Peru

Perched 11,000 feet up in the Andes, Cusco took my breath away — quite literally. I’d heard tales of how captivating Cusco is, and the stories resonated. Tucked amidst dramatic mountain peaks, Cusco’s red tile roofs, cobbled streets and colonial architecture leave most travelers smitten — I was no exception.

Look past the obvious, the big glittery jewel of a destination. Tucked into the cracks, the side roads, the small towns nearby lie the less conspicuous gems. They will be your small joys.

When a city is described as similar to being “inside the belly of a dead whale,” I’m intrigued. Such was Lima.

See my collection of standouts — restaurants, markets, food and drink — from Lima, Peru. Git in mah belly!