Day 1 - Arrival into Cusco
Itinerary
Flight Arrival into Cusco in Peru [CUZ], Check-in to Hotel & Get Settled, Dinner at Palacio Nazarenas @ 7:00 PM.
—
Day 1 Journal Entry ~ Melissa Voyles
Today marked the end of our time in Lima as we boarded flights bound for Cusco. Up until now, our travelers had been arriving in Peru on different schedules and from different corners of the world, so our group was still somewhat scattered. But today felt like the beginning of everyone coming together.
Lima proved to be an extraordinary introduction to Peru—its culture, cuisine, history, and, most importantly, its people. Everywhere we went, there was a palpable sense of pride. Whether in the thoughtful service at a restaurant or in the passionate way locals shared stories of their country, there was an unmistakable joy in welcoming visitors and sharing the richness of Peruvian life.
The city itself is stunning, perched dramatically atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Last night, we capped off our time there with a food tour, and my favorite stop was a local institution called Juanito’s. Now in its third generation of family ownership, the story behind the name is as charming as the place itself—the founder, Juan, was famously short, earning the affectionate nickname “Juanito.” The bar operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 364 days a year, closing only on Mother’s Day. In fact, the family’s only vacation comes once every four years during the World Cup. We happened to visit on their final night before this year’s closure. Two of Juan’s sons, now 82 and 78 years old, welcomed us behind the bar for a photo and a celebratory pisco sour. It was one of those wonderfully authentic moments that captures the heart of a place.
This morning, we met up with Rebecca at the Lima airport after her own memorable journey from Costa Rica, which involved multiple buses, taxis, and plenty of perseverance. Needless to say, we were thrilled to finally see her in person. Our group of five then boarded our flight to Cusco, spending much of the journey gazing out the windows at the rugged beauty of the Andes stretching endlessly below us. The Charlottesville crew arrived a few hours later, and our expedition began to feel more complete.
Our home in Cusco is a beautifully restored former monastery, and its beauty is difficult to adequately describe. Ancient stone walls, peaceful courtyards, and centuries of history seem to surround every corner, creating a sense of place that is both grand and deeply peaceful.
Our first evening together took us to dinner at one of renowned Peruvian chef Pia León’s celebrated restaurants. As has been the case throughout Peru, every dish felt like a work of art—thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and deeply connected to the landscapes and traditions of the country.
Perhaps the best part of the day, however, was watching our group come together so naturally. Over dinner, stories from Lima were exchanged, laughter came easily, and new friendships began to form. There is already a wonderful sense of camaraderie among this group, and it feels as though we’re only getting started.
Tomorrow brings even more to look forward to: the arrival of Sally and Alice, continued acclimatization to the altitude for those feeling its effects 🙏🏻, a deeper exploration of Cusco’s remarkable history, and, of course, more opportunities to soak in the incredible beauty that surrounds us.
-Melissa Voyles