For some reason, I never thought of Peru as a hiking destination until I visited the Sacred Valley. That’s when I realized—it isn’t just a hiking destination; it might be one of the best in the world. Route after route of sweeping mountains. Tiny towns steeped in tradition, where women weave colorful shawls the way they have for centuries.

The ruins are awe-inspiring. Not just Machu Picchu, the remnants of the mighty Incas dot the landscape. There’s such a rich culture here, too. It feels like a microcosm of Peru. It really struck me as a very special place, and I loved it—once I’d got used to the altitude, that is.

What was the highlight of your trip?

Beyond its peaceful mountains, Peru has plenty of surprises. Lima’s dining scene is world-class, with two restaurants in the top ten of the prestigious World’s Best Restaurants list (Central at number one, a fine dining experience rooted in Peruvian ingredients, and Maido, highlighting Japanese techniques with local ingredients at number six). Arequipa, all white sandstone and pretty plazas, might be the cutest old town in South America. Luxury trains whisk you to Machu Picchu and back. Learn more about my epic Peru itinerary and what I got up to day-to-day on the blog.

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What to know before hiking Machu Picchu

One of the greatest cultural adventures on the planet, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu combines spectacular scenery with ancient history. From permits and altitude, to route planning, here’s what you need to know before you go.

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