Ralda Robles

03/01/2026

Cusco, this time you tested me in ways I didn’t know I needed.

The altitude and lack of sleep put me in a mental state I wasn’t ready for. Even with all the energy I had to explore, I did all things with a headache, stomach twirls and almost no oxygen. There were tears, groans, laughs and lots of coca tea, but we made it to the end with stories we’ll share forever.

To Ana, thank you for always showing your curiosity for our cuisine, traditions and the humility of my people. Thank you for crying with me at a sacred temple, pushing yourself on the Andes mountains when I couldn’t, galloping on horses 14k+ ft up a mountain, pretending we didn’t know English so we wouldn’t get overcharged, and sharing chicken noodle soup 3 days in a row. Third Cusco trip really was the charm thanks to you.

Tupanachiskama (till we meet again), Cusquito

02/24/2026

I may have a full Lima guide up my sleeves, but this will do for now. (someone hold me accountable) ᥫ᭡.

This was my first visit to Lima during the peak of their summer, so everything looked entirely different. Sunsets were not to be missed and I had forgotten what it was like to live in such a loud city. Drivers everywhere communicating with their horns and fruit vendors yelling out the medicinal benefits of lucuma, pitaya and granadilla.

Solo travel never feels lonely here since there’s always a kind smile, someone hoping to learn about you, or feed you. Every bite happened to be the best thing I’ve tasted and the tears flowed thinking back to the family I once had. The picarones I’d knead with my great grandma, the ceviche my uncle was so proud of and the mazamorra morada that I’d smear on my lips because my aunt said it’s “natural lipstick.” They were so special to me and so is this place.

02/05/2026

Resumen 1:

• First meal in the city at
• Visiting
• Barranco art studio tours
• Fishing on Costa Verde with paddles
• Trying for dinner and going back for brunch
• Best Nikkei experience of my life with
• Buying fresh superfoods and fruits from the jungle
• Finding my childhood favorites like Olluco while grocery shopping

02/02/2026

You guys don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do something like this (more to come). Thankful for all of my inspiring friendships ❥

01/20/2026

That time the sun came and never left

01/11/2026

Another nyc dump? No problem!

01/05/2026