Hola and welcome back to our thrilling adventure! We’re on a quest to conquer our bucket lists, currently in pursuit of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World – and let me tell you, it’s shaping up to be an incredible journey!

Our original plan to explore Peru got a detour to Rio de Janeiro last December due to political unrest, but fear not – we’ve rescheduled and are now soaking in the sights and sounds of Peru. The 8.5-hour flight from LAX was surprisingly smooth, and I managed to achieve the seemingly impossible: fitting everything into a carry-on (a personal triumph for this self-proclaimed serial over-packer 😜).

Our arrival in Lima was made extra special with a private driver, a delightful touch courtesy of Gate 1. (Although, we were the latest arrivals – so maybe not so special?!)

The following morning, we embarked on our journey to Cusco, and despite a slightly nerve-wracking landing caused by the city’s high altitude, (over 11,000 feet!) we touched down without a hitch.

This tour is far from a leisurely vacation – we were well aware of that from the start. We got to meet the rest of the group on the bus on the way to the airport. The flight to Cusco was quick, and our bus journey to the Sacred Valley (the gateway to Machu Picchu) was a culinary adventure filled with traditional Peruvian dishes, skillfully presented by our Tour Manager and his assistant.

Beyond the typical tourist experience, Gate 1 actively supports local communities, and we witnessed this firsthand at a one-room elementary school. The children were not only endearing but also a testament to the positive impact of Gate 1’s initiatives.

In addition to these cultural delights, we explored a textile museum that showcased the incredible artistry of alpaca fur and various materials. And let’s not forget our fluffy companions – the alpacas! We had the pleasure of meeting these charming creatures, including an adorable baby alpaca that stole my heart.

Our journey through Peru also introduced us to the delightful surprise of corgi-like pups in one village. It seems a corgi must have left its mark here, given the stumpy pups that melted our hearts.

After a day filled with cultural immersion and adorable encounters, we checked into our hotel in the Sacred Valley, refreshed ourselves, and headed to dinner.

Exhausted but content, we all turned in around 8:30 PM, eagerly anticipating the new adventures that awaited us. Stay tuned for more tales from our Peruvian escapade! 🌎✈️

Accommodations: Urubamba City Hotel

Up Next:

• Machu Picchu – our sixth Modern Wonder of the World