Peru ~ trip of my dreams!

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…“maybe right now your journey isn`t about love. Maybe right now your journey is about you. Maybe this is the season you`re being challenged to be your own savior, to be your own safe place.“…

Moonomens

I always dreamed of travelling to Peru – especially to the Machu Pichu – probably because of my cling to mystical places and my memories of my time in Mexico, where I visited some of the most beautiful Maya places – and felt somehow spirituelly connected.

Peru is a destination that offers a high diversity of explorable places. In this vast and storied land, ancient, colonial, and modern traditions meld together for an unforgettable cultural experience.

Anyway, this journey should become a turning point of some of my beliefs and thinking. It was the first time since years, that I had the possibility to spend two weeks entirely with me, myself and I. After a time of tremendous personal changes, I could focus entirely on my needs, wishes and aims. All that by drifting through days filled with adventures, unexpected incidences, beautiful landscapes, colourful surroundings and interesting people.

With Corona still out of sight, I started the trip of my dreams to Peru in Lima last February, completely on my own.

Having taken over 600 pictures on my trip, choosing the most explicit ones for this blog was quite a challenge. However, I let my intuition guiding me…and you will – hopefully – grasp the emotion and ambience of the locations shown;)

Lima – City centre

I didn’t expect much of Lima, but I definitely wanted to start and finish my trip there in order to profit from the temperatures (I am a summer girl and we had still winter in Munich!), the ocean and all amenities of a big city.

Actually, it doesn’t look anything like the tourist images of the Andean people posing in bright dresses in front of any inca ruins or llamas. As I expected nothing I was quite surprised by the attractions offered by this vibrant city with its colonial architecture, its beautiful buildings with their intricately carved wooden balconies and Baroque flourishes. The kindness of the “limeños”made my discoveries even more precious.

Miraflores

Miraflores is an upscale suburban district of Lima located about 10 kilometers from the central city.

Otherwise, Miraflores was known only as a sleepy beachfront resort town for most of the 19th century. However, as the city of Lima continued to grow, Miraflores was eventually absorbed into the larger urban area and became one of the city’s most important districts.

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Among all the huge number of hotels, I luckily chose the Attalea Hotel, a very small and charming boutique hotel with only five rooms. Honestly, I felt like in a friend`s house – so welcomed and looked after!

Today, the glitzy suburb of Miraflores is probably the most popular district in Lima from a tourist’s perspective The famous boardwalk known as the Malecón is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and gives spectacular views of the Ocean and the beaches below.

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Barranco

South of central Lima and Miraflores, the suburb of Barranco has long been popular with artists and writers. Although not as manicured as Miraflores, Barranco has some beautiful houses in colonial and republican style that perfectly matches the green and flower-filled parks around.

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This district is probably the coolest place in Lima with great restaurants and themed alternative bars for Peruvians and foreigners alike.

It has a blooming art scene that will give you a sense of being the most romantic and bohemian area of the city.

Arequipa

Oh, I really loved this beautiful “white” city. Quite calm, picturesque and inviting in a very subtle way.

The “Arequipans” are considered to be the “germans” among the peruvian inhabitants. Disciplined, hard working, structured! Well, to be honest – I couldn’t tell the difference 😉

Impressed by the life of the Domenican nuns in the beautiful monastery Santa Catalina, I was intrigued by the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere within the old murals that gave a humble home to the nuns from 1580 onwards.

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However, my absolute “must” in any place I go is the local market. For me, a life elixir and a deep sight inside in the culture, habits and life of the inhabitants.

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Cusco

Honestly – I had my issues with Cusco, the original seat of power for the Inca empire. However, no doubt, Cusco is a beautiful city. From its Inca and 16th century colonial architecture, to its narrow, winding streets, the city has a romantic vibe with a distinct European feel.

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I especially loved the markets – again – and the highly vibrant  atmosphere. But somehow, I couldn`t connect…

I was more than happy to leave it the other day to head to Ollantaytambo.

Ollantaytambo

The Sacred Valley also known as Urubamba Valley, is a prime destination for exploring Inca ruins and enjoying outdoor activities. You can easily make day trips to this region from Cusco or Machu Picchu, but consider staying a night or two at El Albergue, a historic and romantic hotel, located in the Ollantaytambo train station.

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And I loved the peaceful atmosphere in my lovely hacienda-style hotel, just beneath the railroad station.

Climbing up the famous inca ruins and exploring the narrow little pathways filled my day.

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The whole place reminded me very much of the mountain area of Switzerland with its blooming flora and fauna, the greenish fields, the mountains around and the river. I could have stayed a bit longer for literally absorbing the good vibrations!

Machu Picchu

THIS WAS SO AMAZING AND BLIZZFUL! Even if it sounds like a cliché, there is this special magic in the air!

Fortunately I booked two slots on two days (a big thank you for this tip to my friend Fine of www.finefashionandmore.com) for a extensive tour AND a walk (actually a power step-mountain climbing!) to the peak of Machu Piccu Mountain early in the morning AND being the first one on top. WOW!!! I was in heaven*

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As I mentioned in the beginning, this trip broadened my mind and touched my soul! I feel so lucky having had the opportunity to listen to my gut and just leave – just in time before the Corona pandemie changed all our lifes!

Memories last forever….