I knew it was a necessity for the LimitLes series to travel to Peru, one of my favorite countries for its colors, textures, people and FOOD. Oh my gooooosshhh, the food. Feed me empanadas and pisco sours until my dying day.

Peru is home to one of the new seven wonders of the world. Machu Picchu is among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere, but this country also offers a huge variety of out-of-this-world landscapes, cuisine and experiences that are always exceeding the expectation of every traveler. I’ve been lucky to visit this beautiful country a few times and most recently with the expert guides of Peru Eco Expeditions. No one knows luxury-adventure Peruvian travel like Sara and Daniel from this incredibly successful sustainable ecotourism company. Together, we have created a dream expedition packed with the top To Dos combined with Peru’s best kept gems…all topped with exclusive touches! The following 5 activities were the group’s favorites, but first, allow me to present the LimitLes in Peru YouTube video!

Hacienda Sarapampa

As I previously stated, Peru is having a bit of a foodie moment. That’s why we had to start out strong in the cuisine category 🙂 Hacienda Sarapampa is a working, family business dedicated to the production of Cusco giant white corn…and let me tell ya, I’ve never seen anything like it. These kernels were nothing short of massive…

For three generations, the owners have kept the traditions associated with corn farming, country cuisine and the simple living of hacienda life alive. The farm to table lunch was served on the property’s lush lawn, with *stunning* views of the towering Andes. As if that wasn’t enough, we then watched a private Paso Horse & Marinera Dance show, an indigenous Peruvian tradition!

Skylodge Adventure Suites

I have been *incredibly* lucky to now say I’ve done this experience TWICE. We started by gearing up in our harnesses, pushing fears aside and ascending 1,312 feet on a via ferrata over the limestone walls of the Sacred Valley! Stunning views abound! Throughout this adrenaline filled adventure, all the women were cheering each other on, and I couldn’t keep a smile off my face. It was the perfect bonding experience that we’ll all remember for a lifetime. After enjoying a 3-course lunch in the dining pod perched on the cliff overlooking the Sacred Valley & Urubamba River, we attached ourselves to six different ziplines in order to make it down to ground zero.

Elim Orphanage Day

This is the important stuff. This holds meaning. These photos always hit me straight in the gut…solidifying how I feel about adoption…how I would love nothing more than to give so much love to little ones who are so deserving. One day. It’s not always just about Machu Picchu or rainbow mountains or Peruvian cuisine. These kids from Elim Orphanage…they stole my freaking HEART. Stories of abuse and neglect started coming out, but love and smiles and belly laughs overshadowed all. We planted gardens, painted lots, built bookshelves, danced in a talent show, bought the market out of gooseberries, put stickers on everything in our path and played at the park until sunset. Alex even broke out his construction skills and taught the kids how to drone…..hello, baby fever! Thankful to have learned from these beautiful children with such big hearts!

Machu Picchu

A visit to a once-in-a-lifetime location calls for a once-in-a-lifetime journey 🙂 After a welcome drink, we boarded the Hiram Bingham, sunk into armchairs in the 1920s-style carriages, and basked in the lux lifestyle. After a few piscos, we got into the live traditional Peruvian and international music, and I’ll forever remember the moments spent together on the observation deck dancing, cheersing and having the time of our lives!

Machu Picchu is the most significant tangible legacy of the Inca civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 32,592 hectares of the mountain slopes, peaks & valleys surrounding its heart. Built in the 15th century,
Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. It was not until 1911 that the archaeological complex was made known again to the world by Hiram Bingham III on an expedition funded by Yale University and the National Geographic Society. I hope you have thoroughly enjoyed this history lesson!

San Francisco Church Farewell Dinner

Oh, what a night! Never have I ever eaten such a feast inside a church before. Upon arrival, we were greeted by native dancers, we climbed the bell tower, and we crashed a wedding. A 4-course delectable dinner with wine pairing was then served. Beautiful Andean music was performed via harpist during our meal, but the real party began during dessert when traditional dancers got us out of our seats to dance the night away….

Perhaps one of the most austere churches in Cusco, the original construction of San Francisco Church began in 1572, and it’s known for housing the largest canvas painting in South America (third largest in the world) that measures 9 meters x 12 meters and depicts the family tree of Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the order.

What a TRIP! Come travel with us on our next one 🙂 Space is limited, but the opportunities together are LIMITLES!