Family Adventure: Trekking the Choquequirao Trail in Peru

First Impressions of Cusco

After what felt like an eternity in transit, we finally arrived in Cusco! The air is crisp and thin, a stark contrast to the familiar humidity of Bielefeld. Even Elena noticed, declaring, Mommy, the air is tickling my nose! It's the kind of tickle that promises adventure, and I couldn't be more excited to share this experience with my family. Maximilian, ever the pragmatist, is already making notes on the altitude, reminding us to take it easy on our first day. But even he can't hide the glint of excitement in his eyes.

Our day began, as all good travel days should, with a hearty breakfast. We found a charming spot called LA TERRAZA DE CHOQUEQUIRAO, and while I was hoping for something a bit more local to Cusco, the traditional American breakfast set us up perfectly for the day ahead. Fuelled and ready, we dove headfirst into the vibrant chaos of the Mercado Central de San Pedro.


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

What a feast for the senses! The market was a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and smells. Mountains of potatoes in every shape and size imaginable, exotic fruits I couldn't even name, and the constant buzz of vendors calling out their wares. Elena was wide-eyed, pointing at everything from the piles of vibrant textiles to the hanging cuts of meat. Maximilian, always drawn to local culture, was fascinated by the traditional Andean cheeses and the sheer variety of grains on offer.

I, of course, was immediately drawn to the food stalls. The aromas of simmering stews and sizzling meats were intoxicating. We sampled a bit of everything – from warm vegetable soups to savory empanadas. Elena, surprisingly, loved the corn on the cob ! Maximilian even braved a taste of cuy (guinea pig), declaring it interesting, which, coming from him, is high praise indeed.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn't even think to ask.

After the sensory overload of the market, we decided to immerse ourselves further in Cusco’s culinary scene. For lunch, we ventured to Chicha por Gaston Acurio, a restaurant recommended by several locals. The restaurant itself was beautiful, with a modern yet cozy atmosphere. The food was an innovative take on traditional Peruvian dishes. I opted for the pachamanca, a hearty dish of lamb, chicken, and pork , while Maximilian chose a flavorful quinoa stew. Elena, predictably, stuck to the french fries, but even she admitted they were the best she’d ever had!


Discover the heart of Cusco at Mercado Central de San Pedro - a vibrant market filled with local delights, crafts, and culture.

In the late afternoon, we took a leisurely stroll through the Plaza de Armas, soaking in the colonial architecture and the lively atmosphere. Street vendors were selling everything from hand-knitted scarves to miniature replicas of Machu Picchu. Elena was particularly captivated by a group of musicians playing traditional Andean music. She even tried her hand at playing the panpipes, much to the amusement of the locals.

For dinner, we chose Organika Restaurant, drawn in by its commitment to fresh, organic ingredients. The restaurant was small and intimate, with a charming rustic decor. The menu was filled with creative vegetarian options, which appealed to my desire to balance out some of the heavier meals we’d had earlier in the day. I ordered the pumpkin ravioli, which was divine, while Maximilian enjoyed a quinoa risotto. Elena, surprisingly, devoured a plate of steamed vegetables, perhaps inspired by the restaurant's healthy ethos.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Chicha por Gaston Acurio, where tradition meets innovation in a vibrant setting.

As the day wound down, we found ourselves reflecting on the incredible experiences we'd already had. Cusco had welcomed us with open arms, immersing us in its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. It was the perfect start to our adventure, and I couldn't wait to see what the next few days would bring. Speaking of which, tomorrow we start our trek on the Choquequirao Trail ! I’m a little nervous about the challenge, but mostly just bursting with anticipation. Wish us luck – we’re going to need it!

I did forget to pack sunscreen and insect repellent, hopefully, I can buy some tomorrow before we head off on our trek!


Experience authentic Peruvian flavors at Organika Restaurant in Cusco—where fresh ingredients meet culinary artistry.