Author Archives: Penelope

The Best Things To Do in Peru

Machu Picchu I’ll get this one out of the way! Yes, Machu Picchu lives up to the hype. The ruins and history are fascinating, but it’s the majestic surroundings that really make this sacred site one of the wonders of the world. Every room of the city was built with such intention: the way the […]

Lessons Learned in Peru

Tips and Tricks for Traveling to Peru As of May 2021, masks and shields are required on public transportation, Covid tests are required when entering the country and there is a 9PM curfew. Click here for more information about traveling to Peru during the pandemic. The main neighborhoods of Lima are exceptionally clean. There is […]

Packing List and What to Wear in Peru

Essential Items to Bring for Lima Exploring and Cusco Adventuring Most visitors come to Peru during the winter season, which goes from May-September. Though chillier, the likelihood of heavy rain goes down! I was there in May and experienced everything from a cold and foggy 30 degrees to a bold and radiant 80 degrees so […]

Two Day Huacachina Excursion

One of the reasons Peru is so magical is because you can be in the city, on the water, in the desert, in a forest or mountains all in one trip. Peru Hop offers a two day excursion south of Lima to visit a few of these terrains. It starts with a short trip to […]

Traveling to Peru during the Pandemic

Real Covid-19 Rules and Regulations (and All the Things They Don’t Tell You!) As of May 2021, Peru is having its second wave and the severity is categorized as high – extreme. Vaccines are only available for those 80 years and older, and on top of that, many residents are hesitant about getting the vaccine […]

Hiking the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu

What to Expect and How to Plan for the 4-Day Salkantay Hike with Salkantay Trekking If you’re trying to decide whether to do the Salkantay Trek, I can tell you that it is grueling and the attitude is no joke, but it is magnificent, rewarding and every view is a postcard snapshot. Because of Covid, […]

What to Prioritize on Your First Trip to Mexico City

Mexico City is 573 square miles, with an overwhelming amount of “things to do.”  If this is your first time in CDMX, include at least one of each category below in your itinerary: Food/Beverages Consider street food for at least a couple meals. Tacos, tamales and tortas are the “big three.”  Street vendors are located […]

The Essential 5 Day Travel Itinerary for Mexico City

CDMX travel guide with art museums, tours, landmarks and the best restaurants in the city! Total Days: 5 Days | Accommodations: Boutique hotel in Condesa | Transportation: Ubers and walking| Traveled: Girls trip|  Type of Trip: Art and architecture and a combo of fine dining and hidden gems | Highlights:  Casa Luis Barragon, Food tour, Chapultepec Castle, Teotihuacan Pyramids With so much […]

What to Know When Visiting Boston

Below are tips, advice and fun facts from a local Bostonian. Most people don’t have an accent.  Unless a person grew up (and stayed) in towns like Lynn or Revere, or deep in South Boston/Dorchester, r’s will be pronounced. It’s a college city.  There are 35 colleges and universities in Boston so students make up a […]

2 Days in Providence, Rhode Island

Total Days: 2 Days | Accommodations: Hotel in Downtown Providence | Transportation: Car and walking for the most part | Traveled: Friends | Type of Trip: Cultural weekend getaway | Highlights:  Exploring Benefit Street and colonial homes, Rhode Island State House tour, excellent Italian food Providence doesn’t get much credit when it comes to New England cities. However, it sneaks in world-renowned universities, beautiful colonial […]