Lima
Our first stop in Peru was the capital city of Lima, where we decided to settle for a week and join a Spanish class. It’s the best way to start learning about the South American culture as well as to pick up the essential language skills. We were taking the beginner course from Peruwayna, where we met a few amazing people during our classes who later became our travel companions.
Lima is a bustling city with a rich history and vibrant culture. We enjoyed most on the local delicacies such as ceviche, a dish made of raw fish marinated in lime juice and spices. Other popular dishes include lomo saltado, a hearty stir-fry made with beef, onions, tomatoes and a creamy chicken stew that is typically served with rice and potatoes. What we had most, is the famous Peruvian cocktail, Pisco Sour
Iquitos
After our week in Lima, we head to the Amazon jungle. There are a few entrances to the Amazon jungle, we chose Iquitos as it seemed to be an interesting town full of Amazonian fresh produces. Indeed it is home to a variety of unique fruits that are not found anywhere else in the world. One of the most popular fruits in Iquitos is the aguaje fruit, which is also known as the “curvy fruit” due to its curvy shape. Another popular fruit in Iquitos is the camu camu fruit, which is a small red or purple berry that grows on a tree in the Amazon jungle. A wide variety of fruit juices and fruit flavored ice-creams can be found in the Iquitos markets, we enjoyed so much of trying new fruits under the sunny weather. We stayed at Tahuayo lodge with Amazonia Expedition for a full week and spent our days exploring the surrounding rainforest. Do check out their website as we enjoyed the toured excursions with their guide, there are plenty of choices of activities. The lodge is also super cozy to stay, we had a great time shared with the fellow lodge guests. It’s also okay to feel lazy and chill by the lodge library or hammock area. The jungle was full of life and surprises, we were amazed by the diversity of wildlife that surrounded us. What I missed the most was the fresh food that was available in the jungle, such as exotic fruits and fish that were caught in the nearby rivers. The lodge made good use of the fresh food and their chef did an amazing job of providing local delicacies with a touch of Amazonian style.
Cusco
We flew to Cusco after the forest stay. Cusco is a unique, charming city situated in the Andes Mountains. It is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and stunning landscapes. We spent several days exploring the city’s many attractions, including the Sacred Valley, the rainbow mountain (Winicunca), Salineras de Maras, and Ollantaytambo. We were awestruck by the beauty of the landscape and the incredible history of the region. We also tried one of the most famous dishes in Cusco, the roasted guinea pig, or cuy. While it may sound unusual to those who have never tried it, cuy is a staple of Andean cuisine and has been a traditional dish in Peru for thousands of years. It is typically roasted whole and served with potatoes, corn, and aji (spicy sauce). The meat is rich and tender, and the skin is crispy, making for a savory and mouthwatering dining experience. Finally, no trip to Cusco is complete without trying the local drink, chicha. Chicha Morada is a fermented corn drink that has been consumed in the Andes for centuries. It is slightly sour and effervescent, it tastes refreshingly sweet and slightly tangy, with hints of fruit and spices. It has a unique profile that is distinctively Peruvian and often described as having a floral or fruity essence. It’s especially enjoyable to have a chilled Chicha Morada under the hot sun in the midday.
Machu Picchu
One of the most memorable experiences of our trip was the decision to hike the Inka Trail to visit Machu Picchu. We joined the typical 4D3N trek with Alpaca Expedition. We were so nervous about the physical demands of the hike, but we must make it!! The hike itself was indeed challenging, with steep climbs and rugged terrain, but everything will worth the while. At the end of the tough day, when the team starting to set the camp, all of us will sit together for dinner, to enjoy the food, the scenery and the laughter. And until the other day, you will wake up to find yourself camping above cloud, the whole experience is absolutely surreal.The guide from Alpaca Expedition are super caring, especially for me always being the last of the group, they do their best to make sure I am able to finish the climb. Well, my tips for the less physical persons, anticipate lesser photo with your own self if you are pushing your limits, I took millions of selfies at Machu Picchu yet I look absolutely pale and tired, hence here I decided to just sharing the picturesque sceneries with you guys! 😛
Another tips over the climb is to prepare a whole packet of Coca leaves, keep chewing and you will find yourself be able to run like an alpaca despite the altitude!
One can choose to take a train directly reaching Machu Picchu, but I would still recommend the hike, as the end of the tour we both felt a sense of accomplishment and awe that we will never forget.
Puno
After all the intensive hiking at Cusco and Iquitos, our last stop in Peru is Puno to enjoy the tranquil scenery and continue our trip further south. We traveled to Puno from Cusco through Bolivia hop, the ride we had was comfortable and safe, do check out their link as they have many other options of travel route.
Puno is a charming town that sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. We spent a day exploring the town’s markets, another day joined the tour visiting the Uros Islands and Taquile Island. And of course, admiring the stunning views of the Lake Titicaca.
Lake Titicaca is a large, deep lake located on the border of Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains. It is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world, with an elevation of 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level.
The air is thin, but the altitude really gives a feel of clean, light and refreshment that a city girl like me would feel so relieved with. The peace and tranquility I found there is something I’ll be ever craving for.
In summary, our trip to Peru was an adventure of a lifetime, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had the time to fully experience its wonders. From the bustling city of Lima to the lush Amazon jungle and the stunning mountain ranges in Cusco, every moment of our trip was filled with excitement, awe, and joy. I’m glad for the unforgettable memories I shared with my partner, learned about a new culture, and grew closer as a couple.
Bamos Peru!!