Peru: The Kingdom of the Sun 🇵🇪

Day 1: Touchdown & Dune Adrenaline

🚀 Arrival Strategy: Skipping Lima (For Now)

Fresh off the plane at 06:30 AM at Jorge Chávez Airport, we made a key decision: bypass Lima entirely. The capital's traffic is legendary (and terrible), so we decided to flee directly south.

This move pays off twice: we gain real travel time and leave the Lima sightseeing for the very last day, ensuring we are close to the airport before our flight home (a safety buffer against the unexpected).

🚌 The Escape South (Ica)

Thanks to the Maya Mobile eSIM (which activated itself the moment we touched down), we ordered an Uber directly from the app to the Cruz del Sur bus station (Av. Javier Prado). The ride takes about 35-40 mins if traffic allows.

For around €16 (60-70 Soles), we caught the 08:00 AM bus to Ica.
💡 The Hack: The seats are VIP sleeper style, so we used those 4 hours to sleep and crush the jet lag before arriving in Ica.

🏎️ Pisco, History & Buggies

By 13:00, we were in Ica. We were picked up by the transport for the 2-Day Ica & Paracas Tour (this way, we avoided haggling with taxis while hauling our luggage). The afternoon was a crescendo of intensity:

• Plaza de Armas & Cathedral: A reality check. Here, you can see the scars of past earthquakes and the local devotion to the Lord of Luren.
• Regional Museum: Not your typical boring museum. Seeing the mummies and the elongated skulls of the Paracas and Nazca cultures will give you goosebumps.
• Pisco Tasting: We learned that Pisco is a religion here. We visited a traditional winery where, among ancient clay jars, we did the mandatory tasting. Heads up: it goes down smooth and sweet, but in the desert heat, it hits you fast.

🏜️ Huacachina: The Sand Rollercoaster

But the main event came at the end. The Ica desert stretches 100km to the sea, and in the middle, like a mirage, appears the Huacachina lagoon.

Here, we boarded the famous dune buggies. It's pure adrenaline: the drivers launch down vertical dunes as if it were a rollercoaster. At the top, we brought out the sandboards. You can go down standing up (if you know how to snowboard) or lying down (penguin style). Eat sand and scream!

🍔 Street Food Dinner & First Ceviche

Around 19:00, the tour dropped us at the hotel. A quick shower (you'll find sand in places you didn't know existed) and out to the streets.

We moved away from the tourist zone looking for authenticity. First came a street burger for less than €2 (delicious!), and then we entered a modest local spot to make our debut with Peruvian cuisine: Classic Ceviche and an Arroz Chaufa (Peruvian-Chinese fried rice, a distant cousin of special fried rice but much tastier).

Day 2: Marine Wildlife, Red Desert & The Overnight Bus

Rise and shine at 07:00 AM. We had a hearty breakfast at the hotel (always a plus when included) and were picked up to head to the coast.
Here the squad grew: we met up with our friend who had been backpacking Peru for a month. From this point on, we are 3 backpackers ready for the road!

🐧 Ballestas Islands: The 'Poor Man's Galapagos'

We arrived at the Paracas pier, and the smell of salt filled the air. We boarded a speedboat, and the ocean welcomed us with full force. On the way, the day's first mystery appeared:

• The Candelabra: A giant geoglyph etched into the sandy slope. It points to the sea and has remained intact for centuries. Pirates? Aliens? No one knows.
• Ballestas Islands: The noise is deafening. Thousands of sea lions fighting for a rock, the sky black with guano birds, and, with luck, the clumsy Humboldt penguins. The smell is strong, but the raw wildlife spectacle is breathtaking.
• National Reserve: Back on land, we switched gears. The red desert clashes against the intense blue of the sea at Playa Roja and Yumaque. It is a Martian landscape.

🏜️ National Reserve & Seafood Feast

Back on solid ground, we took the land tour of the Paracas National Reserve. It is a Martian landscape where the red desert crashes against the blue sea. We passed by Playa Roja and Yumaque. Get your cameras ready!

For lunch, we stopped at Restaurante El Che, near Lagunillas. Here we treated ourselves: Fresh Ceviche, Fish Chicharrón (fried fish chunks), and pitchers of Chicha Morada and Maracuyá (Passion Fruit) to toast our reunion.

🥪 The Wait in Ica & Takeaway 'Sánguches'

The tour dropped us back in Ica around 16:00. We had some dead time before the bus, so we went to Plaza 125 (near the Plaza de Armas) to kill time.

