Family Adventure: Trekking the Choquequirao Trail in Peru

Chasing the Sun

Today was a day of pure, unadulterated triumph. We set our sights on the Sun Gate, and with every step, we felt closer to the heart of Incan history and the soul of the Andes. The air was crisp, the scenery was breathtaking, and the company, as always, was the best I could ask for. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel, why I love to share these experiences with my family, and why I started this blog in the first place.


Experience the breathtaking views and rich history at the Sun Gate, a key entrance to the extraordinary Machu Picchu in Peru's Sacred Valley.

The day began as most do on a trek: with a hearty breakfast. We enjoyed our meal at Artisano Regocijo Restaurant in Cusco. I opted for the Chicharrón Novoandino, which was absolutely delicious. Maximilian chose a fresh salad, and Elena, surprisingly, wanted to try some of my chicharrón! It's wonderful to see her adventurous side emerging. The restaurant itself was steeped in history, located in what was once the Casa de la Moneda during colonial times. It was a perfect way to start the day, surrounded by both delicious food and the echoes of Cusco's past. I made sure we were well-fueled for the adventures that lay ahead. After breakfast, we made our way towards the Sun Gate, ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of the day's hike.

The trek to the Sun Gate was challenging, to say the least. The altitude always adds an extra layer of difficulty, but the views… oh, the views! As we ascended, the landscape unfolded before us in a tapestry of greens and browns, with the majestic Andes Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. We paused frequently, not just to catch our breath, but to soak in the sheer beauty of it all. Elena, ever the curious explorer, peppered us with questions about the mountains, the Inca people, and the funny-looking llamas we spotted in the distance. I tried my best to answer, drawing from my (admittedly limited) knowledge of Incan history and culture.

Sometimes, the greatest journeys are those taken one step at a time, with loved ones by your side, amidst landscapes that steal your breath away.

As we continued our ascent, I couldn't help but reflect on how much this trip meant to me, to us. It wasn't just about seeing ancient ruins or conquering a challenging trek. It was about creating memories, strengthening our bond as a family, and teaching Elena the importance of exploration, resilience, and appreciation for different cultures. It was about showing her that the world is so much bigger and more beautiful than our little corner of Bielefeld, and that adventure awaits those who are willing to seek it out.

For lunch, we stopped at Inkazuela. I decided to try the Caribbean Coconut Curry Chicken stew. The aromatic flavors of the curry and ginger were out of this world, and the chicken was cooked to perfection. Maximilian enjoyed a traditional Peruvian stew, and Elena, again surprising us, devoured a mini-portion of both our meals. The cozy atmosphere, complete with a wood fire burning in the corner, made it feel like we were dining in someone's home. It was a welcome respite from the chilly mountain air.


Indulge in exquisite Peruvian cuisine at Inkazuela, where tradition meets innovation in every dish.

After lunch, with renewed energy, we continued our trek towards the Sun Gate. The final stretch was the most challenging, with steeper inclines and rocky terrain, but the anticipation of reaching our destination spurred us on. Elena, bless her heart, started to tire, but Maximilian, ever the supportive dad, hoisted her onto his shoulders, and she giggled with delight as they marched on together. Those moments, those small, seemingly insignificant moments, are the ones I cherish the most.

And then, finally, we reached it – the Sun Gate. As we stepped through the ancient gateway, a wave of awe washed over me. The panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys was simply breathtaking. It felt like we were standing on top of the world, connected to the past, present, and future all at once. We spent a long time there, just soaking it all in, taking photos, and letting the sheer majesty of the place sink into our souls. Elena, perched on Maximilian's shoulders, pointed out the condors soaring overhead, their silhouettes dancing against the backdrop of the setting sun. It was a moment of pure magic, a moment I knew we would all remember for the rest of our lives.

The descent was much easier, and we made good time, chatting and laughing about our adventure. As we neared Cusco, the city lights began to twinkle in the distance, casting a warm glow on the valley below. We were tired, yes, but also exhilarated, fulfilled, and deeply grateful for the experiences we had shared.

For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves to a special meal at Sumaq II Cusco. The restaurant offered a modern take on traditional Peruvian cuisine, and every dish was a work of art. We savored each bite, relishing the flavors and textures, and reminiscing about our day's adventures. Elena, exhausted but happy, fell asleep in my arms before dessert arrived. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Sumaq II Cusco – where tradition meets innovation in every delicious bite.

But the day wasn't quite over yet. Maximilian and I decided to sneak out for a nightcap at LIMBUS RESTOBAR. The bar is known for having the best view of Cusco, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. Sipping on a Pisco Sour, we watched as the city lights twinkled below, reflecting on the day's events and making plans for tomorrow. I am so glad we took the time to enjoy the views of the city from up there. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Choquequirao Trek Operator and do some shopping at Artesanias Intichay. I am excited to see what the rest of this trip has in store for us.


Discover culinary delights and breathtaking views at LIMBUS RESTOBAR, a vibrant dining experience in the heart of Cusco.

Before heading back to the hotel, we made a pact to continue seeking out these kinds of experiences, to continue pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones, and to continue cherishing the moments we share as a family. Because, in the end, that's what truly matters – the memories we make, the bonds we forge, and the love that sustains us through it all.

The state of the world is not always great, and I recently learned about the food supply issues in the area. I am grateful that we are able to enjoy these experiences, and my heart goes out to those who are struggling. I plan to look for ways to help as we continue our journey. I was also reading about a talent show in Juliaca, Perú. It is great to see people showcasing their talents and bringing joy to others. I hope to see some of that as we continue our travels.

As I write this, curled up in my tent, with the sounds of the Andes lulling me to sleep, I can't help but smile. Today was a good day, a truly great day. And I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Until next time, mis amigos. ¡Buen viaje!