Harmony Voyages travel advisor Emma shares her first-hand experience of a carefully planned journey through Peru’s diverse landscapes, rich culture and iconic landmarks.
Peru has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. The mystery of Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, has always fascinated me. Our trip delivered jungle adventures, ancient wonders, breathtaking scenery and vibrant cities. We began in the lush, humid Peruvian Amazon, staying in a river-view lodge that felt a world away from everyday life. Waking at 5 am might not sound appealing, but it was utterly worth it. As we floated down the Amazon River to Tambopata National Park, the sounds of wildlife waking up surrounded us. We spotted colourful macaws, parakeets, caiman and several monkey species. It was wild, humid and completely immersive.
Next stop, the Sacred Valley. We made our base in Ollantaytambo, a traditional Andean town rich with Incan history. The lively central square gave us a real taste of local culture. From there, we took the train to Aguas Calientes, a bustling hub at the foot of Machu Picchu. It was alive with markets and the energy of travellers. Then came the big moment – Machu Picchu.
Words fail me. I felt emotional, awed and entirely present in that space. Our two-and-a-half-hour visit wasn’t nearly enough. I could’ve wandered the ancient terraces for hours. As we left, our guide shared a local saying, ‘See you tomorrow, Machu Picchu,’ and
I completely understand why. We finished with a tranquil lunch at Café Inkaterra, a charming thatched-roof restaurant tucked away from the town. The setting, overlooking the river, was as memorable as the food.
Then, onto Cusco, I fell in love with the city’s blend of Incan heritage and colonial charm. We explored Coricancha, Saqsaywaman and wandered the endless cobbled streets. Our hotel had an original Incan entrance, which added a touch of living history to our stay. Next came the Titicaca train, a 10-hour luxury journey through the Andes. With silver service, live Andean music and panoramic views, it was an experience in itself. At 4,319m, La Raya Pass was the highest point I’ve ever stood on land. On Lake Titicaca, we visited the floating Uros Islands and explored Taquile Island, home to 2,000 residents living in traditional ways, where views over the lake from 4,050m were unforgettable.
Finally, we visited Lima, with its romantic Barranco district, ancient Huacas and lively historic centre, providing the ideal end to our journey. Peru will stay with me forever. It didn’t just meet my hopes, it left a mark on my heart. See you tomorrow, Machu Picchu.
