I had heard so much about Peru over the years, but I never expected to be so profoundly amazed by its people, colors, food, architecture, and, surprisingly, its cold climate. This is our journey through the heights, flavors, markets, and wonders that this incredible country has to offer.
Cusco, Peru
Our journey began with a flight from Guayaquil to Cusco, and from the moment we arrived, I experienced an incredible culture shock. We had left behind a not-so-impressive city and stepped into a jewel nestled in the Andes.
The narrow streets, cobblestone roads, and terracotta-tiled rooftops immediately caught my attention. For a moment, I felt like I had traveled back to Antigua, Guatemala. However, it didn’t take long to realize that Cusco was something even more unique—a city with deep historical roots stretching back over a thousand years. The history of the city is etched into the expressions of its people, woven into their vibrant textiles, and narrated by the passionate guides who take immense pride in their Incan heritage.
But then, I learned something fascinating: the city I was walking through was not the same Cusco that the Incas built. The Spanish conquest had reshaped it, adapting Incan foundations and architectural prowess to fit colonial preferences. This blend of Incan ruins, Spanish colonial architecture, and modern updates makes Cusco one of the most unique cities in the world.
The culinary scene in Cusco was nothing short of extraordinary. No matter where we ate—whether it was a fine-dining restaurant, a small street vendor, or a local market—the food was consistently delicious.
What stood out to me wasn’t just the flavors but the vibrant presentation of each dish. The same brilliant colors found in the local textiles—rich reds, deep yellows, and lush greens—were also reflected in the meals, creating a visual and sensory experience unlike any other. Cusco, in many ways, felt like a living, breathing work of art, where everything from the food to the buildings formed part of a grand, interconnected masterpiece.
(Below is a video we created, capturing our perspective on Cusco.)
Lake Humantay
The first hike we embarked on in Cusco was to the stunning Humantay Lake—a much-needed adventure that pushed us both physically and mentally.
Located at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level, the lake is reached after a steep 400-meter (1,312-foot) ascent. It took us about an hour and 20 minutes to climb, and every step at that altitude was a battle against the thin air. But the moment we reached the top, the struggle faded into insignificance. Before us lay a lake so mesmerizing it felt otherworldly, its turquoise waters nestled between towering peaks.
It is said that Humantay Lake is a sacred place, and standing there, surrounded by its majesty, I understood why. As a sign of gratitude, we followed tradition and offered our thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth in the Incan language) for allowing us to witness such breathtaking beauty.
(Watch our video below to see more of this incredible destination!)
If you really like hiking and would like to try the Salkantay hike, the dome houses below are the starting point for acclimatization. Honestly, they look like a piece of architectural art from Mars with grass, perfectly complementing the natural beauty of this place.
The Skylodge, Peru
The Sacred Valley isn’t just about Inca spirituality and preserved ruins; it also offers thrilling adventure at Skylodge Peru.
This place is like no other in the Sacred Valley. It’s one of those experiences where the mental challenge is tougher than the physical one—you have to climb 400 meters (1,312 feet) using iron rungs, rock, and steel ladders to reach a cozy sleeping pod and enjoy a delicious (like every meal in Peru) dinner, only to be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sunrises imaginable.
But the adventure doesn’t end at sunrise. You have the option (which we obviously took) to zip-line down the mountain. This experience, even though it was something Fallon had dreamed of doing for over eight years, became one of my favorite things I’ve ever done in my life. It’s now deeply imprinted in my core memories because everything aligned perfectly—the weather, the people, the mood, the views—everything.
If climbing is your thing, or if you’re just curious about how we climbed 400 meters to our hotel, check out the video below. I created it with love and passion.
And just when you think everything has been perfect and nothing can top the experiences you’ve had, you find yourself standing before one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Having now seen my second Wonder, I can confidently say the title is well deserved.
Machu Picchu and the Train to Puno
The atmosphere of Machu Picchu is something truly hard to describe. For some magical reason, you can feel the past—you start to grasp the immense effort it took to build this masterpiece, the beauty of its surroundings, and its significance. You begin to understand why every Inca took such immense pride in this place. That same sense of pride washes over you as you stand in its presence.
But our journey didn’t end at the most important Inca ruin. There is a train whose rails transport you back to 1870 when it first began operating—the Titicaca Train, which takes you from Cusco to Puno. It’s a 10.5-hour-long experience that can only be described as a unique and wonderful journey. If you let your imagination run wild, you can almost feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to experience how people once journeyed through the Andes.
This scenic train ride takes you to the birthplace of the Inca civilization: Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. This lake is famous not only for its altitude and breathtaking views but also because it is home to the Uros people. Their ingenuity is astonishing—they built floating islands on the lake using totora reeds, a type of grass. As an engineer, I was fascinated by their explanation of how these islands are constructed. However, from a tourist perspective, it saddened me to see how an ancient civilization has had to adapt to modern tourism in order to survive. In doing so, they have drifted away from their roots and original way of life, as the Uros people now primarily rely on tourism for their livelihood.
Watch our videos below about Machu Picchu and the Titicaca Train. Trust me—you won’t be disappointed.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my words about the small yet unforgettable portion of Peru that we were fortunate enough to experience.
On a deeper level, Peru changed me in ways I never expected. To be here, sharing my travel experiences with you, I had to sacrifice things that many consider essential—comforts that some take for granted and core pillars of life that others wouldn’t dare to let go of. And yet, despite embracing this journey, that small voice in my head kept whispering doubts, telling me I was making a mistake, that I should turn back to the life I left behind.
By the time I reached Cusco, that voice was louder than ever. But Peru, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences, silenced those doubts and replaced them with gratitude. More than that, sharing these experiences with Fallon made me realize that true peace and happiness don’t come from routine or comfort—they come from moments like these, from pushing boundaries, embracing the unknown, and living fully.
Guatemala and Ecuador strengthened my mental toughness when it came to physical challenges, but Peru? Peru strengthened the part of my mind that requires even greater resilience—the part that doubts, that fears, that second-guesses. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Thank you, Peru and Fallon, for helping me push forward. I can’t wait to see where this journey leads next.
“La verdadera paz y felicidad no provienen de la rutina ni de la comodidad; provienen de momentos como estos, de traspasar límites, abrazar lo desconocido y vivir plenamente.” Estas líneas son la mejor muestra de un proceso alquímico interior. El viaje del Héroe siempre sucede adentro, como afuera…
Maravilloso!! Gracias por compartir esta experiencia, por las imágenes y por la letra creadora.
Los quiero!!