While Montana may not be the first state that comes to mind for a getaway, it has so much to offer. The rugged terrain, beautiful rolling hills and miles of incredible roads to drive can fill anyone with a sense of wanderlust and maybe a teeny bit of curiosity as to what farm life may be like. After all, the landscape is filled with cute barns and hay fields, and the population of the whole state (1 million) is a quarter of the population of Los Angeles alone (4 million). But what it lacks in hustle and bustle, it more than makes up for in scenery. And few places in the nation are as beautiful as Glacier National Park.

going to sun road in glacier national park

wildflowers along going to sun road at glacier national park

Glacier National Park, also known as the crown gem of the continent (that’s right—the entire CONTINENT), is a truly impressive park spanning 1,583 square miles (4,101 square km). The views are akin to Banff National Park in Canada, with stunning trails, sweeping vistas, colorful wildflowers, energetic wildlife and—you guessed it—GLACIERS. While you can see MUCH beauty simply driving around Going-to-the-Sun Road (the main fairway through the park, much of the most awe-inspiring viewpoints at Glacier can only be seen while hiking, making it a hiker’s dream park.

sunrise swim at lake mcdonald in glacier national park

I would highly recommend staying a full week if you have the time, as this allows you flexibility to see as much as possible while giving you leeway for any trail closures due to bear activity, wildfires, snow or other roadblocks. We had a few must-do hikes planned, but some of them never opened while we were there due to bear activity. If a bear is spotted on a trail, the trail will close until there are three subsequent days without any sightings.

THINGS TO NOTE FOR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

BEARS – OH MY!

Glacier is home to a sizable bear population, including roughly 300 grizzly bears. Make sure to take bear spray with you! Our wonderful hotel Duck Inn Lodge had spray that they loaned us, but you can also buy this (and a bear bell if you desire) anywhere in the area surrounding the park. Be cognizant of your surroundings, don’t take food out while you’re hiking and avoid twilight hours when bears may be more active. We opted to wait until sunrise to do some of our hikes as we did not want to be the only ones on the trail and stumble upon unsuspecting bears.

COVID CLOSURES (East Glacier)

In a normal season, you can drive straight through Glacier from the west side of the park to the east side via the Going-to-the-Sun Road (50 miles). But during 2020, the entire east side of the park was closed, and there’s a ticketed entry system being planned for Summer 2021. Please be mindful of this, and check for park closures on the park website ahead of your arrival.

GETTING THERE

There are a few different ways you can get to Glacier National Park: Planes, Trains and Automobiles (but really, though).

PLANE: if you are flying into Glacier National Park, the nearest airport is in Kalispell and aptly named “Glacier National Park International Airport.” My direct flight from LAX was roughly 3 hours and $300 roundtrip.

TRAIN: If you fancy a smooth ride, WiFi and a great window view, Amtrak’s Empire Builder route has three different stations servicing Glacier Park.

East Glacier Station: Usually open April – October
Essex Station: Spot just outside park between East and West entrances
West Glacier Station: Located about 2 miles from Agpar Visitor Center within the park

AUTOMOBILE: Regardless of how you get to Montana, you will definitely need to have or rent a car once you’re there. Depending on where you’re driving from within, there is a lot to see along the way (Banff National Park from the North, Badlands National Park from the West, Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Park from the South, Mt. Rainier National Park/Seattle/Portland from the West).

NOTE: If you want to rent an SUV once you arrive to Kalispell, make sure you book your car far in advance. When we were making our booking in July a few weeks before our August trip, all SUVs were sold out through OCTOBER! We liked our sedan, but driving an SUV is easier for high clearance on dirt roads.

WHAT TO PACK

What you pack will depend on the season, but it’s not called “Glacier” for nothing! We went the beginning of August and while Kalispell, Whitefish and surrounding areas were all in the 90s F, the mountains are a different story. We were FREEZING on some of our hikes. I’ve also seen photos from friends posting in July where the trails are all covered in snow. So whatever the weather report tells you, be sure to bring layers! You will also want to pack bug spray, a first aid kit, sunscreen and hiking boots.

WHERE TO STAY

We opted to stay in Whitefish, which is roughly a 30-min drive (26 miles) to Glacier National Park’s west entrance. Whitefish is a little closer to the park than Kalispell, and the town is simply adorable. We stayed at Duck Inn Lodge, which offered lovely views of the river and daily delicious breakfast (still drool when I think of the egg omelet/casserole of the day!). The adorable property is run by Tyler, Mark and Alyssa, who are very friendly and were great resources for our questions about the area.

