Gotta catch ’em all… I didn’t nab Pikachu, but finally made it to my 7th World Wonder: Machu Picchu!

Read on for details of my journey — including serving Y2K looks at the circuit board citadel of the Inca.

I went to Peru for the first time with my friend Albert Ting of The Click Ting and @pootie_ting Instagram, who took these vibrant photos. We were surprised by how much we loved Cuzco, which is the closest major city to Machu Picchu. Such a chill place to hang with alpacas and llamas…

… and the food and architecture in Cuzco are immaculate.

Wearing Y2K cargo camo pants and a 2000s style cardigan by Kate Hewko. Sneakers are Vessi, and the grey cropped sweater is authentic from the Y2K era (borrowed from a friend).

In this post, I’ll take you to Machu Picchu and the best attractions / photography spots in Cuzco, Peru  — like these ancient Incan ruins, where you can take selfies with alpacas! (Check out my reel of my adventures with these cute camelids.)

First, some logistics info. Most people travel to Cuzco before going to Machu Picchu, as it’s the closest major city (and a lovely, authentic place to stay unlike Aguas Calientes, the tourist town at the foot of the ruins). We flew on Avianca from Mexico City to Bogota to Cuzco, and spent two days acclimatising to the high altitude (Cuzco is further up than M Picchu, at 3,399 meters).

The long-standing local remedy for altitude sickness is chewing or brewing fresh coca leaves. I didn’t feel any ill effects, but some people feel headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath from being at such a high elevation.

There are many ways to access Machu Picchu — some hike it up, and spend several days camping on the trail. But if you’re an “indoor type” like me, I highly recommend booking a day trip from Cuzco with Action Peru Treks. This sustainable, Indigenous-founded and run local company specializes in guided tours to the historic Incan sanctuary — they take care of all the logistics, so all you have to do is take in the epic views of the Andes!

Action Peru Treks arranges an early morning private car pickup from your hotel or AirBnb, and takes care of all tickets and guiding. We landed in Ollantaytambo and boarded the Vistadome train to the archeological site. It was a ride to remember: you get to see the sunrise and mountains through the glass ceiling, and the train’s rocking motion puts you straight to sleep! Then, on the ride back, guests experience a Peruvian culture and fashion show.

Action Peru Treks made our journey to the mysterious 15th century Incan ruins a joy. As someone who is severely allergic to bug bites, doing a luxurious day trip with them was the way to go.

Please watch my Machu Picchu video here to see our experience with this wonderful Indigenous-owned tour company.

Machu Picchu has long fascinated me, and it was a dream to be here at last. The 15th-century Inca citadel sits at 2,430 meters, hidden in the high slopes of the Andes.

Photos by Albert Ting of The Click Ting and @pootie_ting Instagram — so happy he accompanied me on this Peru trip!

Our guide taught us about the Inca civilization, which had no written language and remains full of mystery. Archaeologists theorize that Machu Picchu was constructed as a retreat for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, and that it was abandoned in the 16th century when the Spanish arrived.

These maze-like stone walls were put together without any mortar. Somehow, the Inca were able to move and cut the stones so precisely that you can’t fit a credit card between the wedges.

Clothing note: the weather is variable, so bring a jacket and wear layers (it is cold early on, and then can heat up). There are also mosquitoes and other biting insects, so bring hardcore DEET spray and don’t expose any of your skin!

The ancients probably referred to this site as Huayna Picchu, and used it as a mountain retreat. In 1911, American explorer Hiram Bingham visited the ruins and brought Machu Picchu into the spotlight. Today, it’s such a popular site that you must reserve tickets (with your preferred ‘circuit’) well in advance. Travelers must stick to only their designated area, and for a limited time slot, in order to keep these ruins well preserved.

Some people visit the UNESCO heritage site over the course of two or more days, especially at sunrise. I was happy to be here just from morning to afternoon, and I’m glad we didn’t stay in Aguas Calientes (the tourist town nearby — instead, make Cusco your home base).

If you’re looking to ascend to Machu Picchu, team up with Action Peru Treks  like we did for a seamless, stress-free day trip. Please watch my Machu Picchu reel on Insta @lacarmina for our experience at the Inca citadel.

As you’ll see from these photos — there’s a reason we fell in love with Cuzco, Peru. Everyone we met was laid-back and friendly, and we always felt safe walking around the small, hilly city.

Here is our happy place, Mercado San Blas. Located near our AirBnb, this market was full of healthy, inexpensive Peruvian food and crafts.

