Skip to main content
EF Go Ahead logo

Tour takeover: Peru

I’d be lying if I said Machu Picchu isn’t what put Peru on my travel radar. But I found out on tour that it’s only one of the many incredible things here. Check out highlights from my Instagram #TourTakeover here.

It’s at the top of the Andes, and a whole lot of bucket lists. Yep, I’m talking about Machu Picchu. I’d be lying if I said this mysterious site isn’t what put Peru on my travel radar. But I found out on tour that it’s only one of the many incredible things here. Did you catch them all during my #TourTakeover on Instagram? Here’s the TL;DR version.

Misty Machu Picchu

Courtney Machu Picchu

Did you know Machu Picchu was built around 1450 by an Inca Emperor? With the Urubamba River and high mountain peaks surrounding it, it’s a natural fortress. So much of this site remains a mystery and to this day, nobody knows for sure how it was constructed.

Courtney Machu Picchu

Just a little bit excited to be here. Can you tell?

Machu PIcchu Sun Gate

Machu Picchu looks smaller from up here at the Sun Gate. (Highly recommend doing this hike if you’re up for a little extra adventure in your free time!)

Color, color everywhere

Lima Malecon

Stroll along the Malecón at the edge of Miraflores in Lima to reach this lovely little park, Parque del Amor, overlooking the Pacific. Lines from Peruvian poets are woven into the bright mosaics.

Fun fact: Lima is warm and mild all year long. While it’s often cloudy, rainfall is rare. It only rains 6-7 inches per year!

Barranco District, Lima

A few travelers and I spent our free time in Lima strolling through the Barranco district that’s full of stop-you-in-your-tracks street art.

Lima Larco Museum

A huge collection of pre-Columbian art is on display to the public inside the Larco Museum. The botanicals outside are pretty impressive, too.

Sacred Valley scenes

Pisac, Peru

Pisac was one of the small towns we stopped in as we traveled through the Sacred Valley. Locals sell many handmade textiles and pieces of art here.

Pisac Market Peru

Ready to experience it for yourself? (I’m ready to hop on a plane and head back now…) Check out our trips to Peru—you won’t regret it.

About the author

Courtney Keller

A lover of travel since studying in France, Courtney strives to inspire others to get out and see the world. When she’s not writing, she’s trying new restaurants, reading, doing yoga, baking, walking her rescue pup, or planning her next trip.

Related tours

Skip to end of carousel
The New Year Sale

Save up to $400 & lock in your best price

Taking a 2025 trip is a resolution worth making, so book by 1/31 to save. Plus, beat the price increase!†

Skip to start of carousel

More travel inspiration

Skip to end of carousel
Destinations

The Ultimate Europe Travel Guide: everything to know before planning your trip

World Travel

EF’s Responsible Supplier Guidelines

Destinations

Things to do in Lima, Peru, to experience its rich history and culture

Destinations

Your guide to the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings: ancient civilizations hidden in Colorado’s canyons

Travel tips

Exploring Himeji Castle: Japan’s graceful White Heron

Destinations

10 fun facts about Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and how to visit on tour

Travel tips

Things to do in Buenos Aires: The museums, galleries & street art you need to see on your next trip

Travel tips

The 12 best things to do in Buenos Aires for first-time travelers and returning visitors

Destinations

The best time to visit Japan: your month-to-month guide to planning the perfect Japanese vacation

Destinations

Exploring Arenal Volcano: Costa Rica’s sleeping giant

Travel tips

A food lover’s guide to Lima: What and where to eat on your next trip to Peru

Travel buzz

Is Colombia safe to visit? How a nation overcame conflict to welcome the world

Destinations

The best time to visit Costa Rica: a season-by-season guide to planning the perfect Costa Rican vacation

Travel tips

24 Hawaiian phrases and words to know before you go

Destinations

9 must-see attractions in Cartagena, Colombia

Travel tips

Lake Balaton, Tokaj, and Eger: These 3 Hungary wine regions are the hidden gems of Eastern Europe

Travel tips

Your one-stop packing list for vacation

Travel tips

How to spend 10 days in Turkey as a solo traveler

Travel buzz

Feeling the loneliness epidemic? You’re not alone! Here’s how guided group travel leads to new connections

Travel buzz

The best places to visit in 2024 and 2025 to see the northern lights

Skip to start of carousel