FAVORITE PHOTO SPOTS

Now the part you’ve all been waiting for! Here are some of my favorite photo spots from our time at Glacier:

GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD

There’s honestly so much beauty to see right from the road at Glacier National Park. Many of my favorite shots were taken just by pulling over the side of the road (make sure you always park in a designated pullout)! I especially love getting photos around the Logan Pass area.

wildflowers off of logan pass in glacier national park

LAKE MCDONALD

No trip to Glacier National Park is complete without visiting Lake McDonald. In fact, it would be rather difficult to see the park without stumbling upon this 10-mile long lake. Conveniently located near the west entrance and running parallel to the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald is warmer than a lot of the other lakes as it is not comprised of glacial water (we actually saw steam coming off of it the morning that we visited).

PHOTO TIP: Visit Lake McDonald for sunrise, when the sun emerges from behind the mountains and lights up the water through the mist! You’ll likely have it all to yourself as well—save for a few photographers. If you want to take photos on the dock, route your GPS to Apgar Loop.

sunrise at lake mcdonald glacier national park

HIDDEN LAKE TRAIL

Hidden Lake Trail was hands down my favorite hike at Glacier National Park. In my opinion, it was the most rewarding in terms of the views-to-miles ratio. Every step we took was surrounded by stunning vistas, colorful wildflowers and wildlife (from marmots and goats to chipmunks and a longhorn sheep in the distance). Because this hike is so popular and the Logan Pass parking lot is the primary starting point for a few different well-known trails, make sure to arrive early in the morning. We found out this trail had reopened (after previously being closed due to bear activity) late in the morning, so arrived around 12pm and circled the parking lot for a full hour before we found a space!

yellow bellied marmot at glacier national park

PHOTO TIP: The overlook is a great resting point, but the best views of the lake are a little further down the path. Continue on as though you’re going all the way down, and stop at some of the stunning spots as you go!

Distance: 2.6 miles (roundtrip) to the overlook; 5.2 miles (roundtrip) to the lake
Trail Difficulty Rating: 8.05 (Moderate)
Parking: Logan Pass

ST. MARY’S FALLS & VIRGINIA FALLS

The hike to St. Mary’s Falls was honestly far more enjoyable than we expected! This hike was heavily trafficked and definitely the easiest of all the treks we embarked on. A mix of waterfalls, mountain views, lakes and woodland trees—what more could you want? Would definitely recommend this one for families. Parking is limited, so try to hit up this spot early as well.

TIP: There are unmarked waterfalls on this hike that are so beautiful, we didn’t even realize we hadn’t made it all the way to the last set of falls and turned around! Keep going—it’s worth it!

Distance: 1.7 miles (roundtrip)
Difficulty: 2.13 (easy)

two girls enjoying st marys falls at glacier national park

WILD GOOSE ISLAND

This one is a simple pull-over-the-side-of-the-road-and-get-a-shot kind of thing. Wild Goose Island reminded me a bit of Spirit Island in Maligne Lake (Jasper National Park, Canada). This adorable island is a photographer’s dream—especially on a calm day at St. Mary’s Lake (it was insanely windy when we visited!).

FUN FACT: Wild Goose Island is the tiny island in the first scene of Stanley Kubrick’s film, “The Shining.”

HIGHLINE TRAIL (TO GRINNELL GLACIER OVERLOOK)

Distance to Haystack Pass: 7.2 miles (roundtrip)
Distance to Granite Park Chalet: 14.9 miles (roundtrip)
Distance to Grinnell Glacier Overlook: 15.5 miles (roundtrip)
Difficulty: 21.16 (strenuous)
Parking: Logan Pass

This heavily trafficked hike is one of Glacier National Park’s most famous—and for good reason! While a difficult endeavor with narrow pathways (some cliffside with ropes for you to hold onto as you walk) and steep switchbacks, this hike is surrounded by beautiful views. If you go all the way (which we did not), you’ll be rewarded with an overlook view of Grinnell Glacier. Definitely want to revisit one day and do the complete hike!

girl hiking on highline trail in glacier national park

hiking on highline trail in glacier national park

everything to know for glacier national park - guide

Travel

10 Best Photo Spots in Shanghai

May 12, 2020April 4, 2023 Cherise and Shine

I’ve put off writing a blog post about Shanghai for so long. Not because I haven’t wanted to, but because it’s a place so close to my heart. This city that I’ve lived in throughout high school, the place that I call home. It’s impossible to know where to start or how to scratch the surface on this bustling city of 26 million people—it makes New York City feel like a suburb. More people live in Shanghai than in the ENTIRE COUNTRY of Australia.

