Peru: An Adventure of Color, Culture, and Wonder

Shauna Leff
Aug 9
7 min read

While the kids were having a blast at overnight camp, my husband and I set off on our own adventure—a 10-day journey through Peru. This blog captures the essence of our trip: from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain, the historic streets of Cusco, and the coastal charm of Lima. Peru is a place where history, nature, and tradition come together in perfect harmony.

Day 1: Lima Arrival

We landed late at night in Lima and stayed at the Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport —an easy walk from the terminal and perfect for our early morning flight to Cusco. The hotel was convenient, comfortable, and had a surprisingly great restaurant. A great pit stop before the adventure began.

Day 2: Exploring Cusco

Our 5:30 a.m. flight took us high into the Andes to Cusco, where we checked into our hotel. We spent the day exploring the city, meeting locals, and trying to acclimate to the elevation before meeting with our trekking company for a briefing. They needed to see our passports before we set off on our Machu Picchu journey.

Days 3–4: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

We booked the 2-day Short Inca Trail with Quechuas Expeditions Peru and started our hike at KM 104. The train ride through the Andes was spectacular, and the trail itself was both challenging and awe-inspiring. We climbed to Winaywayna, rested at a waterfall, and eventually entered Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Spending the night in Aguas Calientes allowed us to return the next morning with our guide to be there before sunrise and to enjoy the site with fewer crowds. Our tour company handled all the logistics, including picking us up and dropping us back off at our hotel in Cusco, tickets for the train and Machu Picchu (which was key), meals and hotel in Aguas Calientes and the bus up and down the mountain.

I should note, we took our tour guide's recommendation and had massages at a spa that evening prior to returning to Machu Picchu the next morning to catch the magical sunrise.

Day 5: Sacred Valley Tour

This packed day included stops at Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. We also visited with weavers, salt miners, and silversmiths. If we could do it again, we’d break it up over two days to take in more of each stop.

Day 6: Rest & Culture in Cusco

After walking around in search of artisans, visiting the Museo de Arte Precolumbino Larco, finding great restaurants and just relaxing in Cusco, we ended the day at Tunupa Restaurant with a traditional dance and music show. It was definitely for tourists, but the energy and talent were worth it. Fyi- We had to buy tickets for this show ahead of time.

Day 7: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley

Trekking to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) was not originally my idea— but I’m glad Jorge convinced me. Standing at over 6,300 m (20,900 ft) this is the highest mountain in the Cusco region and is considered a holy mountain (or mountain spirit) by the local Peruvians. The views were unforgettable. Local communities, alpacas in sunglasses, and colorful landscapes made the challenge worth every step. We continued on to Red Valley, where vibrant mineral-rich soil created a surreal red canyon speckled with green.

I should note we were picked up at our hotel around 3am, as it's about a three hour drive from Cusco. Our guide had us stop for breakfast along the way and for a late lunch on the return. We dressed in layers. It was colder than you think, but warmed up as we hiked up the mountain.

Days 8–10: Lima

We spent our final days in Lima’s Miraflores neighborhood at Blu Hotel Boutique. We explored the coast, street murals, Larcomar, the Barranco District which included a stop at the contemporary art museum, and enjoying a cultural fair that was happening during our visit. La Lucha Sanguchería Criolla was so good we went twice, and the ceviche throughout the city was unforgettable. We even got to meet up with a local friend for a night out. There is no shortage of amazing restaurants and night entertainment.

Reflections

One of my favorite parts of traveling is getting to see life from a different perspective—and that often comes through the people you meet along the way. In Peru, we were welcomed with such warmth and generosity. Whether chatting with weavers in the Sacred Valley, hiking alongside our guides in the Andes, or sharing stories with vendors in Cusco, we were struck by the kindness of everyone we encountered.

On our first day in Cusco, we witnessed a peaceful protest in the plaza with marchers from nearby villages—smiling, sharing food, and happy to explain their cause. It was a powerful and welcoming moment that set the tone for the days ahead.

We were dazzled by the vibrancy of traditional dress, the intricacy of handmade textiles, and the pride artisans take in their work. It truly felt like a journey through todos los colores y sabores—all the colors and flavors Peru has to offer. I’ve included a photo gallery below that captures some of these vivid moments.

