Ohh, Peru! This was no ordinary vacation—it was a milestone birthday celebration wrapped in ancient ruins, thin mountain air, and pure, unfiltered adventure. Picture it: towering peaks, kind-hearted locals, and an itinerary that made muscles cry for mercy in the best possible way.
There was mountain biking down winding roads, white-water rafting that left everyone soaked and giggling after missing the exit (oops), ziplining across gorges like overcaffeinated hummingbirds, and hiking through scenery so surreal it felt like walking through a dream. The burn in the legs, the salty taste of sweat, and those jaw-dropping panoramic views made every step worth it.
And rock climbing? Let’s just say some thrills are best left to those who enjoy clinging to cliffs while questioning every life decision that led to that moment.
Salt Mines
Peru isn’t just a visual feast—it’s a full-blown flavor expedition. Every meal offers a chance to be bold, curious, and occasionally very surprised.
Take guinea pig, for example. A local delicacy, crispy and gamey, but definitely not chicken—more of a culinary dare than a comfort food. Then there’s the unexpected hero: pig intestines. Crispy outside, tender inside, seasoned to perfection—surprisingly delicious, once the initial hesitation passes.
For a gentler start, stuffed avocado delivers big flavor in a cool, creamy package—packed with spiced veggies or citrusy shrimp, every bite a bright, fresh fiesta. Garlic rice brings it all together, fluffy and fragrant with just enough buttery warmth to steal the show.
And nothing washes it down better than fresh fruit juice—mango, papaya, maracuyá—each sip bursting with tropical sunshine. Oh, and for the brave (or slightly reckless), there was even a taste of snake whiskey—yes, with an actual snake inside. Said to represent wisdom and the underworld, it’s believed to carry healing powers… or at the very least, a great story to tell later.
Seriously, how did they do that? Machu Picchu isn’t just a bucket-list destination—it’s a full-on marvel. Standing among those ancient stones, smooth and cool underfoot, with mist weaving through the mountains and wind whispering echoes of the past... it feels like history reaching out and giving you a hug.
No cranes, no trucks, no modern machinery—just pure human ingenuity. Every stone fits with impossible precision, built to last centuries. It’s the kind of brilliance that humbles you, makes today’s buildings feel like pop-up tents by comparison. A breathtaking reminder of what vision, determination, and a whole lot of teamwork can achieve.
There’s something about being so high above sea level that shifts perspective—maybe it’s the thin air, or maybe it’s how this place gently reminds you just how alive you are. The colors feel richer, the silence more meaningful, and every moment lingers a little longer.
Here’s to birthday trips that become lifelong stories. To surprise adventures, unforgettable bites, and views that stop time.
Peru doesn’t just fill a passport—it leaves a mark on the soul. Pack light. Laugh hard. Say yes to the weird food (at least once). And let the journey change you.