Here is why you shouldn’t hike the Inca Trail. After 5 years in Cusco talking with guides, porters and tourism workers, I have enough information to show exactly why you shouldn’t do this trek - and what to do instead when you come to Peru.

The 8-day itinerary I designed for my friend Liz’s visit to Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Waqra Pukará is one of the most spectacular Inca ruins in Peru and one of my top recommendations for alternatives to Machu Picchu. This blog contains all the travel tips you need to plan your trip to Waqra Pukará, with or without a travel agency.

My first experience rock climbing in the Sacred Valley near Cusco was with climbing guide Jaseh Munelo.

Peruvians fish and surf on the caballito de totora. In this blog I explain exactly what that is and how it’s made.

Here is everything you need to know about Lima’s airport. Travel tips for arriving in Peru, layovers and connections to domestic or international flights. Plus, where to shop if your luggage is lost or delayed.

Here's everything you need to know about what to do in Ollantaytambo. Plus, practical tips and my recommendations for where to stay, eat and shop.

My top travel tips for Cusco, Peru based on five years of living here and advising tourists in this beautiful city.

The Tipón archeological site is a tiny city centered around an extensive Water Temple with dozens of fountains still in perfect condition.

The Saqras are one of the most important and historic dances in Paucartambo’s 4-day festival for the Virgin of Carmen.

The Qorikancha is the most important Inca temple in Cusco and the best place to see how the Spanish built churches on top of temples.

Here’s your 7-day itinerary for Cusco & the Sacred Valley - without Machu Picchu. You’ll get more than enough Inca history & architecture, plus lots of wildlife, shopping and fantastic food!

The Pisac Inca ruins guard the eastern end of the Sacred Valley. You'll see terraces, fountains, classic Inca construction, a cliff of tombs and an intihuatana surrounded by temples. You need at least two hours to see everything!

Ollantaytambo is the gateway to Machu Picchu and one of the most fascinating Inca sites in Peru. Here’s everything you need to know to visit Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.

Corpus Christi in Cusco, Peru is a fascinating blend of Catholic and Andean traditions. This blog has everything you need to know about each day of the celebration and where to watch the processions.

Inti Punku is the hardest hike I’ve done in the Sacred Valley but also the most rewarding. Here’s everything you need to know about this spectacular hike.

Pinkuylluna is the best free hike in Ollantaytambo and one of my favorite hikes in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru.

After more than a dozen trips to the Amazon, here’s what I’ve learned about deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon and how we can fight it.

Green House Tambopata, near Puerto Maldonado, is one of the few jungle lodges accessible by both river and road. It has comfortable rooms, great food and a variety of fantastic jungle tours and activities.

The Tambopata Research Center is the most amazing place to see the rainforest. At the lodge you’re surrounded by wildlife, monkeys, macaws and so much more. I loved every minute!