I have loved Peru since my first visit in 2013.
Coming to Peru and only seeing Machu Picchu is like going to France and only seeing the Eiffel Tower.
Yes, Machu Picchu is amazing but it’s not the only amazing thing in Peru. These blogs will help you plan a trip to Peru that includes beautiful places, delicious cuisine, fascinating cultural celebrations and time to experience how warm and friendly Peruvians are. I’m so excited to share my blogs and insider tips with anyone who’s interested in this fabulous country! Want to be notified of new blogs? Subscribe to my newsletter!
You’ll find all the travel tips you need to visit Peru in these blogs and in my travel app.
Ensifera Hummingbird Garden
The Ensifera Ensifera Hummingbird Garden is the best place in the Sacred Valley to see hummingbirds.
Treehouse Lodge
My first time staying in a treehouse was so much fun! I especially loved all the wildlife I saw in the surrounding Amazon Rainforest. Treehouse Lodge is near Iquitos, Peru.
Amazon River Cruises
Delfín Amazon Cruises was my first ever cruise and I loved it. The boat was beautiful, my room was luxurious, the food was delicious and the Peruvian Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve was amazing.
Monkey Island
La Isla de Los Monos is the best place to see monkeys up close and personal when you're in Iquitos. This is a legitimate rescue shelter that rehabilitates monkeys rescued from the pet trade for release.
Tours in Lima
My two tours in Lima, Peru were of the city center and a bike ride along the coast to the south end of the city.
Chan Chan & Huaca de la Luna
The massive Chimú adobe city of Chan Chan is more famous and larger than the Moche temple Huaca de la Luna but I think the huaca is more impressive. Read the blog to find out why!
Surfing Huanchaco
Huanchaco is one of Peru’s best surf destinations. Waves are consistent year-round and there are beaches for beginners as well as expert surfers. The town has a dozen surf schools and is a great place to learn.
Trujillo Top 5
My top 5 for Trujillo and Huanchaco on Peru’s northern coast. Here’s where to go and what to do in the city and on the beach!
Larco Museum, Lima
The Larco Museum is one of the best museums in Lima. If you only have time for one museum, put this at the top of your list.
Iquitos Amazon Rainforest
My top tips for food and activities in Iquitos! The city is an island in the Amazon Rainforest, only accessible by plane and boat. Untethered to the rest of the country, it felt more like I was in Malaysia than Peru.
Chinchero Weavers
Chinchero is a village that’s been famous for fine textiles for hundreds of years. Today weavers are holding tight to a tradition that’s threatened with modernity and a new airport in their backyard.
Mirador Pico de Hoz
How can you support reforestation in the Amazon? Visit nature preserves like Mirador Pico de Hoz where Yonatan Puma has reforested his family’s farm.
Manu BioLodge
My week in a cabin at the Manu BioLodge was deluxe! Every day I went hiking & bird watching. I also met many of the scientists whose research is supported by funding from people who stay at the lodge.
Paucartambo
Paucartambo’s festival for the Virgin of Carmen is a 4 day extravaganza of dance, music, fireworks and theater. If you’re in Peru in July, plan to visit Paucartambo at least one day between July 15-18.
Puno & Lake Titicaca
My first experience acting in a commercial was on PeruRail from Cusco to Puno, Peru. I got to work with talented people, ride a luxurious train and see Puno & the Uros floating islands for the first time!
Inti Raymi 2023
Inti Raymi is an all-day musical extravaganza that takes place every year in Cusco on June 24. It’s a theater production in Quechua with hundreds of actors of singing and dancing.
Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge
Remaking the Q’eswachaka bridge with grass every year is a tradition that goes back hundreds of years. Here’s my travel tips for how to get there and when to go!
Hiking Machu Picchu’s New Huchuy Picchu
It’s not every year that Machu Picchu has something new to offer. Huchuy Picchu is a much easier hike than Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and still offers great views.
The Vicuña: Peru’s National Animal
Why was the vicuña so important for ancient Inca culture and why is it still so important for modern Quechua people today? Plus, conservations efforts and threats the vicuña still faces.
New 2023 Machu Picchu Info
Machu Picchu reopened February 15, 2023 and there are a lot of new regulations you need to know about for the main part of the ruins and all the extra hikes like Huayna Picchu.