Continue reading “10 Best Photo Spots in Shanghai” →

Europe, Travel

Everything to Know for Arctic Norway

January 11, 2020April 4, 2023 Cherise and Shine

As a native Southern Californian whose family trips usually consisted of beach and sand, I’m not sure I would have believed you if you told me that one day I’d consider northern Norway my favorite winter vacation. Yet one week, three aurora sightings, 1,000 km of driving, endless islands scattered with picturesque rorbu fishing houses and countless bowls of fish soup later, here we are. Continue reading “Everything to Know for Arctic Norway” →

Lifestyle, Travel

Top 10 Things to do in Lompoc, CA

September 13, 2019April 4, 2023 Cherise and Shine

In my mind, California’s central coast is one of the most beautiful and underrated regions in the state. When my husband and I had the chance to visit Lompoc one weekend with Explore Lompoc, we jumped at the opportunity! This area was first inhabited by the native Chumash people, and the name “Lompoc” is derived from the Purisimeño language meaning “lagoon.” Since then, the city was incorporated in 1888, and became known for its flowers, art, diatomite mine, Vanderberg Air Force base and wine.From our weekend in Lompoc, here were our top 10 favorite things to do:

VISIT THE HISTORIC LA PURISIMA MISSION

This beautiful mission is part of the La Purisima State Historic Park, which covers 1,928 acres of land. The mission was originally built in 1787 near the southern part of Lompoc city, but after an earthquake destroyed in the mission in 1812, it was relocated a few miles northeast. The mission was rebuilt in linear fashion to better withstand future earthquakes, making it the only California mission not designed in a quadrangle. This beautiful and uncrowded mission is my favorite in the state!

TAKE A SCENIC HIKE UP BODGER TRAIL

Bodger Trail is the top-rated hike in Lompoc. This steep 0.7 mile incline leads to a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the flower fields, making it a short but sweet climb to a beautiful vantage point.

GAZE UPON THE STUNNING LOMPOC FLOWER FIELDS

Speaking of flower fields! Lompoc is known as the “City of Arts and Flowers,” and also is known as the flower seed capital of the world. If you’re visiting between April and September, chances are you will see some beautiful blooms somewhere in the city—whether they be wildflowers or commercial flower fields. Be sure to check out Lompoc’s Flower Tracker before you go!

WANDER OLD TOWN LOMPOC’S MURALS

There are 40 murals distributed throughout this adorable small town, and a map for that can be found here. The murals highlight Lompoc’s heritage, and are a great way to learn more about the history, economy and culture of this adorable place. Swing by the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau to grab a map and tips on what to do/see along the route!

SUNBATHE AT JALAMA BEACH

Do the 30-minute drive from Lompoc town through some beautiful vineyards and rolling hills to get to Jalama Beach and catch some waves, nap in the sun, stroll along the coast or explore sea caves. You can also bring your furry friends ($3/dog) or try camping (starting at $30/night) here!

GO WINE TASTING IN THE WINE GHETTO

Taste some of the best wine that the Sta Rita Valley has to offer. Lompoc’s wines are delicious, and you can be sure that you’ll have some great conversations and meet wonderful people as you explore Lompoc’s Wine Ghetto! Our favorite winery is Montemar Wines, which has some amazing pinots/syrahs and a large outdoor patio complete with games, live music and an organic garden. Also, this spot features the first ever wine barrel ceiling!

GRAB A COFFEE AT SOUTHSIDE CAFÉ

This local favorite café features adorable, colorful art and some delicious coffee options. My favorite from here is the dark chocolate mocha with lavender! Southside Café sits right in the heart of Old Town Lompoc, and is a great starting point as you embark on your mural hunt.

EAT A TASTY MEAL AT HANGAR 7

Also located in the heart of Old Town Lompoc, Hangar 7 is a charming gastropub that has delicious flatbreads (all of which you can sub gluten-free crust for at no additional charge!) and local wine/beer options. The aviation theme is apparent all throughout the lounge, and you might even find a helmet signed by Elon Musk.

LOUNGE BY THE POOL

Lompoc has incredibly temperate climate and never really gets too hot or too cold. This is part of why it’s so ideal for growing flowers, and also makes the town a great place for a pool day! We enjoyed an afternoon lounging at the Hilton Garden Inn.

