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Machu Picchu I have been thinking for a while about what I felt when I saw Machu Picchu in person for the first time. Honestly, I remember feeling overwhelmed by all of it. Not just by the Inca ruins themselves, but by the entire journey and experience that brought me to this very place. Writing about this experience feels like I am re-experiencing it all over again, but this time, I get to see it from a different perspective—the Stella who was there then, and the Stella who

Salkantay Mountain There are moments when I look back at my life and wonder how all the pieces fit together. Some memories are painful. Some are filled with laughter. Others make me question everything. It’s like going for a run until your lungs burn. Every instinct tells you to stop, yet somehow you find another step. Another breath. Another kilometre. I’ve realised life works the same way. The moments that make you want to quit don’t always mean you’ve reached your limit. S

Do you ever feel an unexplainable pull the moment you land in a new city? It’s more than simply liking a place and saying, “I think I could live here.” It’s something deeper. As if the city is quietly calling you in a way no other place ever has. A feeling that’s impossible to explain, yet impossible to ignore. That’s exactly how Cusco felt to me. The moment I stepped off the plane and walked out of the airport, I was completely enchanted. The city looked as though it had bee

Sunset in Ica Desert As I sat on my bus—yes, the same bus I missed the previous morning, I observed my surroundings and saw people of different ages, from countries and in different stages of life. A guy from Ireland celebrating his birthday, a woman with two of her kids, a couple and a group of friends having a girls trip. It’s clear to me then; If you really want something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse. Sailing Through Ballestas Island and Paracas

Sunset in Plaza De Armas Cusco My first time in Peru completely changed the way I travel. A couple of weeks ago, someone asked what my favorite country was. Without hesitation, I answered “Peru.” I couldn’t think of a reason that would make me not want to go back. Yes! It’s that good! Incredible, really. Why Peru? In the beginning, I didn't really know what kind of traveler I am. I know I like the ocean, nature in general and love traveling, but not exactly sure what I was lo