Alpaca in machu picchu peru — Come for Machu Picchu. Stay for the alpacas, the food, and the unexpected magic.

Peru isn’t a fly-and-flop destination

— it’s a ‘plan-it-right-or-miss-it’ adventure.

Let’s make sure you experience this bucket list trip the way it deserves to be done.

Screen Shot 2025-09-10 at 7.52.18 AM.png

Screen Shot 2025-09-10 at 7.52.52 AM.png

Screen Shot 2025-09-10 at 7.52.32 AM.png

Truth be told, before this trip, Peru wasn’t high on my list—I had no idea what to expect. But this trip completely exceeded every expectation and it shot straight to the top of my favorite countries.

From riding ATVs along ancient Incan trails (with views that felt like Switzerland and Ireland combined), to cuddling alpacas and bunnies, dancing with champagne in hand on the train to Machu Picchu, savoring some of the best food of my life in Lima, and basking in the sun at Lake Titicaca—the “Mediterranean of South America”—Peru surpassed every single expectation.

And yet… I discovered just how important careful planning is in a place like this. This is not a destination where you “fly & flop.” It’s full of culture, adventure, and breathtaking nature — but with tons of moving parts. Where does your extra luggage go when you can only bring 17 pounds on the train to Machu Picchu? How do you properly acclimate to 13,000 ft. altitude without getting sick? What neighborhoods of Lima will make you fall in love — and which ones will leave you overwhelmed?

As a luxury travel agency specializing in bucket list travel, that’s exactly where we come in.

Let’s dive into a breakdown by region:

Lima: The Culinary Capital of the World

If you love food, Lima is non-negotiable. A few highlights:

Barranco: Bohemian vibes, colorful murals, and nightlife. Stay at Hotel B and grab cocktails at La Noche.
Miraflores: Lively parks, ocean views, shopping, and ceviche at Mayta.

💡 Insider Tip: Lima is huge. It’s not walkable between neighborhoods, and if you don’t know where to go, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t skip Lima! A private guide and a food tour will completely change your experience here.

Plan your trip to Peru 💃

Cusco & The Sacred Valley

Cusco is vibrant and cultural, but also a basecamp for adventure. You’ll find local markets, Pachapapa for traditional food, and alpaca wool shops. Activities worth planning: horseback riding, river rafting, and a stop at the Cat Park. A must-try: Guinea pig!

💡 Insider Tip: Always carry small cash, tissues, and hand sanitizer. Public bathrooms usually cost a small fee and don’t always provide soap.

Machu Picchu: The Showstopper

Machu Picchu took my breath away. It’s not just a mountain. It’s an energetic train ride with locals dancing, it’s a hike with alpacas grazing around you, it’s remembering what came before you, and those mind-blowing views.

Timing matters:

Go early (6–8 AM) for the best light and fewer crowds.
Skip Sundays — it’s free for locals and packed.
Book your tickets months in advance, especially if you want to hike Wayna Picchu.
Let’s talk through the different hiking circuits to get the level of workout you prefer.

💡 Insider Tip: You can only bring 17 lbs. of luggage on the train. What happens to the rest of your bags? We’ll make sure they’re securely transferred to meet you later — the little luxuries that make or break your trip.

Beyond the Classics

If you have more time, I’d add:

Lake Titicaca: The Mediterranean of South America. Here we stayed at my absolute favorite hotel in the world, Titilaka. Pure heaven.
Arequipa: the White City with volcano views.
Colca Canyon: dramatic landscapes and cultural immersion.
Amazon Rainforest: for guided jungle adventures.

Hungry for more? Check out our Restaurant & Travel Guide here

Why Travel with a Professional?

Here’s the truth: Peru is incredible, but not simple. Between altitude sickness, luggage restrictions, long drives vs. flights, timing your Machu Picchu entry, and knowing where to eat/drink safely — there’s a lot that Google can’t prepare you for.

Having a 24/7 contact who whisked us around without us lifting a finger? Game-changer. We wanted to leave early one morning — no problem. We ran late and the guide waited because it was private — no stress. That peace of mind is worth everything on a trip this complex.

Final Thoughts

Peru is not just a vacation — it’s an experience that stays with you. The culture, the food, the landscapes… all unforgettable. But with so many logistics, it’s also a place where having the right guidance makes all the difference. Oh, and last thought - consider going during their off season! January is Peru’s summer, so while it rained once or twice on our 10 day trip, it was lush, even more beautiful, and the crowds were non-existent.

Peru belongs on every bucket list — just be sure to experience it the right way.

Ready to Plan your Peruvian adventure?