⚠️ Peruvian Reality Check: Service here is sloooow. Take it easy ('Peruvian time'). We took the opportunity to order some takeaway Sánguches (Peruvian sandwiches): highly recommend the Chicharrón (pork) or the Ají de Gallina ones. These will be your dinner on the road.

Day 3: Arequipa, The White City

We pulled into Arequipa around 08:40 AM after our first sleeper bus (mission accomplished!). First order of business: free our backs. We found a hostel near the tour starting point that stored our backpacks for €4 (15-20 Soles). A bit of a 'tourist price' for Peru, but after a night on the road, convenience is non-negotiable.

⛪ Sillar, Mummies & Colors

To get our bearings, we started with a Free Walking Tour. It is essential to understand why this city shines so bright (literally). Highlights included:

• San Lázaro District: Narrow winding streets and houses made of sillar, the local white volcanic stone.
• Plaza de Armas: Probably the most beautiful square in Peru, with the Misti volcano looming behind the cathedral.
• Mundo Alpaca: The perfect ending, feeding alpacas and llamas (watch out, they spit if they get cranky!).

🔴 Indigo Blue & Rust Red

Once finished, we entered the Santa Catalina Monastery. It's not just a convent; it's a citadel within the city. Its streets, painted in intense indigo blue and rust red, contrast sharply with the white sillar. It is, without a doubt, the most photogenic spot in all of Arequipa. Get lost in its cloisters and ancient kitchens.

🐹 The Guinea Pig Challenge (Cuy)

The guide recommended the traditional 'picantería' El Mundial. We didn't come here to play it safe: we ordered Cuy Chactado.

It is a guinea pig fried under a flat stone so the skin gets crispy like a cracker. We know seeing it whole (feet and head included) can be a shock, but it is an Andean delicacy with centuries of history. The taste? A mix between rabbit and chicken, but richer. Be brave!

🌋 Yanahuara Viewpoint

To walk off the meal, we strolled through the San Camilo Market tasting fruits that look like they came from another planet (granadilla, chirimoya...). Then we took an Uber (very cheap and safe here) to the Yanahuara district.

Its famous sillar arches frame the photo everyone is looking for: the white city with the imposing Misti Volcano (5,822m) dominating the skyline.

As night fell, we picked up our bags, freshened up in the hostel bathroom, and grabbed a quick dinner at Pollo Real (good, nice, and cheap).

At 22:00h our second night bus departed for Puno (€23).
⚠️ Important Warning: This leg is short (6h 30min). Try to sleep as soon as you board, because tomorrow we wake up at 3,800 meters and altitude sickness (soroche) takes no prisoners if you are exhausted.

Day 4: Lake Titicaca & The Andean Trilogy

We pulled into Puno at 05:00 AM. The cold here bites (we are at 3,800m). To warm up and kill some time, we walked to the Plaza de Armas and grabbed breakfast at Hostal Margarita for 10 soles (€2.50).
💡 Backpacker Tip: This hostel stored our large backpacks all day for very little money.

🌾 The Floating Islands of Uros

At 07:10 AM we were picked up for the Lake Titicaca tour (check ours out here or this cheaper option for €28), the highest navigable lake in the world. The first stop was the Uros Islands.

It's mind-blowing: the ground you walk on is artificial. It consists of layers upon layers of Totora (an aquatic reed) stacked on floating root blocks. Families live, cook, and sleep on these giant hand-woven 'rafts' that they must constantly replenish every 15 days.

🧶 Taquile Island & Its 530 Steps

We sailed 1h 20min further to Taquile, a 'solid' island with a distinct Aymara culture. Here, the men knit and the women spin yarn (the reverse of the norm). We were welcomed with traditional dances and had lunch facing the lake at Playa Chujno: Quinoa soup and grilled Andean Trout.

⚠️ The Challenge: To get back to the boat, we descended 530 stone steps. At almost 4,000 meters above sea level, every step counts. Pace yourself.

🦅 Condor Viewpoint & Sunset

Back in Puno (16:00h), and as if we hadn't climbed enough stairs, we hiked up to the Condor Viewpoint (Kuntur Wasi). The views of the city and the lake are epic.

Before picking up our bags, we took refuge in the colonial courtyard of Café Bar de la Casa del Corregidor. A super cozy spot perfect for charging phones, drinking a local beer, and warming up.

