Peru Is More Than Machu Picchu: A Queer Woman’s Travel Diary
Peru is full of wonder, but for LGBTQ+ women, it’s more than bucket-list photos and ancient ruins. It’s a place to laugh at high altitudes, bond over ceviche and pisco sours, and experience history with a chosen family who truly understands you.
From the colourful streets of Cusco to the sacred stillness of Lake Humantay, Peru invites you in—not just to explore, but to belong. Here’s a glimpse into what makes this destination unforgettable.
1. Cusco: Where History, Heart, and Queer Energy Converge
Cusco welcomes you with open arms and open skies. The cobblestone streets, vibrant textiles, and layered cultural history create a vibrant heartbeat you can feel in your chest. It’s where Indigenous roots meet Spanish architecture, and modern queer joy meets ancient energy.
Here, your journey begins. You’re sipping coca tea, browsing San Pedro Market, and catching your breath in Plaza de Armas. You’re not just adjusting to the altitude—you’re grounding yourself in something bigger.
Why it matters: Cusco invites you to connect—to culture, to yourself, and to your new queer travel family.
2. Rainbow Mountain: A Real-Life Pride Flag at 17,000 Feet
Vinicunca, famously known as Rainbow Mountain, is more than a scenic Instagram moment. It’s a 17,000-foot affirmation of everything colourful, bold, and resilient—just like you.
The hike is challenging, but worth every step. Along the way, your group becomes a support system—swapping encouragement, sharing snacks, and celebrating each other at the summit. When you reach the top, it hits you: this moment is yours.
Why it matters: Climbing Rainbow Mountain isn’t just about the view. It’s about the pride, perseverance, and shared celebration it took to get there.
3. Machu Picchu: Wonder, Stillness, and Sisterhood
No photo does Machu Picchu justice. As the mist lifts and the ruins come into focus, you feel the centuries of spirit held in this sacred place. And beside you? Queer women who laugh with you, hold space for you, and honour the silence with you.
It’s not about the perfect selfie. It’s about witnessing greatness together, feeling small in the best way, and knowing this moment will stay with you long after you leave.
Why it matters: Shared awe creates a deep connection. In Machu Picchu, you don’t just see history—you become part of a new one.
4. Sacred Valley: Where Culture, Colour, and Queer Connection Flourish
In the Sacred Valley, every corner tells a story. From ancient salt terraces to villages full of weavers, this is where you learn through experience, touching the fabric, tasting the traditions, and dancing to music that feels both new and familiar.
Here, shopping isn’t just shopping. It’s exchanging smiles with artisans, learning about dyes made from flowers, and finding that one textile that speaks to your soul.
Why it matters: This isn’t passive tourism. It’s queer travellers engaging deeply, respectfully, and joyfully.
5. Beyond the Itinerary: Queer Joy in Every Altitude
Even in places without a defined LGBTQ+ scene, queer joy finds a way. It shows up in the little things: someone saving you a seat, a shared playlist on the bus, the quiet comfort of being seen.
Whether you're stargazing in the Andes or opening up about your journey over dinner, Peru gives you space to feel safe, soft, and celebrated.
Why it matters: You don’t need nightlife to feel visible. You just need the right people—and the courage to show up fully.
Final Thought: Peru Isn’t Just a Destination. It’s a Turning Point.
You won’t just return with souvenirs. You’ll return changed by the stories, the laughter, and the women who walked beside you every step of the way.
Ready for Your Own Peru Chapter?
Join a Ladies Touch Travel group trip and discover why Peru is more than just a stop on your bucket list.
It’s where queer joy, ancient wonder, and chosen family come together—one unforgettable moment at a time.
