V-Love’s Lonely Planet

My 3 weeks in Peru was an exceptional experience and I would not take one minute of it back or do anything differently. Every place I went I felt welcome by the locals and at home with some of the backpackers. Not only did I learn about Peru and it’s historic ruins, but I met people that I am sure I will keep in touch with throughout the rest of my life. I experienced being alone and out of my element in the jungle, completed the 4 day Inca Trail successfully and safely, and learned to appreciate the value of small things after seeing how the local island families live in Puno.

I am sure over the next several years I will make my way back to South America to visit the surrounding countries. Not only is the scenery gorgeous in every area I visited but each location is easy to transport to. South America is also very inexpensive compared to some of my past and future travels and welcomes the tourist budget.

Things not to forget about Peru:
• I should have never slept in the Lima airport my first night in Peru
• Sure you can find Italian, Chinese, Vegetarian and some other ethnic foods, but as far as Peruvian goes, don’t expect much more than a meat or fish, rice, potato’s, corn or beans if you are lucky, and a not so sweet pudding like dessert.
• Everywhere but Lima there live stray dogs. Some are sickly thin and ALL need to be spade or neutered.
• Many many backpackers in Peru as well as all over South America. Don’t be afraid to travel alone as you are bound to make new friends within a few hours of your arrival.
• Most restaurants allow you to bring your own wine.
• Haggle everywhere for anything.
• I read and heard so much about certain areas being dangerous and watching your things. If you are smart about it, you have nothing to worry about. Nobody got to close or bothered me in any way.
• Expect a local Peruvian to try and sell you an Alpaca scarf, gloves, hat, socks around every street corner.
• Backpackers seem to have a poor reputation. I heard stories and met many that often seem to enjoy getting high off of some illegal substance. To me it seems a waste of their time and money to travel to another country to sit in the hostel getting high. But 80% of the backpackers I met were friendly, cultured, well traveled, knowledgeable, educated and seemed to come from good homes and all knew how to enjoy themselves without the use of such drugs. Obviously, I much preferred to surround myself with these kinds of travelers.
• If you are hiking the 4 day Inca Trail be well prepared for a strenuous yet rewarding experience.
• While I went over my daily eating budget, I came home within $100 of the total budget I planned on spending.
• If ever traveling to Peru and trying to decide which areas to visit, go to Lake Titicaca and experience a home stay with the local families. Bring small gifts and try learning some Spanish.

I’m sure I’ll add to this list as I think of things.

My trip ended with a two day visit to Lima, Peru’s capital. Lima seems to have a poor reputation from visitors, I assume because it’s a typical big city and not easily accessible by foot. But I found it to be a gorgeous city and could have spent another week visiting its sites and attractions. While there are definitely areas with a tourist feel, Lima houses many huge companies and the bustling business employees.

Fortunately, my mom has a friend who’s parents still live in Lima as that is where she is from. Hernando and Elisa Garcia were gracious enough to let Jessica and I stay in their home housed in Miraflores, the more upscale area of Lima. Their home was wonderfully decorated with historic art work, some pieces dating back to the 15th century. While they spoke little English they made every effort to communicate with me and help me set up a local tour.

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Upon the afternoon of our arrival, Jessica and I headed into Central Lima to visit the Monasterio de San Francisco. The museum is famous for its catacombs and its remarkable library holding books from as far back as the conquistadors. The underground catacombs houses nearly 70,000 burials and while it was morbidly gruesome, it was quite exciting to see. Bones of the poor and the rich. After such a visit we were in need of the famous Pisco Sour so we hit up the famous Gran Hotel Bolivar.

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After a hot shower in a real bathroom we decided to make our way to LocoMar in Miraflores. Basically a mall built into the mountain overlooking the ocean. Upscale shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants all at an expensive price for the Peruvian backpacker. Yet we still managed to enjoy a top notch buffet with drinks and a wonderful view for roughly $10 each.

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The next morning Jessica and I awoke to an entire film crew who overtook the Garcia’s home. Supposedly commercials are often filmed in their home as they have several balconies, a rarity in Lima and highly sought after for the commercials. This one was a cell phone commercial featuring a tall and lengthy blonde and a short good looking man.

After saying good-bye to Jessica since she was catching a morning flight out, I headed into the center of Miraflores. I started my day by visiting the Indian Market and picking up a few more handicrafts. After eating an “economical” lunch of potato, rice, more potato’s, and chicken for under $2 I enjoyed a 1 hour tour on a double Decker bus. Actually, I enjoyed sitting after so much walking but the tour was in Spanish! I could have sworn I asked the guy if it was in English and he clearly knew I did not speak Spanish when I asked if he spoke English. So I can’t say I learned much about the area of Miraflores but I was able to take some nice pictures and work on my tan. Then on to the Casa Museu Ricardo Palma that was recommended. Ricardo Palma, a famous Peruvian author, lived in the home with his 3 daughters until his death in 1919. The auditorium, music room, bedroom, office, library, and other areas of the home still hold all of his original pieces in their exact place. I had a pleasant tour guide who again spoke great English and was admired by the fact I traveled alone.

By late afternoon I arrived back to the Garcia’s home only to have dinner waiting for me by their live-in maid. And off I was to the airport for my overnight flight back to the States.

To see all Lima photos click here.

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