SWING BY THE OLD DRIVE-IN

This now abandoned drive-in theater is a great place to swing by for a quick photo on your way to the mission. Fun Fact: this drive-in was heavily featured in the 2004 film SIDEWAYS, starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Sandra Oh and Virginia Madsen.

BONUS: VISIT THE AMERICAN WILD HORSE SANCTUARY
We unfortunately didn’t have time to do this in our whirlwind weekend, but Lompoc’s Return to Freedom horse sanctuary is dedicated to preserving America’s wild horse population through conservation, advocacy and education. These 5,000 acres span four different locations and are home to over 500 horses and 42 burros. You can tour the sanctuary by reserving a photo safari in advance!

Lompoc is a beautiful and underrated California gem, and I hope I’ve helped convince you to add it to your list the next time you drive up the central coast!

This guide is written in partnership with Explore Lompoc. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you so much to the City of Lompoc for making our weekend here a trip to remember!

Travel

A Winter’s Weekend in Washington, D.C.

March 21, 2019April 4, 2023 Cherise and Shine

Both the capital of the United States and a strange district in neither Maryland nor Virginia, Washington, D.C. is the hub where all branches of the federal government operate. This political city center is filled with historically significant sites that are generally free to visit and instill a sense of wonderment in you. However you might feel about the U.S. government, this diversely cultured city rich in history and full of life should definitely be on your bucket list to visit.

I (fittingly) happened to visit this city for the very first time over Presidents’ Day weekend in February, taking a redeye flight on Friday after work to arrive early on Saturday morning and leaving first thing on Monday. Because winter is not peak season for D.C., we found affordable roundtrip tickets and were able to crash with some friends that lived in Virginia (I’ve heard that sakura blossom season is AMAZING, but crowded and expensive!). Here are some of the things we loved seeing during our jam-packed weekend in the nation’s capital!

1. THE MONUMENTS

I’m not even sure where to begin with these. Each one is amazing in its own remarkable way, and they’re all FREE to visit. But let me walk you through all the places we went to:

LINCOLN MEMORAL

The very first thing we did off the plane at 6:30am was hop in our friends’ car and head straight to the Lincoln Memorial. Not only is this national monument an incredible historical location that honors one of the most beloved U.S. presidents and has been the site of many famous speeches (e.g. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech), but this spot is also a BEAUTIFUL place to watch the sunrise. I would highly recommend coming here early in the morning so that you can peacefully take in the sights in all its glory.

PHOTO TIP: The view of the Washington Monument from across the Reflecting Pool is truly something to behold. Another prime photo spot is from inside the memorial looking out at the Washington Monument through the pillars!

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL

I have to say—the Jefferson Memorial moved me far more than I expected it to. I found myself tearing up as I read the excerpts of Jefferson’s writings in the interior of the memorial. I’ve also heard that this spot (sitting just across the water from the Washington Monument) is an incredible place to watch the sunset.

WASHINGTON MONUMENT

This obelisk might be the most quintessential and recognizable D.C. building. Chances are you’ve seen it in some book, film or TV show (we missed HANDMAID’S TALE filming here by just a day). Apart from how notable its structure is, the Washington Monument is obviously a hugely significant historical symbol. The monument is currently closed, but should reopen in Spring 2019.

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

This 2-acre memorial honors the service of those who fought in the Vietnam War. There have certainly been some controversies around the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, but it is a beautiful tribute to visit, and really stands out in my memory of places we visited in D.C.

NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL

Usually, this memorial is accompanied by a beautiful fountain. But even in the dead of winter when it’s silent and eerie, the WWII Memorial is still a beautiful and significant site to see and take in somberly.

There are many other incredible monuments we unfortunately did not have time to see (e.g. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Albert Einstein Memorial, Peace Monument, American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, etc.)

WHAT: National Monuments
WHERE: Scattered around the National Mall and elsewhere
WHEN: Generally open 24 hours
COST: FREE!

2. SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS

Okay, I will be the first to admit that I did NOT realize that when people said “the Smithsonian,” it wasn’t just ONE museum. The Smithsonian Institution Museums are 19 (YES, 19) museums, galleries, gardens and a ZOO. Two of the museums are in New York, but the others are in D.C.—11 of which are on the National Mall.

(Oh, I also did not realize that when people referred to the “National Mall,” it wasn’t an actual mall. Yes, I know. I’m going to blame it on the fact that I did not grow up in the U.S.)

