We wanted to go on the trip of a lifetime for Chloe’s high school graduation. Peru was the most impactful, beautiful, and adventurous trip we have ever been on.

We started in Lima, where we embarked on a gastronomical tour, visited pyramids, and enjoyed the scenic coast. We learned to make ceviche and pisco sours, which would become the cornerstone for everything we ate for the rest of the trip. Our private guide was flexible and responsive to what we wanted to see and do.

After a plane ride to Cusco, and lots of helpful tips from our guides on how to navigate foreign airports, we traveled to the village of Misminay. This was easily the most impactful part of our trip. The beauty of the Andes was profound, and this was the first time either of us had experienced anything like it. The people in Misminay shared their culture, their rituals, their food, their homes, and their hearts with us.

Next, we traveled to Machu Picchu. The groundwork for our experience was laid on the incredible train ride there, but nothing could prepare us for the splendor of Machu Picchu. We had an extensive tour with a private guide filled with many pictures to ensure we never forgot the beauty of the site.

Our final day was in Cusco. We spent the day touring Incan ruins and experiencing the culture of the city.

We honestly left a piece of our heart in Peru. We cannot thank Pura Vida travel enough. It truly was the experience of a lifetime.

Holly and Chloe, Lexington, Kentucky