I Went on Vacation and You Didn’t – Peru Part 1

After months of anticipation, the big day finally arrived – I was headed to Peru for a two-week vacation. As I boarded my red-eye flight from LAX to Lima, I could barely contain my excitement. Finding my window seat near the back of the plane, I settled in with my neck pillow and noise-canceling headphones.

As we took off into the night sky, I gazed out the window watching the bright lights of LA shrink smaller and smaller. I tried to get some sleep since I had a full day of sightseeing ahead upon landing in Lima, but I was too keyed up. My mind raced thinking about the amazing sights, smells, and tastes that awaited me. The rich history of Machu Picchu, the rugged natural beauty of Rainbow Mountain, the fascinating culture of the Andean people – I couldn’t wait to experience it all firsthand.

Arriving in the Chaotic Capital

The next morning, I emerged bleary-eyed off the plane into the humid Lima air, ready to officially start my long-awaited Peruvian adventure. Lugging my overstuffed suitcase, I made my way through customs and hopped in one of the many yellow taxis waiting outside baggage claim. Zipping through the chaotic streets of Lima, I watched street vendors hawking goods, stray dogs roaming around, and crumbling Spanish colonial buildings covered in bright neon signs.

My taxi arrived in the touristy Miraflores neighborhood, where my hotel was located. After a quick shower and change of clothes, I was out the door ready to dive into Lima’s food scene. My first stop – the local market to try some fresh ceviche, Peru’s iconic raw fish dish. As I sampled the bright, citrusy flavors of the ceviche, the tangy lime juice dancing on my tongue, any lingering grogginess from my red-eye lifted. Fueled up on ceviche, I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through Miraflores, enjoying gorgeous ocean views along the clifftops dotted with parks.

Exploring the Historic Center

On my second day in Lima, I headed to the historic city center to explore well-preserved colonial buildings and squares. Stepping out of the taxi, the cacophony of car horns and street vendors overwhelmed my senses. As I approached the main plaza, kids played soccer while businessmen hurried past and street performers danced to live music. Green mountains rising up in the distance provided a dramatic backdrop.

Wandering narrow cobblestone streets packed with colonial mansions and intricately carved wooden balconies made me feel like I’d been transported back in time. I spent hours popping in and out of art galleries, museums, and the 16th century cathedral that held the remains of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Exiting the church, the sweet scent of grilled meat wafted through the air beckoning me. Following my nose through side alleys draped with strings of dried peppers and corn kernels, I arrived at a local grill churning out anticuchos – grilled beef hearts on a stick. Venturing well beyond my comfort zone, I took my first tentative bite of the smoky, rich meat. To my surprise, I loved it! Just another reminder not to judge a book by its cover when trying new foods.

With my stomach full of anticuchos, I hailed a taxi back to Miraflores. Gazing out the window at street art murals splash-painted across concrete walls, I couldn’t believe I still had nearly two more weeks to explore this amazing country that was already exceeding my high expectations.

Venturing Into the Andes Mountains

My third morning in Peru was an early one. Bleary-eyed, I gulped down a quick coffee before hopping in a van headed to the Andean village of Chinchero. I watched the bustling city transform into rolling green foothills as we steadily climbed up into the mountains. The fresh air and sweeping vistas were incredibly rejuvenating. I felt renewed energy and excitement for this new leg of my journey.

When we arrived in the sleepy village, our small group made our way to a compound owned by a local family who gave us a demonstration of traditional weaving using Alpaca wool. I was enthralled seeing the vibrant dyes made from natural ingredients and watching the intricate patterns emerge on looms made from sticks and rope. Next, we tried our hands at grinding corn using stone utensils, which was much harder than it looked! By the time we sat down to a homemade meal of potatoes, corn, cheese, and herbs picked straight from their farm accompanied by wood-fire baked rabbit, the family had a new crop of fans of their Andean culture and cooking.

On our winding drive back towards Cusco, we stopped at awesome photo vantage points overlooking the sprawling city nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling green mountains. The monumental fortress Sacsayhuaman, ancient Incan stonework, provided a dramatic foreground for selfies. With a light rain falling, we arrived back just in time for golden hour when the fading sun cast a magical glow over the city’s endless red rooftops. It was a picture-perfect end to an unforgettable introduction to the ancient allures of the Andes.

Leave a Comment