The food? Absolutely unforgettable. From the freshest ceviche in Lima to the comforting warmth of quinoa soup in the highlands, every meal was an experience.

Next time we’re in Peru, we plan to explore the Amazon rainforest and the islands of Lake Titicaca. Peru stole our hearts—and we know we’ll be back.

Conclusion

Peru was more than just a checkmark on our bucket list—it was a deeply personal adventure. A chance to disconnect from the everyday, challenge ourselves, learn from others, and reconnect with each other in a breathtakingly beautiful setting.

We climbed, we wandered, we listened. We shared quiet moments and belly laughs, tasted flavors we’d never tried, and marveled at landscapes that left us speechless.

As our kids thrived at summer camp, we found our own version of camp—one filled with wonder, discovery, and a renewed sense of gratitude.

If you're thinking about a trip to Peru, don’t hesitate. Go with curiosity, go with open arms, and you’ll come home with far more than souvenirs.

Logistics

Tour Guide

We really fell in love with our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour guide, Berly. I highly recommend reaching out to him. He made our trip extra special by bringing in the spirit of this magical place, creating sacred moments, knowing how to time out where to be when with the sunrise and sunset and to avoid the crowds. He was such a joy to be with and very knowledgeable. He can do any tour for you in the Cusco area.

You can reach out to Berly direct: Whats App +51 949 510515 https://www.ecoandestrekking.com

The tour company he was working with at the time, did a great job overall having us picked up at our hotel, providing packed lunches, getting us on the train to the trailhead, dealing with our Machu Picchu tickets and more. It was a 10 out of 10!

Flights We flew into Lima via United Airlines and got a pretty good deal using miles. In total we spent $150. We then booked very affordable round-trip tickets from Lima to Cusco via LATAM. The flight is just over an hour. They have multiple flights in a day.

Transportation in Lima Uber worked great for us, especially to and from the airport to our hotel.

What to Pack (Dry Season May- September)

We traveled to Peru in July–August, during the dry season (May–September). The weather was generally clear and perfect for hiking, but temperatures varied a lot—cool mornings and evenings in Cusco and warmer afternoons. We were lucky we had no rain, but there could always be occasional rain showers. Layering was key. Here’s what we found most useful:

Clothing

Light rain jacket – Even in the dry season, unexpected showers can happen.
Thermal base layers – Double as nightwear for chilly high-altitude evenings.
Lightweight fleece or jacket – Great for layering in the mornings and evenings.
Hiking pants – Quick-dry fabric is best.
Long-sleeved hiking shirts – For sun protection and cooler temps.
Hat, Scarf & gloves – Protect from wind and add warmth.
Hiking socks – Bring extra pairs to keep feet dry.
Comfortable hiking shoes or boots – Boots are optional for the Short Inca Trail but preferred for ankle support.
Comfortable sandals or sneakers – For evenings or less rugged walking.
Swimsuit – For the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
Flip flops – Ideal for hot springs or hotel use.
Underwear – Always pack more than you think you’ll need!

Gear & Essentials

Day pack – For your Machu Picchu overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Water bottle or CamelBak – Hydration helps prevent altitude sickness.
Travel towel – Compact and quick-drying.
Lip balm & sunscreen – The high-altitude sun is intense.
Sunglasses – For UV protection.
Passport – Needed at trail entry points; keep it in a waterproof pouch or Ziploc.
Portable battery pack – Phone and camera batteries drain quickly in the cold.
Adapter – Peru uses Type A and C plugs (similar to the U.S. and Europe).
Wet wipes & hand sanitizer – Helpful on the trail.

How to Pack

We travel carry-on only—it’s faster, less stressful, and there’s no risk of lost luggage during flight connections. For this trip, we each had:

Him: Solgaard Venture Backpack – Built-in shelving keeps clothes organized.
Her: Solgaard Carry-On Closet – Perfect for separating layers and gear.
Personal Item: Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack – Lightweight, fits under the seat, and includes a water reservoir for hiking.
Extras: Small fanny pack for easy access to passport, phone, and cash while exploring.

Packing Tips:

Roll, don’t fold to save space and minimize wrinkles.
Keep frequently used items (raincoat, fleece, snacks) near the top of your bag for easy access.
Store documents and electronics in your personal item for security.
Use packing cubes to separate clothing types and keep dirty clothes contained.