But, anyway! These museums are incredible, and they are FREE. We barely made a dent (we visited the museums of American History, Air and Space, American Art and the Hirshhorn), but I definitely fell in love with the American History Museum. Seeing the original Star-Spangled Banner that inspired our national anthem was surprisingly moving, and left me in awe. There are some fascinating presidential exhibits here as well.

WHAT: Incredible Museums
WHERE: Scattered around the National Mall
WHEN: Generally open 10:00am – 5:30pm(ish), but check the specific museum’s hours ahead!
COST: FREE!

3. THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM

Admittedly, this spot would be far more beautiful in the spring. Or summer. Or fall. But hey, it’s still a truly breathtaking spot in the winter! The U.S. National Arboretum is a 446-acre wonderland filled with beautiful trails, gardens and even a captivating bonsai museum. But the most magnificent thing here is the National Capitol Columns—22 Corinthian columns that supported the U.S. Capitol building in 1828.

WHAT: Arboretum/Gardens
WHERE: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
WHEN: Open 8:00am – 5:00pm (except for Christmas Day)
COST: FREE!

4. CAPITOL BUILDING

I unfortunately don’t have much to say about the Capitol Building except that we came, we saw it and we took photos. We were here for sunset, but I honestly wouldn’t recommend it as a prime sunset-viewing location (as stated earlier, if I could do it over again, I’d probably go to the Jefferson Monument and watch the sunset there). If we were to return, I may make a reservation for a tour—which you can do for free and in advance here.

WHAT: Capitol Building
WHERE: First St SE, Washington, DC 20004
WHEN: 9:00am – 5:00pm
COST: FREE!

5. GEORGETOWN

It’s hard to express in words how much I love this entire area. There are so many adorable shops and facades, it’s impossible to walk around without taking a million pictures. Oh, the university is also pretty cool to check out. But in general, the town part is the cutest. There are also tons of adorable cafes and bakeries (Georgetown Cupcakes and Baked & Wired come to mind!).

6. THE WHARF

Did you know Washington, D.C. is home to the nation’s longest continually operating open-air fish market? …Yeah, I also had no idea until I started writing this. BUT! We stumbled upon this District Wharf after eating lunch at Toastique (which is an AMAZING Australian brunch place and you must go), and we had so much fun wandering around here together. Forgive me for not taking photos of the adorable wharf with its swings and fireplaces, but please accept these delicious toast shots instead.

7. THE BLIND WHINO

This 19^th century church is a super colorful, fun building that tends to host rotating exhibits, whether art or hip-hop. But, admittedly…to me, Blind Whino is pretty much just a photo spot. So stop by, snap your photos and then head back to the National Mall!

8. DUPONT CIRCLE

Dupont Circle is a super cute area to walk around with lots of adorable coffee shops, bookstores and bars. Enough said.

PLACES WE DIDN’T GO THAT WE WANTED TO VISIT

I am very proud of all that we visited in our two days, but this list of places we DIDN’T make it to is also rather long. Certainly makes me sad, but also happy because it means that we have many (MANY) reasons to return to D.C. someday:

National Archives Museum (The Declaration of Independence, Constitution AND Bill of Rights are all here!!)
Library of Congress
Chinatown (I particularly would love to get a photo with the Friendship Archway)
Washington National Cathedral
The Kennedy Center
The Watermelon House
The Observation Deck at CEB Tower
Blagden Alley
Union Market
The White House
Ford’s Theatre
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
United States Botanic Garden
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Supreme Court of the United States
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/embed?mid=1-N_MRyTfzLqu3-Nu2NvKXxCfugMOIYrE&w=640&h=480]

Lifestyle, Travel

The Ultimate Santa Barbara Weekend Getaway

March 11, 2019April 4, 2023 Cherise and Shine

Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is a quintessential California coastal city filled with natural wonders and Spanish-style architectural charm. Whether for a fun girls’ trip or a romantic couples’ escape, you can bet Santa Barbara will be the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend.

Continue reading “The Ultimate Santa Barbara Weekend Getaway” →

Lifestyle, Travel

Hotel Review: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

March 11, 2019April 4, 2023 Cherise and Shine

Few things make me sing, “California, here we come,” more than driving up the 101 to Santa Barbara. The ocean views, swaying palm trees and blue skies will draw you in, but staying at a place like the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort really seals the deal and makes you never want to leave this beautiful coastal town.

Continue reading “Hotel Review: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort” →

Lifestyle, Travel

24 Hours in Death Valley National Park

February 16, 2019April 4, 2023 Cherise and Shine

I am so excited to share with you guys about Death Valley, and truly don’t know why it took me so long to finally visit. We were only here for 24 hours, but even so, this strange destination left such an impact on me. Few places have made me feel more like I’m on another planet than this jaw-dropping landscape.

