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 Bridge (Puente Inka) at Machu Picchu is a one-of-a-kind attraction. It is one of the few remaining Inca-built bridges in existence. The bridge spans a gap in a narrow stone trail, a secret entrance to Machu Picchu, that runs along a towering cliff. Comparatively few tourists hike the short (30-minute return) trail 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 …
People often associate Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, with Machu Picchu, the most famous Inca site. Many visitors fly into Cusco, rush to see Machu Picchu, and then fly out. But did you know that the Cusco region has nearly 100 other major archaeological sites, and countless other smaller ones? In this article, I’m going …
Pisac was special for me. It is the first place I visited not just in Peru but in all of South America! After flying in directly to Cusco via Lima (see my recommended Lima itinerary), I spent the first four days of my trip acclimatizing in laid-back Pisac, which is 427 m (1401 ft) meters …
