Peru: Machu Picchu & Lima Delights 4–8 July 2023
Peru delivered one of the biggest bucket-list moments of my travels.
Cusco & Machu Picchu
I arrived first in Cusco by bus from Bolivia. After acclimatizing to the high altitude, I made the journey to the legendary Machu Picchu. It is every bit as spectacular as the photos — truly one of the most impressive places I’ve ever seen. The ancient Inca citadel set high in the mountains is unforgettable.
Lima
From Cusco I flew down to Lima, where I stayed at the excellent Swissôtel. The capital surprised me with its outstanding food scene.
Lima is a true ceviche capital — I tried some of the best ceviche of my life in beautiful restaurants. I also visited one of the world’s Top 50 bars, where the bartenders performed an incredible ice-carving show. The mix of creativity and quality was outstanding.
Final Thoughts
Peru is a country of extremes — from the mystical heights of Machu Picchu to the vibrant, food-obsessed capital of Lima. Five days was the perfect amount of time to experience both.
Would I recommend Peru? Absolutely yes! Machu Picchu alone makes the trip worth it, and Lima’s food scene is world-class. I would love to return one day to explore more of the country.
A highlight of my South America journey.