For dinner, we chose Mojsa Restaurante on the Plaza de Armas. It was our gastronomic farewell to Puno: we tried the Grilled Alpaca (very tender meat and cholesterol-free). The night ended with a Pisco at the classic Bar Jenízaro.

Day 5: Cusco, The Navel of the World

Finally, a horizontal bed! We arrived in Cusco at 05:00 AM, wrecked after stringing together 3 consecutive night buses.
💡 Pro Move: Even if check-in is at noon, book the previous night. Walking into the room, dropping the bags, and sleeping for 4 hours before heading out to explore saved our lives (and our moods!).

🚶‍♂️ Free Tour: Incas & Colonialism

At 10:00 AM, feeling human again, we took this Free Tour of the Historic Center. It is the best intro to the city.

You'll visit the imposing Plaza de Armas, the bohemian San Blas district, and the famous 12-Angled Stone on Hatun Rumiyoc Street. Look closely: the stones fit so perfectly (without cement) that not even a sheet of paper fits between them. It is pure anti-seismic engineering.

🍲 San Pedro Market

For authentic and cheap eats (€2-3), the place is the San Pedro Central Market. The Chicken Soup (Caldo de Gallina) or Lomo Saltado are delicious.
⚠️ Health Alert: We learned a hard lesson here. Hygiene isn't a strong suit in the markets. One of us fell ill with stomach issues that afternoon. If you have a sensitive stomach, it might be better to pay a bit more at a tourist restaurant for the first few days until you acclimate.

🥇 Qorikancha: The Golden Temple

By the afternoon, we visited the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun). It is the most brutal visual example of the conquest: atop the perfect walls of the Inca Sun Temple (which used to be covered in gold sheets), the Spanish built the Santo Domingo Convent.
💡 Tip: Hire a guide at the door. Without an explanation, you'll just see stones; with a guide, you'll understand the Andean worldview and Inca astronomy.

At sunset, we recommend climbing (slowly, the altitude suffocates!) to the San Cristóbal Viewpoint, with a beautiful frontal view of the city.

To lift our spirits, we dined at Cicciolina. It's a tapas/fusion restaurant pricier than the Peruvian average, but the quality and atmosphere are worth it.
👗 Shopping Tip: Right next door is a high-quality alpaca clothing boutique. If you are looking for that typical soft alpaca wool sweater (Baby Alpaca) that lasts for years and doesn't itch, this is the place to invest.

Day 6: Trekking to Humantay Lake (4,200m)

Today calls for a serious early start. We leave the city behind to head deep into the wild Andes. The goal: a turquoise lake at the foot of a sacred glacier. Prep yourself, because today your lungs are going to put in some real work.

🚐 Heading to Mollepata

At 04:00 AM, the hostel pickup happened. At that hour, only zombies and tourists are functioning. After a 2-hour van ride, we arrived in Mollepata for breakfast and to stock up on coca leaves (key for altitude sickness).
From there, 1 more hour on dirt roads to Soraypampa (3,900m), where the 'rock and roll' begins. We booked this excursion: Humantay Lake Tour with Breakfast & Lunch.

🥾 The Ascent: Air, Sweat & Glory

The hike takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. Don't let the short distance fool you: the incline is steep and the lack of oxygen at over 4,000 meters hits you right in the chest. It is a physical and mental challenge.

🐴 Plan B? If halfway up you feel you can't make it, you'll see locals renting horses/mules to carry you up most of the way (extra cost in cash). We chose to suffer on foot. Upon reaching the top, under the imposing Salkantay peak (6,230m), the turquoise color of the lake makes you forget the leg pain instantly.

Going down is a piece of cake (approx. 1 hour). The van was waiting at the bottom to take us back to Mollepata. There, an Andean Buffet included in the tour was ready for us. Being honest: don't expect Michelin stars (it's rice, chicken, pasta, basic veggies), but after the physical beating, it tasted like pure heaven.
We arrived in Cusco around 18:00, covered in dust but with the satisfaction of a mission accomplished.

After the most satisfying shower of the trip, our energy reserves were at 1%. We needed urgent carbs, so we went to a local pizzeria. The anecdote of the day was fighting off sleep at the table because service took a lifetime. We almost fell asleep on the tablecloth, but the pizza did its job: revive us just enough to get to bed.

