How I Discovered the Real Peru: A Journey Through Ancient Ruins and Vibrant Cities
When I arrived in Lima a few months ago, I was nervous, but also excited to discover what the future held for me. I had read many travel guides, but none of them described the feeling of uncertainty mixed with adrenaline that I felt when I got off the plane. My tour of Peru was different from the usual tourist itinerary. It was like a genuine search for encounters, flavors, and moments that made me see things in a completely new way.
The truth is that I didn't expect it, but the capital captivated me unexpectedly on the first day. As I walked through the streets of the historic center, with colonial buildings that seemed to tell stories through their facades worn by the passage of time, I felt transported to a world of memories and experiences. Every corner seemed to whisper a secret, waiting to be discovered by those who passed by. In the morning, I visited the Basilica Cathedral of Lima without crowds, which was very pleasant. The silence and magnificence of its ornamentation invited me to reflect, which was very positive. It was not just a tourist attraction, but a witness to centuries of transformation, which makes it even more special.
Peruvian cuisine quickly became my compass. As I sampled ceviche in local markets, far from Instagram-friendly restaurants, I realized that food in this country goes beyond flavor. Each dish reflected the geography, climate, and creativity of its chefs. I spent an entire afternoon at the San Isidro market watching vendors organize their products with almost artisanal precision. It was arguably more educational than any documentary.
The trip to Machu Picchu exceeded all my expectations; it was an incredible experience! I boarded the train bound for the Sacred Valley, and as we passed through mist-covered mountains, I felt as if I were leaving the known world behind, which gave me a pleasant feeling of freedom. I spent a night in Ollantaytambo, where the Inca walls still stood after almost 500 years, reminding me of the fragility of our present.
Remember to make your reservations as soon as possible. Don't sit around waiting—tickets to Machu Picchu sell out quickly!
"Machu Picchu ALT"
I arrived at Machu Picchu before sunrise, and it was an incredible experience. Most tourists describe it as “magical” or “breathtaking,” words I've read a thousand times and that, truthfully, make you feel even more excited about what awaits you. However, what I experienced was different, something intimate. When the sun rose above the mountains and illuminated the terraces, I didn't think about taking perfect photos for social media. I just wanted to be present in that special moment and be aware that I was standing before a human achievement that is beyond our comprehension.
In Cuzco, I spent days exploring Spanish churches built literally on Inca foundations. Without a doubt, the architectural and cultural juxtaposition fascinated me. Touching these two civilizations was like experiencing an instant and profound connection that left an indelible mark on both. I walked up to the Cristo Blanco without a guide, and although I got lost more than once, those detours led me to sights and encounters that I would never have experienced by following the established routes.
What pleasantly surprised me most was the kindness of the people. In a small village near Pisac, a local family invited me to share their lunch when I got lost looking for an archaeological site. Although we didn't speak the same language fluently, the exchange was sincere. I sampled exquisite regional dishes cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, heard fascinating stories about their land, and formed a deep connection that no organized tour could have provided.
Without a doubt, the Nazca Lines represented my moment of scientific wonder. Seeing them from the air was an experience that oscillated between the earthly and the cosmic. Those giant figures drawn in the desert almost two thousand years ago symbolized something that the modern traveler rarely experiences: mystery without immediate answers.
I spent my last day in Peru in Ica, a region with many attractions that is often overlooked. I visited wineries, took a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, and watched the sunset over the Huacachina lagoon. It was a rebellion against conventional itineraries, and it was a great success.
I returned home transformed, not only by the epic landscapes and ancient structures, but also by the people I met, the meals I shared, and the moments when I simply observed. Peru was not a destination I would have dismissed from my bucket list. I returned home transformed. The epic landscapes, ancient structures, people I met, meals I shared, and moments when I simply observed left an indelible mark on me. Peru was not a destination I would cross off my bucket list. Without a doubt, Peru showed me a more curious and conscious version of myself. It showed me a more curious and conscious version of myself.
