If there’s one thing that can really shake up your perspective and feed your soul, it’s a trip like the one we just took to Peru. Not only did I get to bond with my family in ways that only travel can create, but I also found pockets of quiet time to reconnect with myself and my soul. This wasn’t just a vacation, it was a full-body, full-heart reset. I didn’t just come home with a suitcase packed with handwoven textiles and cozy alpaca sweaters. I came back with something much deeper. A heart that felt full to bursting with gratitude and awe. Maybe it was the thin mountain air, or the coca or muna tea (which I may or may not now swear by for clarity and calm), but the experience stuck to my bones in a way that’s hard to explain. It’s the kind of trip that lingers long after you unpack.

There’s so much I could share from our ten days exploring Peru, from the vibrant markets to the ancient ruins. But for those who want to go and experience it for themselves, I don’t want to spoil any of the magic and beautiful surprises waiting around every corner. What I can say is this: Peru challenges you to slow down, open your eyes, and appreciate the richness of history, culture, and connection. Both with those you’re traveling with and with the world around you. It’s a journey that leaves you changed, grounded, and eager for whatever comes next.

Our Journey Through Peru: A Quick Overview

Our itinerary carried us through Peru’s most iconic regions, creating a seamless loop of unforgettable experiences. We began in the vibrant city of Lima before heading to the Sacred Valley via Cusco. Along the way, we stopped in the charming mountain village of Aguas Calientes before making the ascent to the crown jewel itself, Machu Picchu. From there, we circled back through Cusco and finally returned to Lima, all in just over ten days. Throughout the journey, we stayed at four exquisite hotels — each one distinct, full of character, and perfectly suited to its surroundings:

• JW Marriott Lima: Best described as urban luxury perched dramatically on the cliffs of Miraflores, offering breathtaking ocean views and a cosmopolitan vibe.
• Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel : A peaceful retreat nestled between towering Andean peaks, where tranquility and nature wrapped around us.
• Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel:  Lush and romantic, set deep in the cloud forest, blending seamlessly with the surrounding nature and offering a truly immersive escape.
• JW Marriott Cusco: A renovated convent where refined luxury meets centuries-old tradition right in the heart of the historic city, making every moment feel both elegant and deeply connected to Peru’s rich heritage.

Each hotel felt more magical than the last. They gave us more than comfort; they gave us a sense of place and calm in the middle of our busy family adventure. With so many moving parts and nine people in tow, the beauty and ease of our accommodations grounded us. Every stop felt like a luxurious sanctuary, a place to rest our tired feet and soak in the memories from each incredible day.

My Favorite Experiences

Lima City Tour — 8 Hours of Wonder:

Before our official Tauck tour began, my dad (trip MVP) arranged an 8-hour all-inclusive highlights tour of Lima. If you’re arriving a day early, I highly recommend doing this. Lima is a beautiful contradiction of colonial and modern, coastal and cultural. In just one day, we saw more of the city than we would have on our own in a week. Colorful balconies, sweeping cathedrals, religious catacombs, and bustling markets set the tone for what was to come.

Horseback Riding in the Sacred Valley:

I’ve loved horses since I was a kid, and maybe at times I still resent quitting the sport too early. So anytime I can ride, I’m all in — especially when it means winding through ancient villages and farmland with the Andes in the distance. This wasn’t just a trail ride. It was a window into everyday life in the Sacred Valley. Farmers tending to crops. Children waving from doorways. Dogs lounging in the sun. It was simple. Honest. Unforgettable.

A Blessing from the Shaman:

On Day 3 of the tour, something quietly powerful unfolded. A local shaman came to our hotel in the Sacred Valley to offer a traditional blessing. We gathered in the garden as the sun began to dip behind the mountains, the air crisp and still, the sky shifting into dusk. With quiet focus, he prepared a despacho — a ceremonial offering of coca leaves, flowers, grains, and other sacred elements, each placed with care and intention. He spoke in Quechua, the native language of Peru—his words soft but full of weight. Our guide translated his message of gratitude, harmony, and deep reverence for Pachamama (Mother Earth). He blessed our group, calling in protection, clarity, and peace. It felt like a pause in time. A deep breath. A grounding moment before we stepped into sacred land. I didn’t expect to be so moved, but I was. The stillness. The sincerity. The way every gesture carried meaning. It was beautiful — and it shifted something in me. That blessing set the tone for everything that followed.

