Best known for Machu Picchu, the cities of Lima and Cusco also have a lot to offer in terms of cuisine, culture, and sightseeing.

There are two ways to arrive at Machu Picchu, either by rail, or by hike over several days on a path known as the Inca Trail. Tight on time, I opted for the former. 

Arriving on a cloudy day, this ancient heritage site seemed to be shrouded in mystery. Thousands of years of it.

Typically, international visitors flying in will arrive at Lima, the capital of Peru. Surprisingly, this South American city has a vibrant food scene.

All tours to Machu Picchu departs from the Peruvian city of Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, this city is steeped in history.

 Incidentally, this is also a great place to try some local favorites. One of these dishes involved guinea pig.