This is how it all started…

December 2018 | Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu, Peru

When most people think about visiting Machu Picchu, they picture the famous ruins sitting high in the Andes. But when I think about my trip to Peru, Machu Picchu itself isn’t actually the first thing that comes to mind.

I remember the journey.

I remember the mountains, the bicycles, the rafting, the hiking, the food, getting incredibly sick, meeting a random Ukrainian guy named Sergei, crossing a river on a terrifying homemade cable car, getting scared inside a tunnel, and—most importantly—doing all of it with two of my best friends.

This is the story of how we got to Machu Picchu.

---

Day 1 — Cusco: Do Absolutely Nothing

After arriving in Cusco, we decided that the smartest thing to do was absolutely nothing and honestly, it was probably the right decision.

Cusco sits at more than 3,400 meters above sea level, so giving ourselves a day to relax and let our bodies adjust to the altitude made sense. Even the current Lorenzo Expeditions itinerary recommends taking the first day easy for acclimatization.

We checked into our place, relaxed, and basically took the day off. We had no idea how much we were going to need that energy.

---

Day 2 — The Sacred Valley, Guinea Pig & A New Friend

Exploring the Sacred Valley

For our second day, we booked a guide through Airbnb Experiences to take us into the Sacred Valley.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. We explored the valley, saw waterfalls, drove through some incredible mountain scenery, and got our first real taste of of the Andes.

The current Lorenzo Expeditions itinerary also uses the second day to explore the Sacred Valley before beginning the journey toward Machu Picchu.

But our experience had one particularly memorable lunch.

Yes, We Ate Guinea Pig

At one point, we decided to try something very traditional in Peru.

Guinea pig.

Stu, Kris and myself all ordered our own and all three of us quickly realized that one guinea pig was probably more food than we needed. Or maybe we were all secretly a little grossed out by them. We couldn’t finish them.

The woman took the leftovers with her, and when we got on the bus, she walked up to the driver and handed him the head of one of the guinea pigs. He was absolutely thrilled. Apparently, they knew each other.

We had no idea what was going on, but it was hilarious—and somehow became one of the stories we still remember from the trip.

Then We Met Sergei

That night, we went out for a drink. That’s where we met Sergei, a Ukrainian guy who was absolutely hilarious. We started talking, and eventually he asked what we were doing the next day. We told him we were heading into the Andes with Lorenzo Expeditions.

Then he asked the question that, in retrospect, sounds like the beginning of a horror movie:

“Can I come with you?”

We barely knew this guy. But somehow, he booked the trip with Lorenzo Expeditions that night. And the next morning, Sergei became part of our adventure.

It turned out to be one of the best random decisions we ever made. He was incredible. Who by the way started a brewery in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Check him out on Instagram

---

Day 3 — Bicycles, Mountains & Whitewater Rafting

The next morning, the four of us headed into the Andes. Instead of simply taking a train toward Machu Picchu, we were about to spend the day riding bicycles down the mountains.

And it was incredible.

We followed winding mountain roads, descending through the Andes for hours. The scenery was unbelievable. The roads were windy, the mountains seemed endless, and every turn gave us another incredible view. Eventually, we reached the bottom and we weren’t finished!

We got into the river for some whitewater rafting.

It was fast, wet, chaotic, and absolutely one of the highlights of the entire trip. Afterward, exhausted from the day, we went to sleep.

And that’s when the real adventure began.

 Gear to Mention Here

If you’re doing an adventure like this, a lightweight quick-dry shirt is one thing I’d definitely pack because you can go from hiking and biking straight into a river.

Amazon product: Quick-dry adventure shirt

---

Day 4 — Hiking, Coffee in the Andes & Getting Very Sick

The next day, we started hiking.

At some point during the hike, I ate something that I probably shouldn’t have. I didn’t know it immediately. But eventually, my stomach mad its opinion very clear.

I got really sick.

We were hiking through the middle of nowhere, and there wasn’t exactly an easy way to call an Uber and head back to the hotel.

So I kept going.

Coffee in the Middle of Nowhere

One of the coolest moments that day happened when we stopped at a tiny family-run place in the mountains.

They were making coffee right there. They took the beans, ground them, and prepared the coffee for us. There was something really special about sitting there in the middle of the Andes, drinking coffee that had just been prepared by a local family.

It wasn’t a tourist attraction.

It felt like we had simply stumbled into somebody’s home and been welcomed in.

Then we continued hiking.

And Then Came the Zip Line

Somewhere along the way, we also got to go zip-lining. Even though I was starting to feel terrible, it was an incredible experience.