Day 7: Rainbow Mountain & The Secret of the Red Valley

Second consecutive early start (04:30 AM). Today we head to one of Peru's icons: Vinicunca. Although we booked a complete pack with a local agency, the logistics are similar for everyone: van ride, breakfast on the road, and a hike up to 5,200 meters.

🚐 Heading to Cusipata

After a 2-3 hour ride, we arrived in the Cusipata district for the buffet breakfast (included). Load up on energy because you're going to need it.
The 3km hike starts from the village of Chillihuani. The Andean scenery is brutal, but the air gets thinner and thinner until you reach the summit. We recommend booking: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley. Before you start gasping for air, here is a quick lesson so you don't call everything you see a 'Llama':

• Llama (Domestic): The biggest and strongest. Banana-shaped curved ears. Used as a pack animal.
• Alpaca (Domestic): Smaller and fluffier (looks like a teddy bear). Its wool is what you look for in sweaters.
• Vicuña (Wild): Fine, elegant, and protected (appears on the Peruvian flag). It has the most expensive wool in the world.
• Guanaco (Wild): The wild ancestor of the llama. Greyish face and more common in Patagonia, but present here too.

🌈 The Summit (5,200m) & The Reality

The climb is a mental and physical challenge (the path is uglier and more arid than Humantay). Plus, we are higher than the summit of Mont Blanc. Upon arrival, the mineral layers (iron, copper, sulfur...) paint the mountain in surreal colors.

🏔️ The Giant Behind You: Many reach the top and only look at the colors, but turn around. That immense snowy peak dominating the horizon is Ausangate (6,384m). It is the highest mountain in the region and the most sacred 'Apu' (guardian spirit) for the locals. The contrast between its perpetual snow and the red earth is, for us, the real postcard shot.

🔴 Plan B: The Red Valley

Here comes the golden tip. Since we hiked up at a good pace and had extra time, we talked to the guide and he pointed us to the path to the Red Valley. We had to walk an extra 30-40 min up a slope and pay a small fee to the local community, but IT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY.

It is a Martian landscape, dyed completely in intense red by iron oxide. And the best part: we were alone. No lines, no influencers, no noise. Just the red immensity and the silence of the Andes.

After lunch in Cusipata, we got back to Cusco around 17:00, wrecked. Being at the halfway point of the trip, we decided to do a load of laundry at our accommodation... Fatal error.

The machine decided not to spin, and we were left with all our clothes soaking wet and no dryer. We had to run through Cusco with trash bags full of wet clothes looking for a 24h laundromat. While waiting for the drying cycle, we had burgers at a nearby spot. Not the most glamorous night, but we saved the luggage!

Day 8: Sacred Valley of the Incas & Train to Aguas Calientes

Today we leave Cusco behind (at least for a day). We get picked up at 07:30 AM to tour the Sacred Valley, the 'breadbasket' of the Incas. The excursion is more relaxed than the previous treks and crucial for acclimatizing and understanding the history before reaching Machu Picchu. You can book this tour here: Classic Sacred Valley (Pisac & Ollantaytambo).

🌽 Pisac: Markets & Energy

First stop: the Taray Viewpoint, a golden valley wound through by the Urubamba River (Willkamayu). Our guide explained that this valley was the empire's pantry due to its privileged climate.

In Pisac, we visited the archaeological complex at the summit. Here we saw how the Incas solved the problem of farming on vertical slopes. Then we went down to the artisan market. In a mineral shop, they explained the energetic properties of local stones; they say if you touch the quartz spheres, you can see the color of your aura.

⚔️ Ollantaytambo: The Living Fortress

After a buffet lunch in Urubamba (decent enough to recharge), we arrived at Ollantaytambo. It is the only Inca town still inhabited exactly as it was designed. Its stone streets and water canals are living history.

We climbed the immense terraces of the fortress. Unlike other sites, these weren't just agricultural, but resistance terraces to prevent landslides and hold back the Spanish invaders. Here, Manco Inca resisted heroically.

We killed time snacking on some killer empanadas and sandwiches at Central Coffee (Ollantaytambo).
At 19:00 our PeruRail train departed.
💡 Tip: Arrive early. There was a long line, but having printed/digital tickets allowed us to bypass it by asking the staff.

We arrived in Aguas Calientes around 21:00h. To book in advance, these are the official sites: IncaRail or PeruRail.

💡 Extra day? If you have more time, there is a variation of this tour that includes the famous Maras Salt Mines and the circular terraces of Moray: View alternative Maras & Moray tour.

