Wow, We Did it!
We had the most amazing adventure — the husband, the kid, and I. Peru is a must-visit for anyone going to South America. Simply the best of the best.
Our favorite part of the journey...
Our first leg of the journey was spent in Lima and Puerto Maldonado. We stayed at the Inotawa Lodge, which was nicely located in the jungle and provided a unique experience of a "primitive" lodge stay. We could see many types of wildlife and the restaurant had a great vegetarian option. We also got to visit the local market in Puerto Maldonado. The experience was nice and relaxing, and we met a lot of friendly locals selling special products like chocolate soap and banana chips.
Inspired by the culture of Machu Picchu.
The cultural tour of Machu Picchu was simply — best of the best. Our guide Walter was very helpful & explained many things and got us good photos. We also did an excursion to the Sacred Valley. The ruins of Ollantaytambo were spectacular. It's a great place to visit and enjoy the Inca civilization local hospitality.
Putting the trip together takes a village...
There were excellent coordination and very helpful staff throughout the trip. We had such a fun time exploring the culture and environment of a new destination drastically different from our home. Peru is a must-visit for anyone going to South America.
Places you'll stay
Lima
The coastal city of Lima is diverse, with colorful parks, friendly locals, tasty cuisine, vibrant markets, and ancient historical attractions. Travelers can tour world-class museums, wander through the colonial architecture of Miraflores, and eat seafood along the Pacific coast.
Puerto Maldonado
Puerto Maldonado is a small town in the southern Peruvian Amazon that’s just a half-hour plane ride from Cusco. The nearby lodges offer travelers an accessible and affordable experience in the Amazon.
Cusco
Nestling in the dip of the Watanay River Valley, from above the city of Cusco takes the shape of a puma, which some historians theorize was a purposeful design. As the city expands, its borders creep up the sides of the surrounding mountains, but puma statues, fountains, and signs keep the big cat’s status of unofficial city mascot.
Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu. Staying here for a night or two will give you intimate access to this incredible Inca site.
The Sacred Valley
The first inhabitants of the Sacred Valley treasured this land not only for its dramatic landscapes and sweeping vistas—the Sacred Valley also offered ample opportunities for agriculture, and had plentiful water just beyond the reaches of the parched desert. Its fertility was the result of a sunny climate and the Río Urubamba coursing through the valley.
Moments to look forward to
Ollantaytambo Fortress
The staggeringly steep Inca ruins at the Ollantaytambo Fortress loom over the north side of the town of Ollantaytambo. They are famous for being one of the few places where the Incas defeated Spanish conquerors in a major battle.
Pisac Market
With both ancient and modern attractions, the charming colonial town of Písac has truly earned its place on the map. It lies 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Cusco on the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley. It’s at the base of a mountain that houses the spectacular Inca Písac Fortress.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the bucket-list tourist attraction and the highlight of many peoples’ trip to Peru; the vastness, location and detail of the ruins make it unmissable. Without a doubt this is the crown jewel of Peruvian ruins.
Huaca Pucllana
Travelers don't have to trek into the Andes to see vestiges of Peru's ancient civilizations. Lima has a large number of historical ruins, and Huaca Pucllana is one of the best.
Main Square Lima
The Plaza de Armas is the beautiful central square of Lima. Here you will find impressive architecture on all corners and surprises in the adjoining streets. The plaza constitutes the historical center of Lima and is surrounded by magnificent buildings, some of which date back to the 16th century.
Sacred Valley Excursion
Expedition Train - Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Cultural tour to Machu Picchu
Expedition Train 34 Aguas Calientes to Poroy
City Tour
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
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Hotel Recommendation #2
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Hotel Recommendation #3
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Hotel Recommendation #4
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Hotel Recommendation #3
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Seamless Connections
Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
