June 2025

My Peru Trip: Wild Landscapes, Warm People, and a Few Surprises

By Jennifer Baccanello

Peru had been on my radar for a while, but nothing really prepared me for how deeply it would get under my skin. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a lot of places around the world, but there’s something about Peru—the energy, the history, the people—that felt completely different.

I’m writing this post not just to share highlights, but to reflect on what made this trip so meaningful to me.

First Impressions: Landing in Lima

I started in Lima, the capital, and honestly didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. The food scene alone is worth the trip. I had ceviche so fresh it made everything I’ve eaten before seem kind of… sad. The neighborhoods of Barranco and Miraflores had a chill, artsy vibe that made wandering feel effortless.

Into the Mountains: Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Flying into Cusco is wild—you literally land in the middle of the mountains. The altitude hit me immediately, but after a slow first day and way too much coca tea, I was okay.

Cusco itself is beautiful, but it was the Sacred Valley that really stole my heart. I spent time in Pisac and Ollantaytambo, both small towns surrounded by these insane peaks and ancient terraces. I also visited a women’s weaving collective in Chinchero—one of those travel moments that sticks with you long after you’re home.

Machu Picchu: Worth the Hype?

Yes. A thousand times yes. I know it’s one of the most visited places on the planet, but there’s a reason for that. I didn’t do the full Inca Trail hike (saving that for another time), but even coming up from Aguas Calientes, it was still an unforgettable experience. Watching the clouds part to reveal the ruins in the early morning light—it was a real moment.

Unexpected Moments

One of the things I’ve learned while traveling is that the best parts are usually the ones you don’t plan. For me, it was a conversation with a local woman on a colectivo ride through the mountains, sharing snacks and broken Spanish. Or sitting by Lake Titicaca at sunset, completely alone, wrapped in a borrowed blanket because I underestimated how cold it would get.

Quick Tips if You’re Going

Take the altitude seriously. It’s no joke.
Try everything—especially the food. Guinea pig (yes, I did it), chicha morada, and alpaca steaks were all part of the adventure.
Respect the culture. Don’t just photograph it—learn from it. Ask questions. Listen.

Final Thoughts from the Road

(Or in this case, back home)

This trip reminded me why I keep traveling. Peru challenged me, surprised me, and filled me up in ways I didn’t expect. It’s not just the landscapes or the ruins—it’s the connection to something deeper.

So if you’re thinking about going: go.

– Jennifer Baccanello

P.S.

If you found this because you searched my name—hi, I’m Jennifer Baccanello, a global traveler and cultural explorer. I share stories from the road, not to show off where I’ve been, but to invite people into the experience. If you’re curious about my other trips or have questions about Peru, feel free to reach out or follow along.