Lima – A Delicious Introduction

Our journey began in Lima, where we stayed in Miraflores, one of the city's most beautiful neighbourhoods. With its coastal setting, excellent restaurants and vibrant atmosphere, it was the perfect base for exploring Peru's capital.

We eased into the trip with a walk through the colourful district of Barranco. Known for its creativity, street art and relaxed vibe, it immediately gave us a feel for modern Peru.

That evening, we enjoyed an unforgettable welcome dinner at La Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, one of Lima's most celebrated dining venues. Overlooking ancient pre-Incan ruins, it offered one of the most unique dining settings I've ever experienced.

We sampled fresh ceviche, pisco sours and a variety of Peruvian dishes that showcased the country's fascinating Spanish, Japanese and Chinese influences. As someone who can be quite a fussy eater, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed every dish.

Cusco – The Heart of the Inca Empire

From Lima, we flew to Cusco, sitting at an impressive 3,420 metres above sea level. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is rich in history and culture.

We explored both the city and the surrounding archaeological sites, walking among ancient Inca ruins while learning how Spanish colonial influences helped shape the city we see today.

One particularly memorable experience was lunch at Mama Seledonia, a restaurant that supports young single mothers and teenagers from rural communities who have a passion for cooking. We had the privilege of meeting the founder and hearing firsthand how important this project is to her and the people it supports.

The food was fresh, healthy and absolutely delicious, but it was the story behind the restaurant that made the experience so special.

Afterwards, we continued our walking tour through Cusco's historic centre, soaking up the atmosphere of this fascinating city.

The Sacred Valley – Culture Comes to Life

The following day we travelled into the Sacred Valley, where the trip became even more immersive.

Along the way we visited community projects, met local people and experienced traditional Andean life firsthand. One of the highlights was spending time with the talented women artisans of the Willoq community, learning about weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations.

We also met an adorable four-year-old called Raciel, who completely stole our hearts.

For lunch, we enjoyed a traditional Pachamanca feast, where food is slow-cooked beneath the earth using hot stones. It wasn't just a meal – it was a cultural experience that we'll never forget.

The Journey to Machu Picchu

From the Sacred Valley, we boarded the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, winding through dramatic mountain landscapes on our way to Peru's most famous attraction.

After an overnight stay, it was finally time to visit Machu Picchu.

Nothing truly prepares you for that moment.

No matter how many photographs you've seen, the reality is breathtaking. Walking through this world-famous Wonder of the World was every bit as incredible as I'd hoped.

The site consists of more than 150 structures, including temples, houses, baths and sanctuaries. While archaeologists believe it served as a royal estate for Inca rulers and nobility, much of its purpose remains a mystery even today.

Every corner seemed to reveal another spectacular view, and I loved every minute of exploring this remarkable place.

Back to Lima

After returning to Cusco for one final night, we flew back to Lima.

A walking tour through the historic centre revealed another side of the city, with ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches standing alongside modern life. It's the perfect place to see Peru's past and present coexist.

And yes, I can confidently say I had the best churro of my life there too!

For our final evening together, we enjoyed a farewell dinner in a beautifully restored colonial house – the perfect setting to reflect on everything we'd experienced during the week.

Why Peru Surprised Me

While Machu Picchu undoubtedly took my breath away, what stayed with me most was learning about Peru's culture and connecting with its people.

The community visits, the local guides, the food experiences and the chance to see daily life beyond the tourist highlights all added incredible depth to the journey.

It reinforced something I have always believed as a travel agent: there is simply no substitute for experiencing a destination for yourself.

Peru isn't a destination that merely meets expectations – it exceeds them.

My Advice for Anyone Considering Peru

I've already had numerous people express interest in visiting Peru after hearing about this trip, and I can completely understand why.

My biggest piece of advice is simple: don't focus solely on Machu Picchu.

Yes, it's extraordinary.

But Peru's real magic lies in everything around it:

• Lima's world-class food scene
• The rich history of Cusco
• The communities of the Sacred Valley
• The traditions that have been preserved for generations
• And the wonderful people you meet along the way

I've travelled with Intrepid on several occasions, and I think their greatest strength is bringing these authentic experiences to life.

The small-group style, knowledgeable local guides and meaningful community interactions create a deeper connection with the destination and make the entire journey far more memorable.

Peru is one of those rare places that stays with you long after you've returned home — and I can't wait to send more clients there to experience it for themselves