Lima is often an afterthought on visitors’ Peru itinerary. Most pass through the Peruvian capital’s airport en route to Cusco, or spend a night in a hotel near the airport if they have to. I’m here to tell you that you absolutely should spend two days in Lima! This sprawling city was once Pizarro’s capital …
Cusco is the ancient capital of the Inca empire and modern gateway to Machu Picchu. It’s no big surprise, then, that the city boasts many museums. However, the quality of these museums varies from decent to mediocre to outright bad. To make things more confusing, only some museums are included on the Cusco Tourist Pass …
When visiting Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you will most likely need to purchase the Cusco Tourist Pass, or “Boleto Turistico”. This pass is not just recommended for saving money but it’s actually the only way that you can enter some of the top things to do and ruins in the Cusco region. In total …
The Cusco Religious Circuit Ticket is a tourist pass that gives you access to three religious sights in Cusco. It used to be four sights, but one of them is currently under major renovations and is closed. These are some of the top things to do in Cusco, but there are so many more not …
Cusco is the ancient capital of the Inca empire and gateway to Machu Picchu. It is known for its Spanish convents sitting atop Inca foundations, plethora of ruins, Quechua culture, and incredible food. I had wanted to go to Cusco and Machu Picchu for over 20 years. Other things always got in the way. So …
One of my biggest surprises in Peru was just how incredible the food is. Even in the small Sacred Valley towns where I started my trip (see my favorite restaurants in Pisac and in Ollantaytambo), the food was exceptional. Moving on to Cusco, it only got better. I came to realize that 3-star quality of …
A lot of travelers hate Aguas Calientes. They’ll tell you to get out as soon as possible. But guess what. I quite enjoyed it! Aguas Calientes means “Hot Waters”, after the hot springs in town. Also called Machu Picchu Pueblo or Machu Picchu Village, it is 100% a tourist town created solely to cater to …
The Inca Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is without a doubt one of the world’s greatest hikes and it was at the top of my bucket list for over a decade before I went. If you’re planning a trip to South America or Peru, chances are the Inca Trail is the one thing you’re …
The classic 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s great hikes. It is the same route that the ancient Inca rulers used for reaching the sacred Citadel and New World Wonder. Along the way, there are half a dozen other major ruins, plus countless more smaller ones. Today, the 4-day trail …
One of my biggest surprises when visiting the Sacred Valley in Peru was the exceptionally high quality of the food. Again and again, I enjoyed high-end restaurant food and presentation, but for surprisingly low prices. Ollantaytambo, my favorite town in the Sacred Valley, is home to only a few thousand people. It is most famous …