Day 9: Machu Picchu, One of the 7 Wonders of the World

The big day is here! Today we cross a dream off the bucket list. We strongly recommend that you don't be lazy—get up early. Seeing the citadel at first light, with the mystical morning mist and without hordes of tourists, completely changes the experience.

🎫 Tickets & Bus

To get from the town up to the entrance, there are buses every 20-30 min. We were already in line at 06:15 AM.

• Bus Tickets: You can buy them at Consettur (valid for any time slot).
• Entrance to Machu Picchu: Buy this months in advance on the Official Website or via Tu Boleto Cultura.

🗺️ Which ticket should I choose? The Circuit Maze

Currently, there are 3 main circuits divided into several routes. Here is the ultimate 'cheat sheet' to help you choose:

1️⃣ The Start: Lower Part & The Mist

We chose Circuit 3-A (Waynapicchu Mountain). Upon entering, you first tour the lower part of the sanctuary for 1 hour: the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, and the Sacred Rock.
We hired a guide at the gate (you can group up with other travelers and negotiate the price; highly recommended). Although we were welcomed by the typical 'cloud forest' mist, the atmosphere was magical.

2️⃣ The Challenge: Climbing Huayna Picchu

After the lower tour, the real fun begins. Huayna Picchu ('Young Mountain') is the famous peak that appears in the background of every photo. The climb is intense: 1 hour of Inca stone steps, some almost vertical (they are called the 'stairs of death' for a reason).

Reaching the summit (2,668m) leaves you breathless, literally. But then the miracle happened: we had patience and the clouds parted. Seeing the lost city appear through the mist beneath our feet was, without a doubt, the moment of the trip.

3️⃣ Descent, Deluge & Pasta

The descent is fast but dangerous if the ground is wet. We passed the Temple of the Condor and said goodbye to the wonder. Just as we left... the heavens opened. A biblical downpour hit us (typical of the area, always carry a raincoat).

Soaked, we ran for shelter and lunch at Cala Tratoria. Delicious, warm Italian food to restore the soul.

Day 10: Puerto Maldonado & The Tambopata Jungle

We arrived at the Puerto Maldonado station at 07:00 AM. The contrast is stark: you step off the bus and a slap of hot, humid air welcomes you. Goodbye Andean coat, hello Amazon humidity. The guides picked us up and we went for breakfast at a local café to kill time before boarding.

🛶 Our Expedition: 3 Days in the Amazon

For this adventure, we trusted Tambopata Jungle Tours (3 days/2 nights package). It includes everything: boat transfers on the Madre de Dios River, lodge accommodation, guides, and meals.

If you are looking for flexible options or free cancellation, this is very similar: 3-day tour on GetYourGuide.

💡 If you're torn between Tambopata and Iquitos as your gateway to the Amazon, we compare both experiences in detail in our Tambopata vs Iquitos guide.

🌿 Walking Trees & The Jungle Mother

After a 15-minute boat ride on the Madre de Dios River, we arrived at the Amazon Lodge Tambopata. Once settled, we went on a fascinating botanical route where truth is stranger than fiction. We got caught in a tropical deluge (the kind that soaks you in seconds), but under the rain, we discovered two giants.

🐒 Monkey Island & Night Safari

After lunch (and drying off), we sailed to Monkey Island. It is a curious sanctuary where several species of free-roaming monkeys coexist with... farm animals! Seeing monkeys jumping over sheep was surreal.

The night brings another show: We went out on a boat with powerful flashlights to look for caimans. We saw several red eyes glowing on the riverbank. What we couldn't see were capybaras; the afternoon storm raised the river level so much that it flooded the beaches where they usually rest. That's nature: unpredictable.

Day 11: Lake Sandoval Expedition & Night in the Jungle

The alarm clock doesn't ring here, it sings. We woke up with light filtering through the vegetation and distant monkey howls. Today we head into the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve to see its most prized jewel: Lake Sandoval, an ancient river meander that got cut off, creating a sanctuary of calm waters.

🛶 Navigating Among Piranhas & Otters

To get to paradise you have to sweat a bit: first a motorboat ride down the Madre de Dios River and then a one-hour hike along wooden boardwalks through mud and roots. Upon reaching the lake, the noise disappears: you switch to paddle canoes so as not to disturb the wildlife.

