My Journey Through Peru: From Lima to Machu Picchu

September 23 – October 3, 2025

An unforgettable adventure with G Adventures.

Itinerary: Lima • Cusco • Sacred Valley • Aguas Calientes • Machu Picchu • Rainbow Mountain

Peru has long been on my travel wishlist—and it absolutely delivered. From bustling cities to ancient ruins and jaw-dropping mountain vistas, this journey was packed with adventure, culture, and even a few unexpected surprises. Here's a day-by-day recap of my unforgettable week in Peru.

A week before I was to leave, I did not know I would get to see Machu Picchu. Train services to Machu Picchu were temporarily suspended after local residents placed rocks and logs on the tracks during protests. The unrest stemmed from a dispute over the replacement of Consettur, a bus company that had operated for 30 years, transporting tourists from Aguas Calientes to the archaeological site. Locals objected to the lack of transparency in awarding the new contract and felt excluded from tourism benefits. As a result, PeruRail halted operations, stranding around 900 tourists. Authorities and the U.S. Embassy coordinated evacuation efforts, and train services resumed.

I'm glad to say I made it!!!

✈️ Day 1 — Hello, Lima!

September 24-25

My airport transfer from the Hilton Hotel near the Calgary airport, to the international airport was exactly what I needed - I was off and didn't have to worry about a thing! Flying into Cancun I remember why I love it so much - those blue waters.... it's heavenly!

I had a 9 (yes, that's a nine) hour layover in Cancun. While it is a long time, it is not long enough to do anything outside of the airport. I caught up on work, research, and took many long walks.

After a long journey, I finally touched down in Lima, the capital of Peru, early in the morning. The city greeted me with warm air and coastal vibes. I didn't have much planned today — just settling into my hotel and meeting my G Adventures group at supper time. I squeezed in a quick walk around Lima’s artsy neighborhood — colorful murals, cool cafes, and sea breezes. I also managed a long massage appointment, which was incredible! I took a short walk through Miraflores, grabbed some ceviche and a pisco sour, and let it sink in: I’m in Peru! Tomorrow, the Andes.

🏔️ Day 2 — Into the Andes: Cusco

September 26

This morning, I boarded a short flight to Cusco— suddenly, I was at 3,400 meters (11,200 feet) above sea level. I felt the altitude almost immediately. Deep breaths, lots of water, and coca tea helped. I also spoke with my physician about altitude medication, and I truly believe it helped me on this trip. While I was quick to recover and explore, others without the medication were prevented from completing hiking trips. I felt bad for them, but they opted for holistic measures and natural remedies versus medication.

In the afternoon, we explored the city on foot: narrow cobblestone streets, Inca stone walls, vibrant markets, colonial churches, and locating a few essentials I couldn’t pack (like sunscreen and bug spray—note to self!). I turned in early to help my body adjust to the altitude. I could feel the energy of this ancient city — and the adventure building.

🧭 Day 3 — Sacred Valley Vibes

September 27

We left Cusco early and headed into the Sacred Valley. Our first stop: Pisac. I wandered through the traditional market — bought some alpaca wool items and admired the bright textiles and handmade jewelry. With visits to a local weaving co-op and pottery studio, it was eye-opening to see traditional practices still thriving, passed down through generations. The craftsmanship and community spirit were truly inspiring—it gave me a deeper appreciation for the region's rich cultural heritage.

Three from the group (myself included!) attempted the long steep hike up to a ruin site. It was very challenging but worth the views! In Ollantaytambo, I was blown away by the stone fortress and its sheer size. The symmetry and engineering left me in awe — and gave me a glimpse into what the Inca Empire was capable of.

🥾 Day 4 — Aguas Calientes & Arrival at Machu Picchu

September 28

Today was a busy one! Up at 5 am for a beautiful train ride through the mountains to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and it was worth every lost minute of sleep. The scenic route - incredible!

Paddington Bear is said to have come from Peru. I had not known this, but he is many places there! I really enjoyed Peru beer, it had a bit of carbonation to it that gave it some bite! I did not, however, eat the Guinea Pig. I just couldn't do it!

A couple from Calgary that I met on this tour joined me to explore the town. Once shopping commenced, us girls carried on and shared a couple of pisco sours—Peru's national cocktail. While we were chatting and enjoying the afternoon, we didn't realize we were becoming a feast for the local mosquitoes (rookie mistake!). Lesson learned. Early night before the big day ahead.

🏞️ Day 5 — Machu Picchu

September 29

Machu Picchu had been on my bucket list forever. This was a moment I had wanted for so long—and now, I was finally here.

