It’s at the top of the Andes, and a whole lot of bucket lists. Yep, I’m talking about Machu Picchu. I’d be lying if I said this mysterious site isn’t what put Peru on my travel radar. But I found out on tour that it’s only one of the many incredible things here. Did you catch them all during my #TourTakeover on Instagram? Here’s the TL;DR version.

Misty Machu Picchu

Did you know Machu Picchu was built around 1450 by an Inca Emperor? With the Urubamba River and high mountain peaks surrounding it, it’s a natural fortress. So much of this site remains a mystery and to this day, nobody knows for sure how it was constructed.

Just a little bit excited to be here. Can you tell?

Machu Picchu looks smaller from up here at the Sun Gate. (Highly recommend doing this hike if you’re up for a little extra adventure in your free time!)

Color, color everywhere

Stroll along the Malecón at the edge of Miraflores in Lima to reach this lovely little park, Parque del Amor, overlooking the Pacific. Lines from Peruvian poets are woven into the bright mosaics.

Fun fact: Lima is warm and mild all year long. While it’s often cloudy, rainfall is rare. It only rains 6-7 inches per year!

A few travelers and I spent our free time in Lima strolling through the Barranco district that’s full of stop-you-in-your-tracks street art.

A huge collection of pre-Columbian art is on display to the public inside the Larco Museum. The botanicals outside are pretty impressive, too.

Sacred Valley scenes

Pisac was one of the small towns we stopped in as we traveled through the Sacred Valley. Locals sell many handmade textiles and pieces of art here.

Ready to experience it for yourself? (I’m ready to hop on a plane and head back now…) Check out our trips to Peru—you won’t regret it.