Machu Picchu: The Lost Inca Citadel
September 28, 2019The most important day of the trip was finally here! After a long and challenging trek through the Andes, we had finally arrived at Peru’s most famous site: Machu Picchu. Built in the 15th century, this Inca citadel is situated at 7,970 feet in elevation. Although it has been around for a while, it was abandoned…
Salkantay Trek Day 3: Into the Jungle
September 26, 2019It was day three of my four-day trek to Machu Picchu. Days one and two brought me to some breathtaking mountain scenery and also to my highest elevation ever. The hike up to this point was no joke. Even walking up a modest slope at high altitude took every bit of energy in me. However,…
Salkantay Trek Day 2: The Challenging Mountain Pass
September 25, 2019On day one of the Salkantay Trek, I and four other travelers traversed some beautiful Andean landscapes, hiked up to the pristine Humantay Lake, and camped out under the stars. Although the first day of this multi-day trek was a challenge, the hardest part was yet to come. An Early Start On day two, we…
Salkantay Trek Day 1: Humantay Lake and Soraypampa
September 24, 2019When I planned my trip to Peru, I knew I was going to visit the country’s star attraction: Machu Picchu. However, it never even crossed my mind to consider trekking to this ancient citadel. After a fellow traveler, Where’s Poppy, went on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and released a video series of her…
Discovering the Sacred Valley: Moray and Maras
September 23, 2019The Cusco Region of Peru is home to the Sacred Valley of the Incas: a picturesque valley filled with archaeological ruins and small towns. Many of these sites are within an easy reach from the city, making them popular side trips for travelers in the area. On my second day in Cusco, instead of going…
Cusco: A Hybrid of Inca Culture and Spanish Influence
September 22, 2019When people visit Peru, Machu Picchu is often the first place that crosses their minds. In order to reach the ancient Inca Citadel, travelers must pass through Cusco: the capital of this former massive empire. This historical city is more than just a base for exploring the surrounding areas. Throughout the city, one can discover…
Lima: An Eclectic Latin American Metropolis
September 21, 2019Throughout my previous travels, I had visited 23 countries across three continents. I had been all over parts of North America, Western Europe, and even East Asia. Despite all this traveling, I had never made it to South America or even the Southern Hemisphere. I aimed to change that with my next trip to Peru!…