Peru is a land of rich culture and captivating wonders, inviting curious travelers on an unforgettable journey. Explore smarTraveler Erin’s first-hand experiences on our 5-city guided tour, from Lima’s bustling streets to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Join her as she shares the magic of this remarkable trip and find out why Peru deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. Whether you’re seeking spiritual moments at ancient sites or delighting in culinary adventures, this destination caters to every explorer. Let Erin’s adventures inspire your visit to Enchanting Peru!
What inspired you to travel to Peru?
“I have always been intrigued by the Inca trail and wanted to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu. I was excited to experience the amazing culture and food.”
What was your favorite tour experience?
“It is hard to top Machu Picchu as it’s a must-see and our time spent there was incredible. We took about 3 hours to explore the grounds and our Tour Director Enrique provided so much information about the Incas and the discovery of the site. It was beautiful, spiritual, and awe-inspiring. We took a moment of silence while we were there and you could feel the energy all around you. The train ride to and from Machu Picchu was absolutely beautiful, this in itself was an experience.
However, I think my favorite day of the tour was the day on Lake Titicaca. Our visit to the Uros, the Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca was such a truly unique experience. Learning how the islands were built and getting a first-hand view of the way of life was remarkable. We then took a boat ride to Taquile to learn about the local culture. We had a lunch prepared by the locals of fish that were caught that morning from the lake- delicious! After lunch, we were treated to traditional music and dancing with the local people which was so fun. We were back to the hotel in time to see the sunset over Lake Titicaca, this was a must-do experience in my opinion. We grabbed a Pisco Sour and went to the outlook point at the hotel and watched the sunset next to the fire, the perfect ending to an incredible day and an incredible trip.”
How were the Tour Director and local guides on your trip?
“Our tour director, Enrique was amazing. He was so passionate and knowledgeable about Peru. He was really great with the group and was quick to jump in and assist when needed. Our local guides Celestino and Chara were absolutely fantastic and provided such great insight into the local culture.”
Did you try any unique or local foods while you were there?
“Peru is home to some of the top restaurants in the world and the food did not disappoint. The ceviche is amazing and a must-try! I loved the Lomo Saltado, it was delicious. Don’t be shy about tasting the chocolate whenever you get a chance…tip: it helps with the altitude!”
If you could give other smarTravelers any advice about traveling to Peru, what would it be?
“Pack layers! The temperature varies quite a bit throughout the day. Make sure to stay hydrated and acclimate to the altitude. Take your guide’s advice on what to do if you are affected by the altitude.
The hotels in the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca are incredibly beautiful. Be sure to take a minute to walk around and explore both properties.
smarTours packs a lot into this tour so pack your walking shoes and get ready to explore. Take a walk through the parks in Miraflores, soak up the rich history in the Sacred Valley, pet the alpacas, and catch the sunrise and sunset on Lake Titicaca you won’t be disappointed.”
What was your favorite part of traveling with a group?
“My favorite part about traveling with a group was meeting so many new people and sharing this incredible experience with them. It was great to have a coffee and chat about everyone’s past travels and favorite places they had been. It was also a lot of fun to see the different experiences through other people’s eyes. We had a great group and we all had a lot of fun!”
“Peru is a must-visit for everyone, The Enchanting Peru tour was the trip of a lifetime.”