Peru, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima - 2004

Visiting the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu felt like standing on top of the world. We stayed at the Sanctuary Lodge, just steps from the entrance, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the magic of this sacred site. A foggy, misty morning gave way to a clear, sunny afternoon, revealing the breathtaking terraces and masterful Inca stonework. After dinner, we returned for a rare and unforgettable...

While in Cusco, we visited the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dominates the Plaza de Armas. Stepping inside, we were surrounded by the cool hush of centuries-old stone and the glint of gold-covered altars. But what truly captured our attention was the art. We learned about the Cusco School of Art (Escuela Cuzqueña)—a movement born during Spanish colonial rule where Indigenous and...

We arrived in Cusco by plane, soaring from sea level in Lima to over 11,000 feet (3,400 meters) in less than an hour—a dramatic rise in elevation that many feel immediately. At check-in at the Hotel Libertador (now Palacio del Inka), we were warmly welcomed with coca tea, a traditional remedy to help acclimate to the altitude. Staff kindly advised us to take it slow, but fortunately, we felt fine and ready to...

We visited Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town nestled deep in the Sacred Valley, and were immediately enchanted by its authenticity and timelessness. The sound of water running through ancient stone channels echoed along narrow cobbled streets—part of a still-functioning Inca irrigation system that winds gracefully through the village. As we explored the remarkable archaeological site rising behind the town, we...

We visited Sacsayhuamán, just above Cusco, and were immediately struck by both its grandeur and mystery. At over 12,000 feet (3,700 meters) above sea level, the thin air made even a short walk feel like a climb—but the awe we felt eclipsed the altitude. Standing before its massive stone walls, we marveled at the size of the individual boulders—some weighing over 100 tons—and how perfectly they fit together...

On our way to and from Cusco and the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu, we spent time exploring Lima — a city of striking contrasts and coastal charm. Our hotel was set along a broad, tree-lined boulevard near Miraflores, where elegant old homes and modern boutiques share space beneath a canopy of green. It felt calm, walkable, and distinctly different from the highland cities we’d soon visit. One of our first...