A Week of Adventure in Peru

From the states, we flew into Lima, spent the night at the Costa del Sol Hotel then took an early flight to Cusco. We were greeted by our private driver for a scenic transfer to our first destination: the tranquil Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel. On the way, we stopped at Chincero, which is a popular place to see alpaca textiles and natural dyes. The hotel is nestled in lush greenery and steeped in traditional charm—it was the perfect place to begin unwinding and adjusting to the altitude!

Our driver and tour guide picked us up at 9 am. We set out early for a half-day hike exploring the ancient agricultural terraces of Moray, an Incan botanical laboratory of concentric circles. From there, we trekked to the stunning Maras Salt Mines, glimmering white against the mountainside, where salt is still harvested using traditional methods. The landscape, the history, and the walk itself made this a perfect introduction to the Sacred Valley.

One of the most anticipated days: An early morning start took us south to Vinicunca, better known as Rainbow Mountain. With each step at high altitude, the colors of the mountain became more vivid, and the views more surreal. You have the option to rent a porter who will walk you up on horseback, but we chose to hike it. We pushed ourselves slowly to the Red Valley, a lesser-known trail with martian-like terrain and few crowds. It was a challenging, high-altitude trek that rewarded us with unmatched beauty.

We checked out and transferred to the Vistadome Train, taking in panoramic views on the ride to Aguas Calientes. After lunch, we boarded the bus for the winding ride up to Machu Picchu. We went into the main citadel with our private tour guide. Standing among the ancient stones of this wonder of the world, surrounded by misty peaks, was every bit as magical as we’d imagined. It was a surreal moment walking in the footsteps of the Incas.

After an incredible night stay at Sanctuary Lodge, we returned early to explore Huayna Picchu, the towering peak that overlooks the Machu Picchu citadel. Only 200 people a day can register for this hike. The steep climb and narrow paths led to one of the most breathtaking views of our lives—including a rainbow! After lunch back at Sanctuary Lodge, we made our way down to catch the train back to Cusco, full of awe and gratitude.

After a relaxed morning in Cusco, we spent time exploring the city’s vibrant markets, the historic Plaza Mayor, and several walkable Incan sites scattered throughout the old town. Cusco’s charm is in its layers—Incan foundations beneath traditional architecture, lively plazas, and narrow cobblestone streets full of energy. We capped off our time there with a drink at RestoBar, a local favorite offering panoramic views of the city that were absolutely unforgettable. That evening, we caught our flight to Lima and checked into the sleek, modern AC Lima Hotel—located just steps from the Pacific Ocean—ready for the final stretch of our Peruvian adventure.

We spent the day soaking in a few final views of Lima’s dramatic coastline with the amazing coastal walking path. We explored the vibrant neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco—from colorful street art to seaside parks and traditional charm, these districts offered the perfect blend of culture and relaxation. We squeezed in a bit more shopping at the Indian Market, picking up last-minute textiles and handmade keepsakes. For our final night, we treated ourselves to an unforgettable dinner at Astrid y Gastón, one of Lima’s most iconic restaurants—an incredible culinary finale to an already extraordinary trip. From ancient ruins to colorful mountains, this journey through Peru was both energizing and deeply grounding.