It has been a while since my last update, but we are having a truly great start to 2026. This Friday, I am finally setting off on a long-awaited 18-day adventure to Peru and Bolivia—a trip that has been on my radar for quite some time. From the historic citadel of Machu Picchu to the vast, mirror-like expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats, I am looking forward to soaking in every moment of this incredible landscape.
In the Clouds: Qantas & LATAM
The journey begins with a bit of a personal quest. For the long transpacific crossing from Sydney to Santiago, I will be trying out the Qantas B787 Premium Economy for the first time. While I have reviewed many premium cabins, this marks my first time testing the Premium Economy experience on such a long-haul route. I am curious to see if the seat and service justify the step up in price for those marathon flights across the ocean.
In between flights, I will be spending time at the Santiago Premium Lounge and the Lima Premium LATAM Lounge, which recently opened its doors in August 2025. I am particularly interested in the overall ambiance and the level of comfort these spaces provide as a sanctuary for international travelers navigating the region.
Mountains, Trails, and Trenches
The transition into the heart of the Andes starts with a touch of old-world glamour. I will be hopping on the Hiram Bingham train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, eager to enjoy the atmosphere of those 1920s-style Pullman carriages and the curated dining on board. Once we reach the high altitudes, we are taking a more mechanized approach to the terrain; I will be summiting Rainbow Mountain by ATV and exploring the Temple of the Moon and Chacan Mountain on horseback.
In Bolivia, the adventure gets even more rugged. Our 4x4 expedition across the Uyuni Salt Flats will take us through the haunting beauty of the "train graveyard" and the local settlement of Colchani. These landscapes are famously difficult to capture in their true scale, but I hope to document the unique atmosphere and vastness of these isolated corners of the world.
The Heart of Peruvian Flavor
To end the trip on a high note, I am making a culinary pilgrimage to Lima. I have managed to secure tables at two of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2025: Mayta and Kjolle. I cannot wait to share the stories behind these tasting menus and see how they celebrate the incredible diversity of ingredients and ecosystems found across Peru.
I will be posting detailed reviews and photo galleries here on the blog as the adventure unfolds. Stay tuned!
Talk soon,
Kelvin
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