Altitude, terraces and the Sacred Valley

How I acclimatized and the ruins that surprised me most.

I came to Peru with a loose plan and a long list. By the end, the list mattered less than the small moments in between — a conversation at a train station, a meal I didn't expect, a view I almost skipped.

The highlight for me was ancient terraces in the sacred valley. Go early if you can; the light is softer and the paths are quiet. After that, high-altitude treks made a perfect slow afternoon.

If you are planning your own trip, my advice is simple: give each place more time than you think you need. Peru is best in may to september in the andes, but every season has its own reasons to visit.

Pack light, carry a reusable water bottle, and leave space in the day for things you can't plan. That's where most of my favorite memories came from.