Memories in Cusco:
a family adventure.

From here, we set off for Lamay, a charming village off the beaten path. Accompanied by the local priest, we step into the Saint James the Apostle church, built in the 17th century. We explore with him the choir stall, the tower, and the belfry, where the bells are still rung differently, according to the occasion being celebrated. For my mother, this place evoked childhood memories and she lovingly shared some touching stories.

The moment most anticipated by the girls has arrived: a visit to a guinea pig farm. We saw hundreds of them and, although they are considered a culinary delicacy in all Andean communities, for us it is a chance to look at them, hug them and feed them. We then visit a traditional chichería, where we learn from our hostess, Martha, how this ancient corn beer is made.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the Inkariy Museum, owned by the talented sculptors of the Mérida family. This museum stands out for its life-size recreations of scenes inspired by the most important ancient Peruvian societies. As we strolled through the museum, I explain to the girls how this family was chosen to build part of the scenery for the movie “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”, filmed in Cusco and released earlier this year. They are fascinated by this detail, which adds another touch of magic to our exploration.

As the last stop for the day, we visit Ensifera Camp, the hummingbird sanctuary. Here, depending on the season, it is possible to see up to fourteen different species, including the giant Andean hummingbird. My mother and sister are amazed to learn that Peru is a very important destination for birdwatching; one more reason to feel proud of our wonderful country.

After a good night’s rest, the morning welcomes us with radiant sunshine and a clear sky, and we are ready to explore the unmissable treasures of the Sacred Valley.

We start with the Maras saltpans, where the age-old tradition of salt extraction has persevered from Inca times to the present day. Nearby, we discover the enigmatic terraces of Moray, which are believed to have been used by the Incas as a great outdoor agricultural laboratory. Observing how ancient Peruvians created such ingenious solutions for their survival, in harmony with their environment, is an inspiration.

From here, our next destination is Ollantaytambo, and along the way we make a brief stop at Pachar. Well worth visiting, this village is adorned with vibrant murals that narrate the rich history and traditions of the region. Thanks to the Arcoíris Project—a joint initiative by Qroma and Turismo Cuida, an association of which COLTUR is a founding member—invaluable information has been recovered and preserved in these murals.

Due to its strategic location, the Ollantaytambo fortress was crucial to the religious, agricultural, and military activities of the Incas. A fierce battle was fought across its impressive terraces and stone walls during the Spanish conquest. While my mom and sister explore the lower walls, the girls and I climb to the top to enjoy the spectacular view of the valley.

We return to our hotel filled with excitement: tomorrow we will visit Machu Picchu.

Our experience begins with a wonderful train ride. The train takes us between snowcapped mountains, and the cold disappears as we enter a lush cloud forest filled with ferns, bromeliads, and orchids. My mother is passionate about orchids, and along the way, she recognizes many different varieties, colors, and sizes.

In the small town of Machu Picchu, we board the bus that will take us to the citadel. Finally, here we are, three generations of our family together at this wonder of the world, nestled in a landscape of astonishing diversity. For me, the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu’s temples, palaces, terraces, and winding streets is consistently thrilling. These ancient structures stand as silent witnesses to the remarkable accomplishments of the Inca civilization. And, of course, sharing this experience with my family makes it even more special.

After several hours of exploration, we return to town to have lunch, before our return journey to the Sacred Valley.

Early in the morning, we leave for the city of Cusco. On our way, we make a stop at the charming village of Chinchero, a place that leaves a deep impression on all of us, with its fusion of the archaeological zone and the colonial-era church, built above it. Also, it is here that we find the best corn, served straight from the pot with a slice of cheese by local women dressed in traditional clothing. This delicious combination is also a reminder of how history and cultural diversity are intertwined: our Peruvian white corn, combined with the cheese introduced by the Spanish after the conquest.

Upon arriving in Cusco, we walk to the San Blas neighborhood, the artistic and bohemian quarter, to explore its streets and shops.

In the evening, we head for the upper part of the city, where the Cusco Planetarium is located. We are welcomed by Ana María, a teacher and expert on the myths and legends contained in Cusco’s skies. In her company, we immerse ourselves in a fascinating and entertaining presentation, projected onto a large dome, after which we are invited to observe the stars through three impressive telescopes.

My mother and sister involve themselves enthusiastically, answering questions and sharing their own stories, but it is the girls who demonstrate the most surprising knowledge. It was a wonderful moment of intergenerational connection, where we each shared what we knew, and our curiosity, under the city’s starry mantle.

Early the next morning, we go to Sacsayhuaman, one of the major archaeological complexes located on the outskirts of Cusco. We explore every corner and then venture into a forest of queuña, a native tree that once flourished in the area. However, during the colonial and republican eras, it was cut down and replaced by foreign species such as eucalyptus, resulting in a disruption of the local ecosystem. It is encouraging to see the reforestation efforts aimed at this species in such an emblematic location.

Then comes the day’s surprise activity: the visit to a South American camelid farm that is home to hundreds of llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. We have a lovely time feeding them and searching for the perfect “llama selfie”. This is, without a doubt, the place where we laugh the most during our entire trip.

After a nourishing lunch, we embark upon an exploration of Cusco’s historic center. We tour the main square and visit the Cathedral and the fascinating Koricancha. It is said that the walls of this temple were originally covered in gold, and that they shone under the sun, reinforcing the spiritual connection with the Inca sun god.

Seemingly in the blink of an eye, our last day arrives, and we all have different flights home. We share one last big breakfast together, looking back at the many memorable moments of our trip, and already starting to plan the next one!