The Train to Machu Picchu:

Getting to Machu Picchu is a journey in and of itself, and the train ride is a highlight. Picture this: glass ceilings, Andean music, breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, terraced farms, and rushing rivers. The train staff made it even more memorable with music, dancing, flower crowns, and festive hats. On the return trip, we were treated to a surprise baby alpaca fashion show (yes, really!).

Machu Picchu:

There’s something unforgettable about being at Machu Picchu, though I wouldn’t call it “life-changing”, more like quietly shifting something inside you. The journey itself sets the tone: leaving behind the small, busy town of Aguas Calientes, nestled in the jungle with its shops, cafes, and crowds, you board a bus that climbs steadily up winding roads into the mountains. As you ascend, the noise fades, replaced by fresh mountain air and a growing sense of calm. When you finally arrive, a deep stillness settles in.

Standing there, surrounded by walls and pathways carved from massive stones, you look out across the ancient city framed by towering mountains, and it’s impossible to wrap your brain around how it was even built. No modern machinery, just skill, determination, and ingenuity. At times, I found myself reaching out to touch the stones, grounding myself in the incredible wonder created from the earth itself. The scale and precision of the architecture amid such rugged terrain is simply humbling. It’s a rare kind of quiet that feels like more than just silence, inviting you to slow down and take it all in without distraction. Machu Picchu is a place that invites you to pause, breathe, and connect to something beyond yourself. Leaving you with a quiet awe lingering long after you leave.

Our Full Day in Cusco:

It’s honestly hard to pick just one highlight from this day because we packed so much into it. We kicked things off with a hands-on chocolate lesson—not only learning about the history and craft of chocolate, but making our own treats. After that, we visited the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán. A place steeped in history and mystery, where massive stone walls stand as a testament to Incan engineering and artistry. To round out the morning, we visited an alpaca and llama farm. Here we were able to get up close and personal with these charming animals, feeding them, and discovering the key differences between the two species. That afternoon, we had some free time to explore the local markets and even stop by what’s claimed to be the highest Irish-owned pub in the world for a drink. The blend of culture, history, and hands-on experiences made this day a perfect snapshot of everything I love about traveling.

Packing for Peru in July — It’s Winter, FYI

As an East Coaster, packing sweaters in July felt counterintuitive, almost wrong. Back home, July means heatwaves, iced coffee, and sundresses. But Peru, tucked below the equator, plays by different seasonal rules. July is the heart of winter there, and it feels like it.

In Lima, the skies stayed overcast and moody, with that cool Pacific breeze cutting through even in the middle of the day. Up in the Sacred Valley and Cusco, the days were sunlit and warm, picture-perfect for hiking and exploring. But as soon as the sun dipped (around 5:30 p.m.), the temperature plummeted quickly and eventually settled into the low 40s. Nights were cold. The kind of cold that makes you reach for warmer socks and add on an extra layer. One night, I wound up pulling out my gloves that I swore I was crazy for packing. You are going to want ALL the layers, because Peru is a place of microclimates.

What I Packed (And Actually Wore):

• 2 pairs of jeans
• 2 lightweight long-sleeved ¼-zips
• 2 sweatshirts
• 4 long-sleeved casual tops
• 3 nice sweaters (for dinners)
• 1 long-sleeved bodysuit
• 6 short-sleeved tees (LAYERING IS KEY)
• 2 pairs of hiking pants (pockets = gold)
• 1 pair of leggings
• 1 pair of Hiking boots, 1 pair of hiking sneakers, and 1 pair of fashion sneakers
• 15 pairs of socks (you know I had my Bombas…)
• A soft, lightweight puffer coat
• 1 Pair of gloves

Don’t Forget:

• Altitude pills — To prep for the altitude, you can either get a Diamox prescription or buy over-the-counter supplements. I went with pills from Amazon. While most on our trip relied on Diamox (and reported early side effects), Mike and I stuck with supplements and felt great. We had mild sinus pressure and a slight headache; minor compared to what could’ve been.

• Bug repellant bracelets — Lifesavers. Zero bites. In fact, I am giving you the link here. You can use them for anything in the summer too! 
• A backpack with a chest strap — Your back will thank you.
• Small cross body – Some days you don’t want the whole backpack but still need to carry all your “stuff”.
• A rain jacket or poncho — Even in the “dry” season, Lima was misty.
• Peruvian Sol (currency) — Exchange before you go. And also, can we talk about how pretty their money is?! U.S. dollars are boring in comparison.
• Portable charger — Because your phone will be working overtime.

