Family Adventure: Trekking the Choquequirao Trail in Peru

Whispers of the Past

Today was a day I had dreamed about for years: visiting Machu Picchu with my family. The anticipation was palpable as we set out, ready to immerse ourselves in the history and mystery of this ancient Inca city. I couldn't wait to see Elena's reaction to the breathtaking views and learn about the fascinating stories behind every stone.

Our day began early, with a hearty breakfast at LA TERRAZA DE CHOQUEQUIRAO. The restaurant lived up to its reputation, offering stunning views of the surrounding Andean mountains as we fueled up for our adventure. I enjoyed a traditional American breakfast, while Maximilian opted for something more local, and Elena, of course, was happy with her pancakes. After breakfast, we made our way to the entrance of Machu Picchu, ready to explore.


Discover authentic Traditional American cuisine at La Terraza de Choquequirao while enjoying breathtaking views in scenic Cachora, Peru.

As we entered the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, I was immediately struck by the sheer scale and ingenuity of the site. The precision with which the Incas had constructed these buildings, fitting massive stones together without mortar, was astounding. Elena was wide-eyed, pointing at the llamas grazing peacefully on the terraces. The weather in September is mild, but you need to bring warm clothes.


Explore Machu Picchu - The Majestic Incan Citadel in Peru, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Rich in History and Natural Beauty.

To walk through Machu Picchu is to walk through history, feeling the echoes of a civilization that mastered engineering, agriculture, and art in the most challenging of environments.

We joined a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of Machu Picchu. Our guide shared fascinating insights into the Inca civilization, explaining how they used the site for religious ceremonies, astronomical observations, and agricultural experimentation. I was particularly impressed by the sophisticated irrigation system they had developed to sustain their crops on the steep mountain slopes.

Elena, with her boundless curiosity, kept asking questions about the people who lived here and what their daily lives were like. It was a wonderful opportunity to teach her about a culture so different from our own and to instill in her a sense of respect for the past. Maximilian, ever the engineer, was fascinated by the architectural techniques and spent a good deal of time examining the stonework.

After our guided tour, we had some free time to explore on our own. We wandered through the different sections of the city, marveling at the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, and the Intihuatana stone. Each corner we turned revealed a new perspective, a new angle on the breathtaking panorama of mountains and valleys that surrounded us.

For lunch, we headed to Chullos Restaurant & Craft Beer in Aguas Calientes. The restaurant was clean and inviting, with friendly service and a pleasant view of the river. I decided to try the alpaca steak, while Maximilian went for the trout ceviche. Elena, predictably, chose the fried rice with chicken and pork belly, which she declared was amazing. We also sampled some of the local craft beers, which were a refreshing treat after a morning of exploring.


Experience authentic Peruvian flavors at Chullos Restaurant & Craft Beer in Aguas Calientes – where tradition meets modern dining.

The afternoon brought more exploration, this time at a slower pace. We found a quiet spot overlooking the city and simply sat, soaking in the atmosphere and letting the grandeur of Machu Picchu wash over us. I closed my eyes and imagined what it must have been like to live here centuries ago, to be a part of this thriving community.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Cusco, filled with memories of an unforgettable day. The train ride was comfortable, and we enjoyed watching the scenery change as we descended from the mountains.

For dinner, we chose Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse, known for its sophisticated Peruvian cuisine and comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant's interior was enchanting, with velour banquettes, turquoise walls, and flickering candles. It felt like stepping into another world.


Discover authentic Peruvian cuisine at Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse in Cusco - where tradition meets innovation in every bite.

I opted for one of their signature steak dishes cooked on a hot volcanic stone, while Maximilian tried the roasted guinea pig, a local delicacy. Elena, still full from lunch, had a simple but delicious pasta dish. The meal was a perfect end to a perfect day, a celebration of Peruvian flavors and hospitality.

After dinner, Maximilian and I decided to check out Republica Del Pisco - Cusco for a nightcap. The bar was lively, with a great selection of piscos and live music. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences of the day.


Experience the authentic taste of Peru at Republica Del Pisco, Cusco's premier destination for delectable cuisine and refreshing drinks.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to have shared this experience with my family. Machu Picchu is more than just a historical site; it's a place of profound beauty and spiritual significance. I am so glad that Elena had the opportunity to see it with her own eyes, to learn about the past, and to connect with a culture so different from our own.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit CAÑON DEL APURIMAC. I am looking forward to seeing more of Peru's natural beauty and learning more about its rich history. I’m sure Elena will be excited to see the canyon, and Maximilian will be interested in the geological aspects of the area. We plan to start our day with breakfast at Green House, followed by lunch at Pachapapa and dinner at Kusikuy Restaurante. We also plan to visit Mercado Central de San Pedro to buy some souvenirs.

This trip has already been an incredible experience, and I know that the memories we are creating here will last a lifetime. It reinforces my belief that travel is one of the best ways to learn, grow, and connect as a family.