Oculto

Ever since I first started learning Spanish in middle school, Peru has always been my #1 top dream destination. Everything about it has always intrigued me… my fascination for Machu Picchu & the Incan Empire, ceviche originating from here (one of my favorite foods), the fact that I really love alpacas, & just so much more. Needless to say, it was truly a dream come true finally being able to step foot in this magical country.

During our one week stay, we first arrived in Lima for a night, & then went on a domestic flight to Cusco from there. Some fun & random facts that I learned along the way are that:

• Cusco actually has a higher elevation than Aguas Caliente (where Machu Picchu is located) & thus, altitude sickness is a common issue amongst travelers upon first arrival.

• Ollantaytambo is such a charming & small town on the way to Machu Picchu & is the last remaining Incan living community today. It’s also absolutely worth staying in for a day or two, especially if you want to gradually acclimate to the high elevation since it’s lower than Cusco!

• The Incan Empire was so incredibly impressive with their advanced agricultural terracing skills. I am still beyond baffled at how they created everything by hand.. so cool.

• Apparently, UFO’s have been widely seen around the Sacred Valley. For instance, locals think that aliens use the Moray archaeological site as a place to park their space vehicles. I believe it!

• Peruvians love to eat guinea pig. Although skeptical at first, confirming guinea pigs actually taste good (sorry lil guys)

• Last, but certainly not least, Oculto in Cusco is an incredible restaurant. Check out some of the photos below :)

“We are rich because we have everything we need here”, are words I will never forget from one of our tour guides. Without a doubt, the Sacred Valley is one of the most life changing places I’ve ever been to, & to me, it embodies the epitome of true wealth. I loved Peru so much & will never, ever forget it.