I *Finally* Made It to My Bucket List Destination: Cusco & Machu Picchu

When I turned 30 years old, I made it a point to finally start ticking items off my travel bucket list. I’ve always loved traveling (and travel fairly frequently), but something about turning the big 3-0 made me really want to prioritize hitting at least two dream destinations per year. You know, those places you have saved in your Notes app that say “travel bucket list” that you never actually go to? Well, for me, Peru — specifically Cusco and Machu Picchu — was one of them. And so I made that goal a reality by spending a week in Peru in April and it exceeded every expectation I had.

If you’re planning a trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu, this guide has everything you need: where to stay, what to do, what to pack, and essential tips to make the most of your trip — of course, with all the honesty. Thank me later.

What to Pack (Let’s Start Here)

Say it with me now: LAYERS. Cusco’s weather changes fast. In April, mornings were chilly, and by the afternoon, I was basically melting. I packed a light sweater and jacket, plus a T-shirt and tank top underneath to adjust accordingly.

You’ll also need a light rain jacket. It rained a bit, but the showers were quick and light (like a “here, let me mist you and then move on” type of rain). Also, Cusco has steep stairs, so comfortable shoes are key — whether you go for sneakers or hiking boots, don’t underestimate the walkability. It’s a great workout, though. You’ll feel so accomplished by the end of the day, even if your glutes hate you.

For dinners, I kept it casual with a simple dress or pants and a nice top. The vibe at the restaurants I visited was laid-back but trendy, so nothing too fancy required. (DW, there are recs down below.)

One big tip: the altitude sickness is real. Cusco sits at 11,000 feet, and it can hit hard when you first arrive. I packed hydration packets (Liquid IV or similar) and a water bottle to stay on top of my electrolytes. Also, a shout-out to the altitude sickness patches I got on Amazon — they helped a lot!! Our group was prepared, and no one had anything worse than mild dizziness on day one. So take it easy and acclimate on your first day.

For Machu Picchu, athleisure and sturdy shoes are the way to go. Also, definitely bring a small backpack for your essentials (wallet, water bottle, snacks).

Where to Stay

Image Credit: Courtesy of Hilton

For my trip, I spent four days in Cusco and one day in Lima (at the Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores). Since I flew in from New York, a layover at Jorge Chavez International Airport was ideal — it gave me a chance to break up the trip and get a feel for the city.

In Cusco, I stayed at Motto by Hilton Cusco, and it was the perfect home base. The hotel blends modern amenities with local charm, making it feel like you’re in the heart of Cusco but with all the comforts of a luxury stay. It’s located just a short walk from Plaza de Armas, meaning you’re sooooo close to everything — the historical sites, restaurants, and shops — yet tucked away enough to avoid all the hustle and bustle.

Plus, I’d stay there again just for the staff. They were armed with the best tips and recommendations for what to do, what to see, where to eat, and more, and were so kind and helpful answering all 10304933 of my questions a day. (I’m not joking, I had a lot.)

Image Credit: Courtesy of Hilton

What to See

Cusco is packed with history and culture, since it was once the capital of the Inca Empire. We had ample rest time but also jam-packed a lot to make the most of it! In all honesty, I suggest just taking some time to roam around to get familiar with the city. You can basically walk the entire thing in an hour (it’s pretty small) and there are so many beautiful hidden gems, corners, and streets.

However, here are some must-see spots:

• Plaza de Armas: The main square, surrounded by churches, restaurants, and shops.
• San Blas: A charming, artsy neighborhood with galleries and local crafts.
• San Pedro Market: My favorite spot for local food, souvenirs, and unique Peruvian goods (yes, I bought 2 sweaters and 6 llama keychains — don’t judge).
• Calle Siete Borreguitos: A super cute Instagrammable street with art, shops, flowers, and more. GO HERE FOR PICS!!!

If you can, start your trip with a walking tour. We did one that included Qorikancha (The Golden Temple), the most important religious center of the Incas, followed by Hatunrumiyoc Street, where you can see the famous 12-Angle Stone. We also visited Plaza de Armas and Cusco Cathedral, which are gorgeous examples of colonial architecture.

What To Do

Take a Cooking Class!!!

I didn’t expect this to be a highlight (I’m basically only good at making cereal), but it was. We took a cooking class at Marcelo Batata, where we learned how to make Lomo Saltado and ceviche while getting a fun history lesson on Peruvian cuisine. And yes, you get to eat what you make. (Mine was delicious — go me!!!)

Visit a Museum

The staff at Motto by Hilton recommended two museums that were close by and definitely worth the visit:

• Museo Inka: Features artifacts from the Inca Empire.
• Museo de Arte Precolombino: Showcases ancient ceramics and gold pieces from pre-Columbian cultures.

Day Trips (aka My Trip to Machu Picchu)

Machu Picchu was the main event, and it did not disappoint. The journey to get there was a bit long (we took car, bus, and train), but Vistadome Observatory Train was a total highlight. Panoramic windows with breathtaking views, a dance performance, and snacks made the travel part almost as fun as the destination. On the way back, we even got a mini fashion show. I didn’t know I needed that in my life, but I did.

If you have time, stay overnight in Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu). It’s adorable, with great shops and restaurants, and a perfect base for exploring the area over more than one day.

When you get to Machu Picchu, don’t panic if it’s cloudy when you arrive. The weather changes fast, and you’ll likely see clear skies soon. We did Circuit 2, which I highly recommend if you want the best views of the ruins. Seeing it in person was a surreal experience. It was one of those moments that makes you stop and reflect on life. Sorry, Meredith (my therapist) — we have a lot to discuss.

While I didn’t make it to Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, I’ve heard incredible things. Guess I’ll just have to come back.

Where to Eat and Drink

Now, let’s get to my favorite part of the trip: the food. Peru’s cuisine is on a whole other level. Every dish had so much flavor, I was basically in food heaven.

The first stop I made was at Casa Cusqueña. We went all in, sampling everything from fresh ceviche to more adventurous dishes like llama and, yes, guinea pig. If you want to really immerse yourself in the flavors of Peru, this place is a must. And, bonus: it’s right in the town square, so you can eat and people-watch at the same time.

A few more gems to check out:

• República del Pisco: If you love pisco, this place will be your favorite and you’ll prob get at least 5 good Instagram pics out of it.
• Limbus Restobar: I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS PLACE!!! This rooftop bar has views for days. Plus, each cocktail comes in a different quirky container — smoke, bubbles, and even a Barbie doll in a bath. It’s an unforgettable experience. 10/10.

For breakfast, we kept it simple but delicious at Jack’s Café (literally across the street from our hotel). Their eggs and coffee were great for fueling up before a day of exploring.

And, of course, Motto by Hilton had a fantastic on-site restaurant, Dig Restobar. We had a curated lunch featuring dishes inspired by Cusquenian culture — it was a perfect way to cap off a day of adventure.

Not to get sappy and weird, but visiting Cusco Machu Picchu wasn’t just a dream come true — it was life-changing. If Peru is on your bucket list, please just do it. Trust me, it’ll stick with you long after you leave. (Just remember those altitude patches!!!)