One of my favorite aspects of traveling the world is seeing in through my own creative lens: the camera. As a photographer, stopping and taking pictures at every moment tends to annoy those around me, but is always worth the captured lifelong memories we call pictures. Visiting Peru this past April was a dream come true, and showing snapshots of this beautiful country is worth sharing with anyone I can. Peru is a great and safe travel destination, and maybe these photos will inspire you to book a trip as well!
Lima
This foggy city is bustling with people and history, and it’s downtown feels very truly Peruvian at heart. Seeing the San Francisco monastery and museum is a must, with lots of history in it’s core. We were there during the Holy week before Easter, which made our visit extra special.
Cusco
One of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to, mountains surround the center of Cusco. A very old and underdeveloped city, Cusco has a completely different feel and look than Lima. In Cusco we tried our most adventurous food: alpaca, which tasted surprisingly normal. A common Peruvian cuisine is guinea pig but no one in our group dared to try that.
Aguas Calientes
A city only reachable by train, Aguas Calientes sits on the base of Machu Picchu mountain and is the city where most tourists stay. Meaning “hot waters” the waterfall runs through the center of the small town, which is filled with small shops and restaurants all for those visiting Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu
Peru’s claim to fame, Machu Picchu is an amazing ancient Inca city amid mountains. Once the retreat for royals, philosophers, and astronomers from Cusco, the ruins are truly special. Not only are llamas grazing around the area, but the view of mountains and clouds from Machu Picchu is incredible. Once surprise that I found was how touristy and full of people it was, but that didn’t take away from the beauty of the area.
Overall, Peru was a country like none I had seen before. My first time in South America was all I had imagined and more. Peru is definitely a place that deserves to be on the top of everyone’s bucket list.