Every day, we got freshly squeezed juices from this lovely lady — the green Detox one was my fav. Loved trying South American fruits and foods like the ceviche of the day… and each plate was only a few US dollars!

Everywhere you go, you’ll see rainbow flags and decor. Although it looks like the LGBTQ+ pride symbol, this is the official flag of Cuzco, introduced in 1973.

San Blas market had a mix of locals and travelers, as well as friendly dogs. On the left: the fish soup and fish with rice cost only $2! (Get Peruvian sol in advance, as these spots only take cash.)

As you can see, Cuzco has a bright energy, with fresh cool air and mountains in the background. Wear good shoes and take your time on the hills, as the high elevation can make you short of breath.

Such inspiring visuals everywhere, from the landscapes to the traditional Peruvian hats and garments.

How cute are the soft baby alpacas! For a fee, you can take photos and pet them (most are situated in the main downtown streets of Cuzco). Watch my alpacas video to see these cuties in action.

And don’t even get me started on the restaurants… Everything we ate in Cuzco was next-level. I’m still thinking about the creative fine dining at Cicciolina Restaurant, which mixes Peruvian and Italian influences with an emphasis on shared tapas.

Japanese immigrants to Peru influenced the cuisine here, particularly raw and marinated fish dishes. At Cicciolina, try ceviche and tiraditos (sashimi-style with sauce), and the unusual but beautifully prepared starters made from guinea pig and alpaca (two local specialties).

Take at least two days in Cuzco to get situated and stroll around. Everything is easily accessible by foot, and the food and Airbnbs are inexpensive, making this the perfect home base.

Photos by Albert Ting of The Click Ting and @pootie_ting Instagram.

I’d come back just to try more Peruvian restaurants… like the fresh fare at Local Restaurante. (Tip: go to the upstairs balcony for views over the rooftops).

Coffee-lovers must stop by Three Monkeys Cafe. I ordered a latte and requested a llama on it — so the barista drew one out of the foam! I also took home regional beans from Three Monkeys.

Pisco sours (cocktail made from pisco, lime juice, egg white and Angostura bitters) are also a local must-try. I adored the award-winning craft pisco sours at luxury hotel Palacio del Inka. Look at the walls of their basement bar, and you’ll see ruins from the days of the Inca.

I didn’t visit Lima this time, but I hear the food scene there is also to die for. (Cuzco is a more chill destination, which I was going for).

If you’re fascinated by ancient civilizations like I am, be sure to visit the other Incan ruins within walking distance of Cusco. The most impressive of these sites is Sacsayhuamán or Saqsaywaman, an Inca citadel north of the city (you can walk there, just be prepared for many stairs).

You can purchase a ticket at the site, which lets you into several Cusco culture attractions on the same day. Can’t beat this welcome brigade of free-roaming alpacas!

This pack of alpacas had the run of Sacsayhuamán. Watch my Cusco video to see them rolling around in the dust! (It keeps their fur clean.)

Y2K Matrix vibes in front of the horizontal stone slabs of Sacsayhuamán. In the 15th century, these gigantic boulders were ingeniously cut and fit together without mortar.

The people of the Peruvian Andes have historically bred and raised alpacas, llamas, and vicunas.

Their soft, warm fur makes the perfect cold weather garments. I bought some alpaca sweaters — I’m trying to mostly wear natural and microplastics free materials — from local clothing boutiques.

Sacsayhuaman is a UNESCO World Heritage site and lesser known to the general public — but it’s as much worth the visit as Machu Picchu. (Plus, it’s closer and you can just show up to explore freely).

I dreamed of seeing Egypt’s Pyramids, Easter Island’s moai, and Peru’s Incan ruins… and now I have!

This Alpaca was game for posing for photos with me. Bring sunglasses, as the sun can be harsh here.

There’s still a great deal of mystery about these megalithic walls and the Inca who made them.

Wearing Y2k silver wraparound sunglasses for a Matrix moment.

Ah, the warmth and colors of Cuzco… I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it here. (Don’t miss my reel about the alpacas I met.)

So keen to come back to Peru to experience more of the food and culture.

And that’s how I made it to my final World Wonder! Watch the Machu Picchu video for footage of our explorations.

I’ve been to all of the seven modern World Wonders now: Great Wall of China, Mexico’s Chichén Itzá, Jordan’s Petra, Rio’s Christ the Redeemer, Rome’s Colosseum, India’s Taj Mahal. Some add an honorary eighth, which is the only ancient wonder still standing: Giza’s pyramids.

I’ve been to over 70 countries, but still, I get surprised and amazed by destinations like this one. Are you interested in visiting Peru, and the Incan lost city of Machu Picchu?