Welcome to 2025, and Happy New Year! As 2024 came to a close, my grandmother and I embarked on an unforgettable trip to Peru to see Machu Picchu. The idea sparked from a casual dining table conversation when my grandmother mentioned her long-time goal of visiting this historic wonder. Coincidentally, it was also on my bucket list. So, when our schedules aligned in December 2024, we decided to make it happen. And honestly, December turned out to be the perfect time to go – not too hot, not too cold – more like a refreshing spring.
We booked the entire trip through a tour company, which made things more manageable. (I’ll delve into the pros and cons of using a tour company in a future post.) Now, let me walk you through our adventure.
First Impressions of Peru
Peru is a stunning country, and I wholeheartedly recommend visiting. One thing that surprised me was its vibrant surfing culture. While Machu Picchu is the iconic image of Peru, I had no idea Lima was a surfer’s paradise. From dawn to dusk, we saw surfers riding the waves, even at sunrise when we flew in from the States. Lima hosts competitions and offers surf-friendly waters year-round thanks to their consistently cool temperatures, which also help keep sharks at bay.
Another highlight was the sunsets. Whether it was in the mountains of Cusco or along the Pacific coast in Lima, the skies painted mesmerizing hues of pink, purple, and orange. I especially loved the sunsets by the water in Lima – calming, vibrant, and unforgettable.
Exploring Lima
We began our trip with a few days in Lima. One of our first activities was a food and history tour through Chinatown, where we sampled local dishes and learned about Peru’s colonial history. It was fascinating to see the Spanish architectural influence juxtaposed with Lima’s rich Peruvian culture. The tour included public transportation, giving us an authentic glimpse of how locals navigate the city. Lima’s buses are frequent and affordable – a great way to explore. Chifa, is a mix between Spanish and Chinese that was created back when the Chinese were first immigrating into Peru, and there was a misunderstanding between the languages. Most Chinese restaurants in Peru will have this in their name as a way to signify that there’s Chinese food to be eaten there.
There are also many museums to see in Lima. Museo Larco, is a wonderful smaller museum that dives into the history of the people of Peru. It goes beyond the Inka people and truly showcases how each people lived and what they believed. They also have a lovely garden with a small cafe you can eat at after you have made you’re way through the museum.
Lima was a city of contrasts. From budget-friendly street food to high-end dining experiences, it caters to every traveler. We visited Restaurant Huaca Pucllana, located near an Inca archaeological site. Dining outdoors with views of the ruins was an unforgettable experience. I tried alpaca in a creamy sauce (absolutely delicious) and a Peruvian-style chicken curry. Of course, no trip to Peru is complete without sipping on a Pisco Sour – a must-try cocktail made from grapes grown exclusively in Peru. The ceviche here was also very exceptional, a lovely portion with delicious flavor.
Getting Around
While Lima offers a variety of transportation options – including Uber, buses, and taxis – traffic can be a challenge. It’s best to plan ample time for airport transfers and to avoid renting a car unless you’re comfortable navigating chaotic city driving.
In Cusco, taxis are more common than Uber, and public transportation is less frequent than in Lima. However, Cusco’s charm lies in its walkability and proximity to historical sites.
Machu Picchu: The Highlight of the Trip
Of course, the pinnacle of our trip was Machu Picchu. We flew from Lima to Cusco and then continued our journey to the base of Machu Picchu. The Peruvian government now limits daily visitors to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site, so it’s essential to book tickets in advance.
From Cusco, you can reach Machu Picchu by bus, train, or a multi-day hike. Since I was traveling with my 74-year-old grandmother, we opted for the bus and train route. Once there, a tour guide led us through the ancient ruins, sharing fascinating stories about its history, construction, and spiritual significance. Even in December’s rainy season, we were lucky to experience both the breathtaking views before the rain and the magical mist of clouds that followed.
Cultural Experiences
One cultural tradition that intrigued me was the celebration of guinea pig as a delicacy during festivals. While I didn’t get a chance to try it, I appreciated the cultural significance and encourage travelers to approach such traditions with respect and curiosity.
In Cusco, I indulged in an unexpected treat – a $13 massage. While it wasn’t luxurious, it was a relaxing way to unwind after exploring the city.
Peru was an extraordinary destination, offering everything from historical wonders to vibrant city life. Whether you’re an independent traveler or prefer the ease of a tour company, Peru has something for everyone.
Travelers should remain mindful of their surroundings, as with any destination, but I found Peru to be welcoming and safe. The locals were kind and friendly, adding to the overall charm of the trip.
From the spiritual energy of Machu Picchu to the bustling streets of Lima and Cusco, Peru left a lasting impression on me. It’s a journey I’ll never forget, and I hope this inspires you to add it to your travel list!
