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Peru - May 2022
My second trip to Peru was everything I hoped for!
After visiting Peru in 2017 with my husband, I wanted to return and see more of the country. Time for a solo adventure! I used a specialist tour company, and crafted an itinerary that included Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, a flight to see the Nazca Lines, and a day exploring Lima's world class cuisine.
Pro Tip for Peru
Much of Peru is at fairly high altitude - you'll want to include time in your itinerary to acclimatize, and pick up a pack of coca candies to keep you going when you get a out of breath.
My Peru Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Lima
Day 3 - Travel to Colca Canyon
Day 1 - Arrive in Lima
Flying from the U.S. East Coast my flight landed late in the evening. I checked into the Costa del Sol Wyndham hotel at the airport in Lima for an overnight stay before my flight to Arequipa the next day.
Day 2 - Arequipa
Day 3 - Travel to Colca Canyon
Day 1 - Arrive in Lima
After an early morning flight from Lima to Arequipa, I was met by my guide, who showed me viewpoints to see volcanoes, and took me on a walking tour of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Day 3 - Travel to Colca Canyon
Day 3 - Travel to Colca Canyon
Day 3 - Travel to Colca Canyon
This morning I was picked up for a group transfer from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon. We stopped at a number of scenic spots on the way, had lunch in Chivay, and I finished the afternoon enjoying the private natural hot springs at my hotel.
Day 4 - Colca Canyon
Day 6 - Return to Arequipa
Day 3 - Travel to Colca Canyon
Today started with a very early pickup to go see Andean condors. We were rewarded with wonderful views of these amazing birds, and I got the chance to try on a traditional Peruvian outfit! In the afternoon I took a horseback ride through the peaceful agricultural areas around my hotel.
Day 5 - Colca Canyon
Day 6 - Return to Arequipa
Day 6 - Return to Arequipa
This was my "vacation from my vacation". I took an adventurous hike by myself along the Colca River, relaxed in the hotel's private natural hot springs, and got a massage at the hotel Spa.
Day 6 - Return to Arequipa
Day 6 - Return to Arequipa
Day 6 - Return to Arequipa
After a late morning pickup and a delicious lunch in Chivay, I boarded my tour company's minibus for a scenic ride back to Arequipa. I checked back into my hotel, and treated myself to a gourmet dinner at Chicha por Gaston Acurio Arequipa.
Day 7 - Lima
Day Day 8 - Nazca Lines
Day Day 8 - Nazca Lines
I flew back to Lima, and spent the afternoon appreciating Peruvian antiquities at the Museo Larco and shopping for handicrafts at the Miraflores Inca Market.
Day Day 8 - Nazca Lines
Day Day 8 - Nazca Lines
Day Day 8 - Nazca Lines
Today began with a very early bus from Lima to Paracas to view the Nazca Lines. I was met at the bus station in Paracas by a driver, taken for a delicious seafood lunch, and then transferred to the airport for the 90 minute overflight of the Nazca Lines. After the flight it was back to the bus for a relaxing return trip to Lima.
Day 9 - Lima Food Tour
Day Day 8 - Nazca Lines
Day 10 - Return to U.S.
For the last day of my trip, I signed up for a food tour, and got to taste several pisco sours, make my own vegan ceviche, tour a lovely market, revive with coffee and snacks in a colonial building, and a relax over a delicious lunch at an archeological site on a rare blue sky day in Lima.
Day 10 - Return to U.S.
Day 10 - Return to U.S.
Day 10 - Return to U.S.
My flight back to the U.S. left Lima in the early afternoon, and I got home long after midnight, but the challenging logistics were worth it for this incredible solo travel experience!