail
- Departure: 3:20 PM from Aguas Calientes
- Arrival: 7:05 PM in Cusco
- Rail Line: Peru Rail Expedition Service – scenic, comfortable, and highly recommended
From the station, we grabbed a taxi back to our hotel where we left our bags a few days prior, showered, and got ready for dinner.
Dinner: Pacha-papa (Cusco)
Nestled in the artsy San Blas neighborhood, this charming courtyard restaurant was perfect after a big day. Cozy, traditional, and wood-fired delicious.
What we ordered:
- Lomo Saltado Don Lucho – Beef filet with onions and yellow tomato in Peruvian sauce, served with rice and potatoes
- Smoked Short Rib Seco – Slow-cooked creole stew with cilantro rice and white beans
Hearty and flavorful—exactly what we needed.
Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
A lovely, upscale spot just a few blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Great service, comfy beds, and solid breakfast. Ideal for resting post-trek.
🚐Day 6: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain Day Trip
At this point in the itinerary, you’re probably thinking, surely this is a rest day. Think again. We almost bailed on Rainbow Mountain—we were exhausted and questioning our sanity. But we rallied, and it ended up being one of our absolute favorite days of the whole trip.
We booked a private Rainbow Mountain day trip through Airbnb Experiences, and our guide, Coco, picked us up at 4:00 AM (yes, you read that right) after a heroic 3:30 AM wake-up. He greeted us with blankets and pillows in the backseat, which made the two-hour drive infinitely more tolerable—we absolutely napped the whole way. We stopped for a sleepy breakfast of eggs and fruit at a quiet roadside spot, then continued toward the trailhead.
Rainbow Mountain, also called Vinicunca, is one of Peru’s most iconic sights thanks to its surreal mineral-streaked slopes. It’s absolutely beautiful but sits at a lung-crushing 17,060 feet (5,200 meters). The trail itself isn’t overly long or steep, but the elevation makes it a real challenge. I felt it hard and needed to rest at the top—but was saved by a local selling Snickers at the summit. That sugar rush saved me. Kevin, on the other hand, seemed entirely unaffected and could’ve probably run laps around me.
In our opinion, the Red Valley was the real star of the show. Rainbow Mountain was undeniably cool—though we did feel like the mineral deposits were a bit less vibrant than we’d expected (could’ve been the lighting that day)—but Red Valley absolutely blew us away. The rich rust-red landscape felt like stepping onto another planet, and it was nearly empty compared to the crowds we’d just left behind. If you’re planning this trip, definitely ask your guide to include Red Valley. It felt like a hidden world just around the corner and ended up being our favorite part of the day.
We got back to our hotel in Cusco around 3:00 PM, collected our bags, and headed straight to the airport for a 5:45 PM flight with LATAM Airlines to Lima. We landed at 7:15 PM and—because apparently, we don’t believe in rest—took a 9:30 PM overnight bus to Huaraz with Cruz del Sur. The seats fully reclined, and we knocked out for the night.
📍 Links:
- https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/334272
- https://www.cruzdelsur.com.pe/
- While I can’t find the experience with our guide Coco here is a similar one, with his permission I can ask if he is still doing tours!
🌡️ Weather Snapshot:
- Rainbow Mountain (August 1, 2023):
- Morning: -1°C (30°F)
- Afternoon: 10°C (50°F)
- Evening: -3°C (27°F)
🏔️Day 7: Lima to Huaraz
We arrived in Huaraz by 6:00 AM after a full night on the bus. So why the effort? One word: Laguna 69. I’d seen it online—an electric-blue lake nestled in the Cordillera Blanca—and knew we had to find a way to get there.
Since Huaraz doesn’t have an airport, the bus was the only real option. We were a little nervous since this was our first international hike, so we contacted Andino Trek, a company more known for mountaineering expeditions. They kindly arranged a private pickup at the bus station and guided us on the hike.
Our guide met us at 6:00 AM, and all the chaos was completely worth it. This turned out to be one of the most unforgettable hikes we’ve ever done.
Laguna 69 Overview
- Location: Huascarán National Park, Cordillera Blanca
- Altitude: ~15,100 ft (4,600 m)
- Distance: 7 miles (11 km) round-trip
- Time: 5–6 hours total
- Difficulty: Moderate (due to altitude)
The trail winds past waterfalls, alpine meadows, and glacier-fed streams before reaching the lake—an unreal turquoise lagoon framed by towering, snow-capped peaks. The hike wasn’t technically difficult, but the altitude made it feel intense.
While a guide wasn’t strictly necessary for Laguna 69, since it was our first time hiking internationally, we felt more comfortable having someone familiar with the area. At the very least, it was a huge plus to have someone drive us to and from the trailhead—the road was long, winding, and seriously bumpy. Our guide was incredibly experienced (and fast), so once we arrived, he let us hike at our own pace and simply met us at the top.
After we reached the top we spent some time relaxing and snacking by the water before hiking back down.
That night, we boarded another overnight bus—this time with Movil Tours—departing at 9:00 PM to arrive in Lima around 5:00 AM.
📍 Links:
- No hotel stay (overnight bus)
- Movil Tours Overnight Bus
- Andino Trek – Private guided hike
- 📍 Laguna 69 Location
🌡️ Weather Snapshot:
- Huaraz (August 3, 2023):
- Morning: 4°C (39°F)
- Afternoon: 17°C (63°F)
- Evening: 8°C (46°F)
🏞️Day 8: Lima to Huacachina/Paracas Day Trip
After arriving in Lima, we Ubered to our hotel from the bus station and freshened up before continuing on with our adventure.
