Cusco, Peru

Peru has long been on my travel bucket list. The endless mountains, jungle, and rich culture have fueled my desire to explore the area with my camera for years. When a work trip arose that required us to meet in Lima, it presented the perfect opportunity for me to embark on a side adventure!

Although the work trip was canceled just days beforehand, I managed to keep my side trip by rebooking flights using points. I had done extensive research on Peru and its cultures and regions, so I didn’t want my well-planned trip to go to waste.

After a long series of flights, I finally arrived at the stunning city of Cusco, the historical center of the Incas. Sitting at around 12,000 feet, the altitude was a bit of a shock to my sea-level-adjusted body. On my first day, I took it easy, gasping for air as I wandered through the beautiful alleyways and markets. The food was incredible from the start! My first meal was alpaca accompanied by a pisco sour.

I truly enjoyed the mix of Spanish architecture built upon the foundations of the old Inca capital. I spent a few days exploring everything the city had to offer, from the bohemian San Blas district to the impressive ruins (Saqsaywaman) that rise just above the city. I treated myself to fancy dinners and enjoyed incredibly cheap meals at the San Pedro market. Everyone was so friendly, and I quickly shook off the rust on my Spanish skills, which helped tremendously for the rest of my trip.