Hey there! We are Chai & Sunkist, travel content creators based near Washington, DC. We are just like most of you, with a 9 to 5 job trying to make the most of our paid time off.
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July 1, 2025
We explored a new continent! 🌎
Rainbow Mountain
We got back from Peru last weekend, and while we’re still mentally wandering through Incan ruins and sipping coca tea, we figured—why wait to share all the magic? ✨
July’s first newsletter is coming to you in two parts.
Part 1 (this edition) is all about our Peru trip—one of our top adventures to date. And the best part? No travel tragedies this time, lol. Just alpacas, altitude, and a whole lot of awe. 🫢
The Mad and Over sections are coming in Part 2, but for now, let's dive straight into the heart of this edition.
🌎 Exploring Peru
From Incan Wonders to Coastal Thrills 🇵🇪
Peru has three distinct regions:
the coast,
the Andes,
and the Amazon rainforest.
Since we explored the lush tropics of Costa Rica earlier this year, we focused this time on Peru’s coast and the Andes.
We hit both iconic and underrated gems: from Machu Picchu, the legendary 7th wonder of the world, to Rainbow Mountain, a newer Instagram-famous discovery; from the buzzing capital Lima to the desert oasis of Huacachina and the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands.
If Peru’s been on your mind, here’s our full 10-day itinerary, where we stayed, how we booked our flights using points, and the travel tips we swear by.
Machu Picchu
🗺️ Our 10-Day Peru Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Peru
Depart from the US, layover in Bogotá
Land in Lima late night
Overnight: Holiday Inn Lima Airport
Day 2 – Into the Andes
Flight to Cusco
Land and rent a car
2-hr drive to Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley)
Day 3 – Sacred Valley Highlights
Acclimate to the altitude
Visit: Moray agricultural ruins, Maras salt mines, and Maras town
Day 4 – Machu Picchu Day!
Train to Aguas Calientes
Bus up to Machu Picchu
Explore Circuit 1, 2, or 3 (tips below) - we did Circuit 2!
Return: Lunch + massage in Aguas Calientes, then train back
Day 5 – Local Experiences + Arrival in Cusco
Pachamanca lunch experience, coffee tour, and distillery visit at El Albergue
We stayed in Ollantaytambo first to adjust before spending any nights in Cusco. It made a huge difference.
🍃 Altitude sickness is real
Hydrate well, avoid alcohol, and sip coca tea or chew coca candies
Worked wonders for us—no prescription meds needed (though talk to your doc if unsure)
🚂 Machu Picchu: Book Early
Book tickets for your preferred circuit ahead of time:
Circuit 1: Panoramic views but no access to the ruins
Circuit 2: Classic postcard shot (most popular)
Circuit 3: Least crowded and most adventurous
Visit early morning for best light + fewer crowds
Train tickets range from ~$XX–$YY—prices spike during high season
🚘 Renting a car = flexibility, but…
Be prepared for aggressive driving in Cusco and Lima
Lane cutting, sudden stops, and no personal space—just part of the charm 😅
📍 Booking tours
Use Get Your Guide or Viator—filter by 4.7+ rating and review count
Rainbow Mountain? Opt for afternoon tours:
No 3 a.m. departure
Comfortable weather
Most tourists already left = fewer crowds at the top 🙌
🧥 Pack smart
Rainbow Mountain is freezing (it’s over 5,000m!)—layer up with thermals, gloves, and a windbreaker
The coast (Paracas, Huacachina) can be very warm—pack both extremes
💵 Bring More Cash Than
Peru runs on cash—from tips and snacks to tours and souvenirs. Carry both soles for daily use and USD for backup (many places accept dollars or offer cash discounts).
Currency exchange spots? Literally on every other street.
🔗 Tours & Activities
You can find links to our favorite tours and local guides in the itinerary above. For in-depth reviews, check out our Instagram Reels. 🤳
Sunset in Huacachina
📬 Up Next in Part 2...
💳 Big changes are shaking up the premium travel card game — we’re breaking down which ones still pack a punch, which perks are fading, and who’s really winning when it comes to lounge access in 2025 and 2026.
🛒 July 4th + Prime Day travel deals roundup — the best discounts on travel gear, accessories, and products we actually use (and love) on the road (and in the flight)!
Meet you in your inbox later this week with Part 2—don’t miss it! 🚀✈️
And if you're finding this edition from our profile page, sign up for our newsletter for more such itineraries and travel tips sent straight to your inbox! 📨
Hey there! We are Chai & Sunkist, travel content creators based near Washington, DC. We are just like most of you, with a 9 to 5 job trying to make the most of our paid time off.
