This summer, I had the opportunity to explore Peru, a country that is alive with color, sound, and flavor. Just by walking down the street, one can smell local delicacies being prepared, hear street performers playing Peruvian wind instruments, and see hundreds of locals adorned with bold hues of red, yellow, pink, and more. During my time in Peru, I was able to visit three different locations: the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco. The Sacred Valley is mostly comprised of farmlands and small villages. I saw talented craftswomen weaving alpaca yarn, as well as Incan ruins and salt mines. Then, I took the train to Machu Picchu and explored the ruins, which were nothing short of magnificent. The view of the Andes alone is enough to take your breath away. My final stop was Cusco, the lively city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Cusco’s main square is full of energy, and if you drive outside of the center of Cusco, there are many viewpoints where you can see panoramic views of the bustling Peruvian city. Peru is a country like no other, and it is rich in both ancient history and modern culture.