This desert national park located on the border of California and Nevada is truly otherworldly, has become one of my favorite road trips to take from Southern California. The harsh climate and fascinating history from the Native American inhabitants to the craze of the Gold Rush and mining colonies make this land lost in time a fascinating place, and exploring the scattered ghost towns or ruins will cause you to feel like you’re in the Wild West.

Continue reading “24 Hours in Death Valley National Park” →

Lifestyle, South America, Travel

Hotel Review: Skylodge Adventure Suites

February 4, 2019April 4, 2023 Cherise and Shine

If you’ve ever wanted to sleep suspended high up from a cliff in a transparent pod, look no further. Tucked away in the Sacred Valley of Peru and just a couple hours drive away from Cusco, this one-of-a-kind experience will take you cliffside above the Urubamba River.

Chances are you’ve seen this unique hotel somewhere on Facebook, Instagram or Buzzfeed if you enjoy perusing unique travel experiences. I can’t remember the exact platform on which I first saw this hotel, but just a quick video of the world’s first-ever “hanging lodge,” and I was immediately sold. My husband and I decided if we were ever going to Peru, we simply HAD to do this.

So let’s be honest—the experience is not cheap. We paid something like $445 USD per person, plus $85 USD for the photo package. But let’s break down what it includes:

Pickup in Cusco
Transportation to Urubamba’s Sacred Valley
A quick Via Ferrata lesson
Gear/equipment to climb 400 meters up the mountain
A delicious multi-course dinner, complete with wine
Overnight stay
Breakfast with coffee
Ziplining down the mountain
Transportation to wherever you’re going next (most people get driven back to Cusco, but we asked to be transported to the Ollantaytambo train station as we were continuing on to Machu Picchu)

And as far as the photo package is concerned, it’s 100% worth the splurge. Our photographer, Diego, would speedily climb past us and hang off of cliffs to get the photos of us. It’s worth capturing the memories for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and also a lot safer than (and not nearly as stressful as) trying to take photographs yourself!

There are only three pods (each can hold 2-4 people), so reservations naturally run out quickly for this experience. We booked our sky pod six months in advance of our Peru trip, and already we snagged the last available slots! Each pod has beds, solar-powered lights, a bathroom (with a “dry toilet” system) and a 300 degree view of the valley below.

We got picked up in Cusco’s San Blas district around 2:00pm, and transported to the Sacred Valley. After a quick review of how to do Via Ferrata and getting fitted into our harnesses, we were on our way, climbing up the mountain. Random buses filled with tourists would occasionally stop below us to watch us climb, shouting at us and cheering us on.

At the 300 meter point (almost 1,000 feet!), we hit a suspension “bridge” of tightrope wires. We were told to walk across—and to push AWAY from the wall (toward nothingness) as we crossed the rope. Okay, no big deal. I reached up for the wires and made a comment about possibly being too short. One of our guides then proceeded to tell us that a 6-year-old did this, so we were fine. Alrighty then.

In total, we climbed up 400 meters (1,300+ feet). But the pods that we slept in were a slight decline from the highest point we reached, which meant we slept at 300 meters up. That’s still the equivalent of climbing a 90-story building, though!

We hung up our helmets and gloves, and ate a dinner in the main communal pod that our guides prepared on a stovetop hanging off the rocks in the cliff. A truly unique thing to witness!

The food was prepared from frozen ingredients they carried in their backpacks, and we ate a squash soup, salad, a quinoa/chicken dish and dessert. They even were able to accommodate my allergy restrictions, and had a separate gluten-free banana bread that I could eat for dessert when they gave everyone else brownies! They also gave each couple (there were six of us total) a bottle of wine.

We conversed over our meal as it started to rain. After dinner, we were told we’d need to climb further to get to our rooms, and my husband and I were specifically told ours was the furthest and most difficult to get to. “Be careful, because it’s also dark and very slippery when it rains,” they said. My mind was racing, wondering why I had JUST drank wine. But we made it up to our pod without issue, climbed onto the wooden deck and then down into the room as though descending into a submarine. Our feet hit the bottom of the pod, and we were immediately excited by the adorable setup we saw before us.