The Food in Peru = A Carb-Lover’s Heaven

Peru knows how to do food. From award-winning tasting menus in sleek city restaurants to rustic, family-style sit-downs in the Andes, every dish felt like a love letter to the land, the season, and the culture. The sheer variety was staggering. Our guides proudly shared that Peru grows over 4,000 kinds of potatoes, and I’m pretty sure we tasted at least 3,987. Add in corn with marble-sized kernels and rice so flavorful it could’ve stolen the show, and every meal felt like a discovery.

My family raved about the alpaca, saying it was tender and mild, almost like lamb meets steak. A few brave souls even tried cuy, the infamous guinea pig delicacy. For both of these dishes, I respectfully passed. I did, however, become obsessed with Lomo Saltado; a savory stir-fry of beef, onions, tomatoes, and fries tossed together in a rich soy-based sauce. It was the perfect fusion of Peruvian flavor and Chinese influence, and I ordered it every chance I got.

Even the breakfasts were worth writing home about — the buffets, each better than the last, with fresh fruits, warm pastries, made-to-order eggs, and local specialties like chicken dishes, and sweet French toast with fresh honey (quite literally right off the comb).

But the soups still stole my heart. Earthy. Hearty. Comforting. Delicious. A bowl of soup in the highlands with vegetables and quinoa will forever live in my head.

Traveling with Tauck: A Luxury Experience, Dialed Up

This was my first Tauck trip, and it certainly won’t be my last. From the moment we landed to our final flight home, every detail was handled seamlessly, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the experience without a single worry. The guides were true experts, sharing rich stories and insider knowledge that brought each destination to life in a way I hadn’t anticipated. The itinerary struck the perfect balance between carefully planned activities and spontaneous moments, giving us a sense of adventure while still feeling comfortably curated. Every day brought new discoveries, with just enough surprise sprinkled in to keep the magic alive.

And then there was the food. While our tour director joked about it, “Body by Tauck” is a thing. Let’s just say, Tauck does not let you go hungry. From the moment we landed to the final farewell, it felt like we were in a constant rhythm of being fed, refueled, and then fed again. Breakfasts, snacks, lunches, surprise treats, full dinners — it was like a well-oiled machine of hospitality. I honestly don’t think I went more than a few hours without someone offering me something delicious. Between that, the seamless logistics, and the expert guidance, the trip felt effortless in all the best ways. I’m already dreaming about my next Tauck adventure (hello Mike’s 40th birthday trip!).

The People of Peru: The Real Treasure

More than the breathtaking landscapes, the rich history, or even the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, what truly left the deepest impression on me were the people. Every single person we encountered, whether it was the hotel staff, our knowledgeable local guides, or the woman selling handwoven textiles in town squares, welcomed us with genuine kindness, quiet pride, and an undeniable warmth. Their generosity of spirit went beyond hospitality; it felt like an invitation to experience something far more meaningful. It was humbling, in the best possible way, to witness their open hearts and unwavering connection to their culture.

There’s a deep humility and sacredness woven into the fabric of daily life in Peru, a rhythm grounded in a profound relationship with the land and ancestral traditions. It’s a way of living that feels both timeless and powerful, something you can sense in every conversation, every smile, and every ritual. That energy isn’t just inspiring, it’s contagious. Being around it made me feel more present, more grateful, and more connected not only to Peru but to something bigger than myself. The people of Peru truly are the real treasure of the country.

Final Thoughts: The Spiritual Undercurrent

I went to Peru expecting great food, beautiful sights, and family time. What I didn’t expect was the soul shift. The quiet moments staring at the Andes. The feeling of history under your feet. The realization that, in the grand scheme of things, our worries are so small — but our experiences, our connections, our presence — are everything. This trip reminded me to slow down. To see beauty in simplicity. To stay curious. And most of all, to never take for granted the sacred, fleeting, beautiful privilege of being here.

Peru, thank you for awakening a part of me I didn’t know was asleep.

Thinking of traveling to Peru? I’d love to answer your questions or share more tips — especially if you’re a fellow Type-A packer or nervous first-time international traveler. Feel free to connect!