Peru’s Crown Jewel: Experiencing Machu Picchu

Peru had been on our travel wish list for a long time, and visiting Machu Picchu quickly became the highlight of the entire journey. Set high in the Andes Mountains, this iconic site feels both grand and intimate at the same time, surrounded by dramatic peaks and layers of history that make you pause and take it all in.

We traveled to Machu Picchu with Exoticca, which made the logistics surprisingly smooth. One thing we really appreciated was the ability to customize parts of the trip. You can book additional excursions or upgrade features that are already included in the tour. If you’re considering upgrades, we highly

recommend the panoramic train. The large windows turn the ride into part of the experience, offering incredible views of rivers, mountains, and lush greenery as you make your way toward Machu Picchu.

A small thing to keep in mind: depending on your schedule, the return trip may be after sunset, so you might miss some of the scenery on the way back. That said, this didn’t take away from the experience for us at all. Arriving at Machu Picchu during daylight was what truly mattered. Seeing the ruins emerge against the mountains for the first time was unforgettable and absolutely lived up to the hype.

Overall, Machu Picchu is more than worth the journey. Photos don’t do it justice, and no amount of reading prepares you for what it feels like to stand there in person. The scale, the setting, and the sense of history make it one of those places that stays with you long after the trip is over. If Peru is on your travel list, Machu Picchu is an experience you won’t want to miss.