It’s hard to get to sleep here, not because it’s uncomfortable (the bed was sooo soft), but because sleep almost feels like a waste of time. Here we were, lying in a bed far above the ground and surrounded by incredible views of the valley below—what were we doing sleeping?! In hindsight, I definitely would’ve set an alarm to wake up more than an hour before breakfast so we could sit on our little patio with the pillows/blankets they provided for us and taken in the breathtaking views.

We ate our breakfast at 7:00am, which was complete with coffee, juice, eggs, granola, fruit, yogurt and luncheon meats/cheese. We then headed back to our individual pods to pack up and take some final photos in the room.

Diego, the photographer, was hanging off the side of a cliff with his camera and snapping shots from the outside looking in at us in the pod. We had a blast during this 20-minute photoshoot, and it definitely wasn’t something we could have done on our own!!!

After this, everyone met up at the top pod (ours) and climbed further up the mountain to find a trail. We wandered down the first of six zipline wires, and began or zigzag descent to the ground. One of the ziplines is even 600 meters (2,000 feet) long!!!

We hit the ground, and suddenly we were back in reality and our night in the clouds was just a precious memory. We continued on our way to Ollantaytambo, and were even given snacks for our journey. All in all, this experience was the highlight of our trip—which is saying something when you consider all the amazing sights that Peru has to offer!

Price per person:

OVERNIGHT
Via Ferrata + Zipline + 1 night –1,475 Soles (approx. $445 USD)
Zipline + 1 night – 1,385 Soles (approx. $417 USD)
Via Ferrata + 1 night – 1,385 Soles (approx. $417 USD)

LUNCH ONLY
Via Ferrata + Zipline + Lunch – 860 Soles (approx. $260 USD)
Via Ferrata + Lunch – 770 Soles (approx. $232 USD)
Zipline + Lunch – 770 Soles (approx. $232 USD)

(We definitely recommend doing the overnight and both the Via Ferrata and Zipline, if you can! It’s two incredible and unique activities that my husband and I both felt made the whole experience complete.)

South America, Travel

The Ultimate Photo Guide to Cusco

January 25, 2019April 4, 2023 Cherise and Shine

If you’re in Peru and heading to Macchu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Maras Salt Mines, Moray Ruins, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) or Humuntay Lake, chances are you will spend a significant amount of time in Cusco.

Cusco (or Cuzco/Qosqo) was the capital of the Inca Empire from the 13^th until the 16^th century. This “navel of the world” boasts a rich history, and showcases a remarkable clash of cultures from Inca ruins to Spanish churches. At 3,400 meters (11,200 feet) up, you’ll likely stay a few days here to acclimate to the altitude before going on any physically taxing expeditions—and lucky for you, it’s one of the most picturesque and unique cities ever to spend time in! So while you’re in Cusco, here’s what you must see:

PLAZA DE ARMAS

The main square of Cusco is a picturesque plaza surrounded by a mix of churches, tourist shops and fast food chains. (Confession: I did go to the Starbucks…twice.)

Sure, it’s touristy. But also, you must go. In fact, it would be pretty impossible to visit Cusco without passing through here at least once. You can see the beautiful Catedral del Cuzco and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús and get some lovely photos in front of these breathtaking buildings, and also try your luck at some snaps in the gardens or by the fountains. (In hindsight, all churches in Cusco are beautiful and many have an admittance fee, so I’m wishing we had gotten a Cusco Religious Circuit Ticket to combine our visits at a discounted price! But some of these churches will give you an entrance discount if you have a student ID on you.)

Where: PLAZA MAYOR CENTRO DE, Peru

When: If you want to miss crowds, you’ve gotta get there BEFORE Cusco Cathedral’s 6am mass. If this is too early for you (no judgment—it was hard for us, too), just try popping in periodically throughout the day. It’s usually quite busy, but you might get lucky!

SAQSAYWAMAN (or Sacsayhuamán, Sacsahuaman and half a dozen other variations of spelling)

The ruins of this formidable citadel are just north of the city center (and what felt like a million steps up a steep hill from San Blas). This fortress was one of the last strongholds of the Incas against the Spanish Conquistadors, and following the Siege of Cusco, was sadly used as a source for stonework to build Spanish buildings. Now, this site is largely demolished, but even what’s left behind is rich in history and eerily beautiful.

(Side note, Saqsaywaman sits right near a field of alpacas to hang out with! But fair warning, they’re not super friendly. I saw one guy get kicked!)

Cost: There are a variety of tourist tickets you can purchase for Saqsaywaman, and most will include other destinations lumped into the price. We purchased partial tourist tickets (the most affordable option) that included Saqsaywaman, Q’enpo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay for 70 soles (about $21 USD) each person. We unfortunately only had enough time to visit Saqsaywaman, but would love to visit the other sites someday when we have more time.

