Machu Picchu was the crown jewel of our three-week Peru adventure. Because of its status as a top bucket list destination, attendance is strictly controlled and reservations must be made at least two months in advance.

For those brave (or unorganized) enough to try it, a limited number of same-day tickets are sold, but we were told people line up in the middle of the night in hopes of getting one.

There are three different routes to experience the Inca citadel:

• Circuit 1 (Panoramic). Offers iconic views of the site from above.
• Circuit 2 (Classic). Here you enter the city and explore many of its main archaeological features.
• Circuit 3 (Royalty). Concentrates on the lower terraces, including temples and royal residences.

When we booked our 2-day, one-night trip, Wondrous Expeditions (the company we used) informed us only Circuit 1 was available. We were disappointed that we wouldn’t get to actually walk into the interior of Machu Picchu, but said, “Oh well, it is what it is. Le...