Hello~ Everyone, Today I'm sharing my experience traveling to Latin America for our first anniversary! I have some useful information for you guys~ Shall we find out right away?
Have you ever wanted to surprise your significant other with an unforgettable trip? Well, that's exactly what I decided to do for our first wedding anniversary. Latin America had always been on our bucket list, so I thought it would be the perfect destination.
The planning process began three months before our anniversary date, and let me tell you, there were plenty of ups and downs along the way!
Latin America wasn't just a random choice for our anniversary celebration. We had been fascinated by the rich cultures, stunning landscapes, and of course, the amazing food for years.
The region offers such diverse experiences – from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant streets of Mexico City, the pristine beaches of Costa Rica to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia.
After much deliberation, we narrowed our options down to Mexico and Peru, eventually choosing to split our time between both countries to experience different aspects of Latin American culture.
| Destination | Main Attractions |
| Mexico City | Historical sites, Food scene, Vibrant culture |
| Oaxaca | Indigenous culture, Colonial architecture, Cuisine |
| Lima, Peru | Gastronomy capital, Museums, Coastal views |
| Cusco & Machu Picchu | Ancient ruins, Breathtaking landscapes, Inca history |
Let's talk about the actual flying experience, which is really what this review is all about! We booked our flights with LATAM Airlines for the journey from New York to Mexico City, and then onward to Lima.
The booking process was surprisingly smooth through their website, though I'd recommend comparing prices on various platforms as we found significant differences.
Our first flight to Mexico City was on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and I must say, it was more comfortable than I expected! The seats had decent legroom (I'm 6'1"), and the entertainment system was up-to-date with plenty of movie options.
The cabin crew were exceptionally friendly and attentive, which isn't always the case on international flights these days. 😊 They made a special announcement for our anniversary, which was such a sweet touch!
One of the challenges we faced was packing for different climates and activities. Mexico City and Lima have very different weather patterns, and then adding Cusco's mountain climate to the mix made it even trickier.
I highly recommend packing layers that you can easily add or remove. A lightweight rain jacket came in handy more than once during our trip!
Don't forget to bring a universal power adapter, as the outlets in Latin America can vary. Also, a portable charger is essential for those long days of exploration when you're taking hundreds of photos.
Speaking of photos, if you're a photography enthusiast like me, consider bringing a versatile lens rather than multiple heavy ones. I used a 24-105mm lens for almost everything and was quite satisfied with the results.
The food deserves its own section because it was absolutely one of the highlights of our trip! Latin American cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and often quite different from what you find in "Latin" restaurants back home.
In Mexico City, we took a street food tour that changed my life (not exaggerating!). From perfectly seasoned tacos al pastor to complex mole sauces, every bite was an adventure.
Lima is known as the gastronomic capital of South America, and it lived up to its reputation. We splurged on a meal at Central (one of the world's top restaurants), and the experience was worth every penny. Their menu takes you through different ecosystems and elevations of Peru!
Don't be afraid to try the local specialties, even if they sound unusual. Guinea pig (cuy) in Peru was definitely outside my comfort zone, but I'm glad I gave it a try!
For our actual anniversary day, I arranged a special dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Cusco with a view of the illuminated city. The staff went above and beyond with rose petals, champagne, and a special dessert.
We also had a private guide take us to a secluded spot near Machu Picchu where we renewed our vows - just the two of us with those ancient mountains as witnesses. It was truly magical and emotional. 💖
If you're planning an anniversary trip, I recommend setting aside at least one day specifically for celebration. Don't overplan - allow room for spontaneity and just enjoying each other's company in a beautiful setting.
| Latin America Travel | Anniversary Trip | LATAM Airlines |
| Machu Picchu | Mexico City | Peruvian Cuisine |
| Travel Packing | Romantic Getaway | Cultural Experience |
| Flight Review | Travel Tips | Couple Adventures |
Looking back, traveling to Latin America for our first anniversary was one of the best decisions we've made as a couple. Despite some minor hiccups (like my luggage being delayed for 24 hours in Mexico City), the overall experience was incredible.
If you're considering a similar trip, I would absolutely recommend it! Just make sure to plan ahead, especially for popular sites like Machu Picchu that require advance tickets.
Would we do it again? Absolutely! In fact, we're already planning our next Latin American adventure, possibly to Colombia or Chile for our third anniversary. 🌟
| Is Latin America safe for couples? | Like anywhere, it depends on the specific location. Tourist areas in Mexico and Peru felt very safe, but we still took common-sense precautions like not flashing valuables and staying aware of our surroundings. Researching safe neighborhoods before booking accommodations is essential. |
|---|---|
| What was the total budget for your trip? | For our 14-day trip including flights, accommodations, food, and activities, we spent approximately $6,000 total for two people. This included some splurges like the fancy anniversary dinner and a few luxury accommodations, but also budget-friendly options like street food and public transportation. |
| When is the best time to visit? | We went in May, which turned out to be perfect! It was shoulder season in both Mexico and Peru, meaning fewer crowds but still good weather. I would avoid the rainy season (roughly November-March) in Peru if you're planning to visit Machu Picchu, as trails can be muddy and views sometimes obscured. |
See you next time with a better topic 😊 Bye Bye~