But eventually, I got so sick that I was throwing up while trying to continue the trek. And this is where my friends really came through. They helped me with my backpack and carried some of my stuff when I couldn’t manage it.

I wasn’t having a good time. But they weren’t going to let me quit.

So I kept walking.

---

Day 5 — The River, the Terrifying Cable Car & the Tunnel

The next day brought another completely unexpected adventure. We reached a huge river. To cross it, there was a little cable car that looked like somebody had literally built it in their backyard.

There was no way I was going to pretend that it wasn’t terrifying. We climbed in and crossed the river hanging above the water. It was one of those moments where you think:

“People actually do this?”

Apparently, yes.

The Tunnel

Then we entered a tunnel. And this wasn’t a short little tunnel. It seemed to go on forever. My friend Kris went ahead of me and at some point, he disappeared. I kept walking, and then he jumped out and scared the absolute hell out of me. I nearly had a heart attack.

It reminded me of the scene in Zoolander where Derek jumps out and scares his father. Except this wasn’t a movie. This was me, already exhausted and sick, wandering through a dark tunnel in the Andes.

Thanks, Kris.

Eventually, we made it through. We slept that night knowing that the next day was the big one.

Machu Picchu.

---

Day 6 — Finally, Machu Picchu

After days of traveling through the Andes, we finally made it to Machu Picchu. And yes, it was incredible. There’s no question about it.

Standing there and finally seeing the ancient Inca citadel surrounded by mountains is something I’ll never forget. But here’s the funny thing.

When I look back at the trip, Machu Picchu isn’t the part I remember most.

It’s everything that happened getting there: the bicycles, the rafting, the hiking, getting sick, my friends carrying my backpack, the coffee made by the family in the mountains, the zip-line, the crazy cable car, Kris hiding in the tunnel and Sergei—the random Ukrainian guy we met over drinks who somehow became part of our group the next morning.

That’s what I remember.

---

Why I Recommend the Adventure, Not Just the Destination

If you’re planning a trip to Machu Picchu, my biggest recommendation is this:

Don’t just take the train there.

The train is convenient, and there’s nothing wrong with taking it. But if you have the time and you’re physically able to do it, consider making the journey part of the adventure.

Do a multi-day trek. Ride through the mountains, camp or stay in small towns, get off the tourist path, meet people, try local food and get a little uncomfortable.

Because for me, getting to Machu Picchu was more memorable than actually being at Machu Picchu.

The destination was amazing and the journey was unforgettable.

---

New Year’s Eve in Cusco

And somehow, after everything we had just done, we made it back to Cusco on the last day of the year. We spent New Year’s Eve in Cusco before eventually heading back to the United States.

It was the perfect ending to an incredible trip. We had started with three friends. Then somehow became four. We traveled through the Andes. We got sick, we laughed, we almost gave ourselves heart attacks, we rode bicycles down mountains, we went whitewater rafting and we eventually made it to Machu Picchu.

That’s the kind of trip that stays with you. Not because everything went perfectly. But because it didn’t. And that’s exactly what made it so memorable.

---

What I’d Pack for an Adventure Like This

Hiking Backpack

A good hiking backpack is important so you don’t put too much strain on your body. Traveling all over the world has shown me that Osprey makes the most durable and comfortable backpacks.

Amazon product: Hiking Backpack

 Hiking Shoes

Good hiking shoes would be at the top of my list because you’re dealing with mountains, uneven trails, and long days on your feet.

Amazon product: Hiking shoes

 Daypack

A comfortable daypack makes a huge difference when you’re carrying water, snacks, a camera, and your personal gear all day.

Amazon product: Lightweight hiking daypack

Water Bottle / Hydration Bladder

I’d definitely bring a hydration bladder or good water bottle for long days hiking through the Andes.

Amazon product: Water Bottle

Amazon product: Hydration bladder

Rain Jacket

Mountain weather can change quickly, so a lightweight waterproof jacket is something I’d want in my backpack.

Amazon product: Lightweight rain jacket

Portable Power Bank

Between phones, cameras, and GPS, a portable power bank can save you when your battery inevitably starts dying at the worst possible moment.

Amazon product: Travel power bank

Waterproof Phone Pouch/Dry Pack

If you’re combining hiking, biking and whitewater rafting, keeping your phone dry becomes pretty important and if you want something a little bigger, a dry pack is good because it can keep your stuff dry or be used as a dirty clothes bag.

Amazon product: Waterproof phone pouch

Amazon product: Dry Pack

Headlamp with Red Light

Having a light in a dark cave or giving courtesy to others while staying in hostels or camping, this headlamp is good because it allows for red light which isn’t so bright.

Amazon product: Red light Headlamp

---