Hours: 7am – 5:30pm

When: This site is so large that it’s easy to find a clear photo spot, even if you’re here in the afternoon on a weekend (like us). I would say you should just visit at whatever point is most convenient for you during the day.

MINOR BASILICA DE LA MERCED (CHURCH AND COVENANT OF OUR LADY OF MERCY)

Just a couple blocks down from the famed Plaza de Armas sits this beautiful, quiet monastery. Walking inside will fill you with a sense of wonderment, and we marveled at how empty the inside of the building was. There are no photos allowed inside the art exhibits, but you can take photos inside the beautifully manicured courtyard and feel yourself being transported to Europe.

Cost: 10 soles (roughly $3 USD)

When: We visited in the late morning (around 11am), and found the church empty and quiet, save for two other tourists.

SAN BLAS DISTRICT

We spent our first Cusco evening in this part of the city, and we’re so glad we did because this turned out to be our favorite neighborhood! Boasting charmingly narrow streets, hipster coffee shops, trendy boutiques, old churches, delicious restaurants and amazing views of the city, San Blas is an incredibly unique part of Cusco. I highly recommend that you either stay or explore here.

When: I would advise roaming this area in the early morning. In the late morning to mid afternoon, it gets more crowded with both tourists and taxis. But any time you visit here will still be lovely.

QORIKANCHA (CONVENTO DE SANTO DOMINGO)

Qorikancha was by far the most fascinating stop for us in Cusco. This was once the temple of the sun and the most important religious spot for the Incas, but was built over as the Santo Domingo church and convent for the Spanish. While the majority of this church looks European in design, some of the foundation is still the original Inca stonework.

In addition to the unique juxtaposition of architectural styles, Qorikancha has a beautiful outdoor garden that’s worth a look.

Cost: 15 soles (roughly $5 USD)

Open: 8:30am – 5:30pm

Where: Santo Domingo s/n, Cusco 08000, Peru

When: We went in the late afternoon, but found that they were just about to close and we had to rush through. Early morning would probably be the best time to visit here.

L’ATELIER CAFÉ CONCEPT

This could have been lumped into the general San Blas bullet point as an aforementioned hipster coffee shop, but we went here multiple times and it felt cute enough to get its own paragraph. This café was one of our favorite spots for coffee, juice and snacks! And it has a beautiful view of the streets of San Blas.

Open: 8:15am – 7pm

Where: Atoqsayk’uchi, Cusco 08000, Peru

When: Whenever you’re on the street below, just look up and see whether the most ideal window seat overlooking the streets of San Blas is unoccupied. If nobody’s there, GO FOR IT!

TWELVE ANGLED STONE

This stone is one of the most famous examples of Incan architecture, and is part of the wall for the Archbishop’s Palace in Cusco (a popular Moorish-style museum). Since the stone is on the outer wall, it’s worth walking by on your way from Plaza de Armas to the San Blas district.

twelve-angled-stone-cusco-peru — NOTE: I am not near the actual specific 12-angled stone in this shot. It was too crowded, so I settled for this other wall spot. You know.

Where: Calle Hatunrumiyoc 480, Cusco 08000, Peru

When: As is evidenced by my photo NOT actually with the 12-angled stone, it gets very crowded in this alleyway midday. If you want to get a good look at the stone, I’d suggest early morning.

IGLESIA DE SAN CRISTOBAL

San Cristobal is another church located on a hillside overlooking the main square of Cusco. While it’s quite difficult to make the trek up if you’re not acclimated to the altitude yet, the views are really something spectacular. The bell tower in particular is a great vantage point!

Where: Resbalosa, Cusco 08000, Peru

SAN PEDRO MARKET

This is one of the most vibrant markets in Cusco, and visiting will fill your eyes, ears and nostrils with so many different colors, sounds and smells. This is a fun place to peruse and could even be a one stop shop for food and souvenirs—as long as you have no issues with bartering!

Open: 9am – 6pm

Where: On Calle Santa Clara between Thupaq Amaru & Cascaparo

CRISTO BLANCO

If I’m being honest, the only reason to stop by here is if you’re already headed to Saqsaywaman, since they’re a 5-10 minute walk from each other. The views are lovely looking down on Cusco, and it’s fun to see the 8-meters (26-feet) Cristo Blanco. However, it’s very difficult to take photos with him due to a fence that was put up around him.