Why I’m Heading to Peru: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu
A Journey of Food, Culture, Altitude, and Intention
If you know me, you know I don't just travel for scenery or checklists — I travel for connection, culture, and the kind of inspiration you can't Google. I curate experiences that leave an impression, not just on the photo roll, but on your memory. And Peru? It’s been on my radar for a long time.
This May, I’m finally making it happen — a deeply intentional journey across Lima, Cusco, and the iconic wonder that is Machu Picchu. I’m flying into Peru with LATAM Airlines (first time), touching down in Lima before heading into the Sacred Valley. I’ve handpicked where I’m staying, where I’m dining, and the energy I want to absorb — because this isn’t just a trip. It’s a reset.
Let me take you inside why Peru is next on my list.
Let’s begin with the air. I’m flying LATAM Airlines for the first time — JFK to Lima, and later Lima to Cusco and back. I’ve heard great things about LATAM’s service and how it sets the tone for a refined South American journey. The goal? Smooth, seamless travel, so I land ready to explore.
This isn't one of those quick weekend hops. It's a full immersion — and that begins in the clouds, en route to a culture unlike any other.
Lima is a culinary mecca, full stop. This city has carved out a global reputation as one of the world’s great food capitals. When the World’s 50 Best Restaurants named Central the #1 restaurant in the world, the spotlight got even brighter. But beyond the headlines, Lima is layered with depth: neighborhoods like Barranco and Miraflores, coastal energy, historic charm, and an obsession with ingredients that matter.
I’ll be staying at two distinct properties to experience different sides of the city:
This boutique hotel is modern, minimal, and deeply rooted in its artsy neighborhood. Think morning walks to art galleries, intimate coffee shops, and a real sense of place.
For the ocean views, high-end amenities, and perfect service. This is where I’ll relax, recharge, and indulge in world-class hospitality between culinary stops.
While in Lima, I’m planning meals at a few of the most celebrated spots — but I’m also leaving room for the unexpected. That’s the key. A meal in a tucked-away cevichería, a rooftop bar recommendation from a local bartender, or a late-night anticucho plate from a street vendor with a crowd around it. The real Lima reveals itself between the reservations.
Beyond Central, I’ll be diving into Peru’s Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion), Amazonian ingredients, and the creative reinvention of traditional dishes. From high-end omakase to hidden pisco bars, this city doesn’t just feed you — it tells you a story with every plate.
And yes, expect full reports. I’m treating this as both exploration and research. Peru’s culinary culture is going to reshape how I think about flavor, balance, and storytelling through food.
From Lima, I’ll fly into Cusco — a city that sits at over 11,000 feet above sea level and feels like you’ve stepped into a living museum. But don’t let the altitude fool you. Cusco is alive. Colorful markets, cobblestone streets, Andean traditions, and a magnetic energy that you just feel in your bones.
This is a property I’ve had my eye on for years. Built into a 500-year-old mansion, Palacio del Inka is luxury infused with Incan heritage. Walls that tell stories. Courtyards that hold silence. Service that’s seamless. It’s not just about where I sleep — it’s about staying somewhere that anchors you to the place.
From this base, I’ll explore the city’s museums, sip coca tea in hidden courtyards, browse handwoven alpaca textiles, and adjust to the altitude — slowly and deliberately.
Because after Cusco comes the crown jewel.
Let’s be honest: Machu Picchu doesn’t need much of an introduction. It’s one of the most iconic destinations on Earth. But while millions have visited, very few experience it intentionally. I plan to do just that.
I’m taking the scenic route — literally — with a train ride through the Sacred Valley, passing small villages, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes that feel unreal. I want to absorb every detail on the way in. The buildup matters. The approach is part of the magic.
When I arrive, I’m not just going for the photo. I’m going for the feeling — to stand in a place built centuries ago with purpose, alignment, and spiritual meaning. I want to breathe in the air and feel the enormity of what was created there — without machinery, without shortcuts, with only vision and will.
Machu Picchu isn’t just about what you see. It’s about what you sense.
Because I believe in intentional travel — and I’ve been craving something grounded. Something real. After spending the last few years immersed in luxury cars, fine dining, Grand Prix weekends, and curated experiences around the world, I wanted a journey that connects earth with elevation, flavor with soul, and heritage with personal growth.
Peru is that.
It’s a country of contrasts:
Urban and ancient.
Refined and raw.
Coastal and mountainous.
Mystical and modern.
And it’s been whispering to me for a while now.
This trip isn’t about escape — it’s about returning to curiosity.
It’s about recalibrating creativity, finding new sensory inspiration, and experiencing a place that’s built on layers. I’m going to connect with chefs, explore sacred spaces, take in panoramic views, and travel inward, even as I travel outward.
As always, I’ll be doing it with intention — and a little style.
I’ll be documenting the journey as I go — expect highlights from hotel stays, restaurant deep dives, cultural moments, and maybe a few unfiltered thoughts about what it feels like to slow down in places that make you feel alive.
There will be:
I’ve traveled a lot. But this one’s different.
This isn’t about luxury for the sake of luxury — it’s about choosing depth over excess, meaning over motion. Peru has something most destinations don’t: soul. And I’m going there to feel it fully.
I’m not going to check it off a list. I’m going to let it change me.
Follow along.