The lake is a mirror. We saw everything: yellow-spotted river turtles sunbathing on logs and long-necked black birds called Anhingas (or 'snakebirds'). We got lucky and spotted the famous Giant River Otters, very territorial and noisy.

🍃 Lunch: The Famous 'Juane'

At noon we stopped in a clearing to recharge. We were served the jungle's star dish: the Juane. It's a sort of large tamale made of rice, hen, olives, and hard-boiled egg, all wrapped in a Bijao leaf (similar to banana leaf). The leaf not only serves as natural and eco-friendly 'tupperware', but also gives it an unmistakable smoky flavor.

🐒 The Monkey Kingdom

After resting, we got back in the canoes to go around the opposite side of the lake. Here the show was in the treetops: troops of squirrel monkeys and capuchins jumping from branch to branch.
Just before returning, we spotted a solitary specimen that was much larger with reddish-brown fur. It was likely a Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus), famous for its powerful roar that can be heard for kilometers.

🕷️ Tarantulas & Absolute Darkness

The jungle changes radically when the sun goes down. After dinner, we turned on our flashlights for a night walk. We saw tarantulas coming out of their burrows and camouflaged stick insects.
The peak moment was when the guide asked us to turn off our flashlights. Standing in absolute darkness listening to the immensity of the jungle makes you feel very small. It is an overwhelming experience.

Day 12: From Amazon Sunrise to Gastronomic Capital

Today we say goodbye to the jungle on a high note. Get ready for a day of stark contrasts: you'll start by canoeing at sunrise surrounded by macaws and end up eating the best ceviche in the world amidst modern high-rises.

🦜 The Parrot Clay Lick: An Early Bird Show

The alarm will go off at 05:00 AM, but we assure you you won't regret it. Cruising down the Madre de Dios River while the sky turns from black to fiery orange is one of the best postcards of the trip.

The destination is the La Cachuela Clay Lick. Here you will see hundreds of parrots and green parakeets crowding the clay walls.
💡 Why do they do this? It's not for hunger, it's medicine. They eat the salt-rich clay to detoxify from the acids in the fruits they eat. It's a spectacle of noise and color, but watch out: predators (hawks) know this too.

🧗‍♂️ Adrenaline: The Jungle from Above

Before leaving, you have to see the jungle from a monkey's perspective. The lodge usually includes a visit to the Canopy Walk: a system of hanging bridges over 20 meters high. The experience ends by launching yourself on a zipline through the trees. It's the perfect way to release adrenaline before getting on a plane.

Day 13: Historic Lima, Bohemia & Farewell

Last sunrise in Peru. We woke up with that mix of nostalgia and the desire to squeeze every drop out of the last few hours. We started with energy (and good coffee) at Cardinal Café in Miraflores, before setting off to discover the capital's secrets.

🏛️ The Historic Center: Kings & Balconies

Lima isn't seen, it's walked. To understand its colonial history, we strongly recommend this Free Tour of the Historic Center. The route usually starts near Hotel Maury (where they say the Pisco Sour was invented) and takes you through essential jewels: the imposing Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Government Palace, the historic Bar Cordano, and the Parque de la Muralla with views of the Rímac River. It ends, naturally, with a pisco sour tasting.

💀 Must-See: The Catacombs of San Francisco

When the tour ends, you have to enter the San Francisco Convent Museum. Beneath this church lies the old city cemetery (used until 1808).
It is shocking: remains of about 25,000 people. What leaves you speechless aren't the bones, but their artistic arrangement: femurs and skulls forming geometric patterns in seismic-resistant pits. Walking through those underground passages is a haunting experience that sums up the colonial history of death.

To say goodbye to the gastronomy, we went to Perú Gourmet. They don't skimp here: portions are generous and the taste is authentic. We recommend trying the Lomo Saltado a lo pobre (served with a fried egg and plantain). It was the perfect finishing touch.

🎨 Bohemian Afternoon in Barranco

In the afternoon, we swapped the asphalt of the center for the art of Barranco. To get there, we lived the local experience using the Metropolitano (the city's rapid bus system).
Barranco is the bohemian soul of Lima. We walked across the famous Bridge of Sighs (legend says if you cross it while holding your breath, a wish comes true), saw the Hermitage, and went down to the Pacific lookouts.

✈️ Our flight left at midnight, ideal for sleeping the whole way and dreaming of mountains, jungles, and ceviches. Peru is intense, diverse, and delicious. Thanks for following us on this adventure!