We booked a Huacachina Day Trip with Viator, which was absolutely amazing. We started with a 6am hotel pick-up time, and the first stop was a beach in Paracas, where we had an amazing breakfast of fruit and French toast at Sol de Paracas.
If you’re looking for a fun, high-energy day trip from Lima that mixes wildlife, culture, and a little adrenaline, this one checks every box.
We started bright and early, heading south to Paracas, where we boarded a speedboat for a tour of the Ballesta Islands. These islands are often nicknamed the “Poor Man’s Galápagos,” and they really deliver—sea lions lounging on the rocks, seabirds everywhere, and even penguins waddling along the shore. Along the way, we also got a look at the Candelabra, a massive geoglyph carved into a hillside that’s been puzzling people for ages. No one really knows what it means or how it got there—classic Peru mystery vibes.
Next up was a stop in Ica, the heart of Peru’s wine and pisco region. We visited Pisco Portón, a distillery that blends modern techniques with traditional methods. The tour was surprisingly interesting—we saw the huge clay fermentation vats, learned how pisco is distilled, and of course, did a tasting. Pro tip: the Acholado blend is smooth. To me, it was very strong, and I had a hard time drinking it straight, but Kevin thought it was dangerously sippable. We left a little tipsy and very happy. We also had lunch at the distillery, which ended up being one of the more peaceful and scenic parts of the day—good food, cool drinks, and views of the vineyards and desert.
Then it was on to the main event: Huacachina. This place is wild—a tiny palm-fringed oasis in the middle of massive desert dunes. It’s super photogenic and feels like it shouldn’t even be real. We climbed into a dune buggy for a high-speed ride through the dunes, and it was honestly one of the most fun things we did in Peru. Think of it like a rollercoaster on sand. We also tried sandboarding, which was a little intimidating at first but so fun once we got the hang of it (you can go standing up or belly-down like a sled).
The best part? We watched the sunset over the dunes, with nothing around us but golden sand and pink skies. It was the perfect end to a long, amazing day.
We were loaded back onto the tour bus and dropped back off in Lima around 9:30pm.
Hotel: Casa Andina Miraflores
- We decided to stay in Miraflores, Lima’s go-to neighborhood for travelers. It’s safe, super walkable, and packed with great restaurants, cafes, ocean views, and shopping.
📍 Links:
- Hotel: Casa Andina Miraflores
- Huacachina Day Trip: https://www.viator.com/tours/Lima/PARACAS-and-HUACACHINA-SANDBOARD-Day-Trip-ALL-INCLUSIVE/d928-87529P14
🌡️ Huacachina (August 9, 2023):
• Morning: 18°C (64°F)
• Afternoon: 25°C (77°F)
• Evening: 20°C (68°F)
🛬 Day 9: Lima to Chicago
Even on our last day, we made the most of it! We booked a local food tour with Lima Gourmet Food Tour.
Book here: Lima Gourmet Company
Barranco: Coffee, Traditions & Art
Barranco is Lima’s artsy neighborhood and the perfect place to kick off a morning food adventure. Stroll through its vibrant streets, sip on organic Peruvian coffee or tea, and nibble on some of Lima’s most traditional breakfast items. Don’t forget to cross the famous Bridge of Sighs and take in the colorful street art that gives the area its bohemian vibe. It’s an unmissable stop for anyone visiting Lima.
Morning Food Adventure: Hidden Garden Café
In the heart of Barranco, discover a charming garden café, Bodega Verde, tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Here, you’ll enjoy a refreshing Peruvian fruit smoothie made from exotic local fruits. This peaceful spot captures Barranco’s laid-back, artsy style, with surrounding architecture that showcases the local artist vibe. It’s a serene and delicious way to start the day.
Lima Market: Taste & Explore
For any food lover, Lima’s local markets are a paradise. Head to a lively market to taste exotic fruits you won’t find anywhere else and learn about Peru’s ancient culinary traditions. From purple corn to lucuma and chirimoya, you’ll get a taste of the country’s rich, diverse food culture while exploring the colorful stalls filled with fresh, local ingredients.
Limana: Sustainable Oasis
If you’re looking to combine sustainability with a gourmet experience, head to San Isidro for a hands-on culinary adventure. At an award-winning restaurant focused on sustainability, you’ll get to make ceviche using superfoods and learn how to craft the perfect Pisco Sour. It’s a fun, interactive way to dive deeper into Peru’s food scene while enjoying upscale vibes in this chic neighborhood.
Miraflores: Cuisine & Culture at Huaca Pucllana
For a truly unique dining experience, visit Restaurante Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores, where you’ll enjoy gourmet Peruvian dishes at a restaurant nestled among pre-Incan ruins. Here, we tried cow heart and a lemon grass pisco sour.
I think a food tour is the best start or end to a trip. After this, we visited the Larcomar shopping area, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. We did a bit of souvenir shopping and ate some yummy crepes before it was time to catch our flight home.
📍 Links:
- Food Tour: Lima Gourmet Company
🌡️Weather Snapshot for Lima
• Morning: 14°C (57°F)
• Afternoon: 21°C (69°F)
• Evening: 18°C (64°F)
Final Thoughts: Our Time in Peru
What an adventure Peru has been! From the food to the history, every moment was a new discovery. We ate ceviche in Lima, hiked to Machu Picchu (our guide was a total highlight!), and even got to try sandboarding in the desert. The markets, the ruins, the ocean views—it all felt like one big, amazing experience. Peru definitely stole our hearts, and a must add to your list of places to travel.
Here you will find an interactive map and a downloadable PDF itinerary for $9.99