We woke before dawn and caught the first bus up the winding road to the citadel. As the gates opened, we stepped into the misty morning light in near silence. The first glimpse—clouds parting to reveal ancient stone terraces, steep green peaks, and sacred temples—left me completely speechless. It was surreal. The air was cool and still, like the site itself was holding its breath.

Our guide led us through the most iconic parts of Machu Picchu: the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and the Temple of the Condor. With each stop, he added layers of history and cultural context that made the ruins come alive. I kept imagining what life must have been like here more than 500 years ago—how the Inca built this masterpiece in the clouds with such precision and purpose.

We saw the entrance to Huayna Picchu, the towering peak that rises behind the citadel in so many iconic photos. It would have been a great option had we stayed longer - but it did look really intense!

This was one of the most rewarding days for me. Getting up so early, hiking, the emotional weight of being in such a sacred place—it was all completely worth it. The guided tour brought so much meaning to what we were seeing, and standing among those stone terraces, I felt an overwhelming mix of awe, gratitude, and wonder.

By afternoon, we returned to Aguas Calientes for one last celebratory dinner with the group. Eventually, we made the long journey back to Cusco, arriving tired but deeply fulfilled.

⛰️ Day 6 — Rainbow Mountain

September 30

Another early start—3:30 AM—to hike Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Sitting at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet), it’s nearly the same elevation as Everest Base Camp. The air was thin, the morning was freezing, but the view? Unreal. The colorful mineral streaks of the mountain looked almost too perfect to be real. Challenging, but easily one of the top highlights of the trip. The air pressure was noticeable as I reached for my snack bag of peanuts, and it had expanded! Rainbow Mountain was a perfect way to see the beauty of Peruvian nature, and the Andes are just as lovely as our Rockies.

We boarded the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by our private bus back to Cusco. I spent the afternoon recovering, shopping for gifts, and sitting in a café watching city life unfold. My legs were sore, my clothes a bit dusty, but my heart was so full.

🏨 Day 7 – Back to Lima

October 1

We flew back to Lima, where I had a pre-arranged site inspection at the Belmond Miraflores Park, one of Lima's top luxury hotels, owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy).

I fell in love with the hotel the minute I arrived: greeted by the turtle sanctuary outside, the lovely grounds, and then moving indoors to a mysterious and luxurious lobby. I was attended to immediately and offered a Peruvian iced tea, locally sourced. It was heavenly!

Belmond Miraflores Park is a luxury all-suite hotel situated in Lima’s upscale Miraflores district, perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The property blends refined elegance with contemporary Peruvian design, offering sweeping ocean or city views from many of its 82 spacious suites. Guest amenities include a rooftop heated pool, wellness spa, fitness center, fine dining at Tragaluz restaurant, and stylish bar/lounge areas. With a focus on personalized service and high-end comfort, the hotel is positioned to offer both urban convenience and tranquil coastal retreat.

Accommodations range from City View Junior Suites to expansive One-Bedroom and Presidential Pool Suites, with many offering private terraces, marble bathrooms, and executive lounge access. Suites average 45–130 m² depending on category, with some featuring saunas or plunge pools. Room rates start around USD $500 per night, with added fees for services like breakfast (~$32), airport transfers (~$71), and rollaway beds (~$132). A 18% VAT applies unless guests qualify for the foreign traveler exemption. While luxury pricing is standard, the amenities and suite size provide strong value in the premium segment.

The hotel primarily caters to affluent leisure travelers, business executives, couples, and VIP guests looking for a high-end base in Lima. It’s also a venue of choice for upscale events, offering function spaces for up to 300 guests. Its location in vibrant, walkable Miraflores — close to cultural landmarks, dining, and the coast — makes it ideal for guests who want both relaxation and city immersion. With Belmond’s global reputation and strong local integration, Miraflores Park positions itself as one of Lima’s top-tier luxury stays.

✈️Day 8 – Departure

October 2

Time to say goodbye. As the plane took off just before noon, I looked out at the lights of Lima fading behind me. This trip had been more than a vacation. It was a challenge, a deep dive into history, and a chance to disconnect and reconnect all at once. I had an overnight layover in Atlanta, with a lfight in the morning to Calgary.

🌎 Final Thoughts

Peru gave me so much:

• A new respect for high-altitude trekking

• A deeper understanding of Inca culture

• Lifelong memories with incredible people

  
  

If you're ever thinking of doing this — do it. Be prepared for what's ahead, as that will ensure success in hiking. I believe anyone can do this with the right preparation and guidance. Machu Picchu is breathtaking, yes. But it’s the journey there — the mountains, the people, the valleys — that changed me the most.