Peru was the second destination on my four-month journey through South America with Remote Year, and it’s a country packed with adventure, culture, and unforgettable food.
We stayed in Miraflores, a beautiful neighborhood in Lima, where our days were productive and our weekends were packed with exploration. Peru has so much to offer, from world-class dining in Lima to epic excursions into the Andes, and our group made the most of every moment.
Where I Stayed: Miraflores, Lima
In Lima, our Remote Year crew stayed in Miraflores, a safe and scenic neighborhood along the coast. With a variety of cafes, parks, and ocean views, Miraflores was the perfect place to settle in during the week for work, while gearing up for weekend adventures.
What I Did
Exploring World-Class Dining in Lima
Lima is home to some of the top restaurants in the world, and as a group, we took full advantage of this. I went to Astrid y Gastón and Maido, both of which rank among the best globally. Astrid y Gastón combines Peruvian flavors with European techniques, creating dishes that are both artistic and flavorful. Maido, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, took things to the next level with its unique Nikkei cuisine. Every meal in Lima was an experience in itself, and I tried to explore as much of the local food scene as I could during my month there.
Giving Back: Building a House in a Local Community
One of the most meaningful parts of my time in Lima was volunteering with my Remote Year group to help build a house in a local neighborhood. It was an eye-opening experience, and working alongside locals to give back to their community brought our group closer together. It was a reminder of the importance of community and the positive impact that we could make.
Sandboarding and Dune Buggy Adventures in Huacachina
For one of our weekend adventures, we headed to Huacachina, an incredible desert oasis known for its towering sand dunes. Located outside of Lima, Huacachina is like a natural playground in the desert. We went dune buggying and sandboarding down the massive dunes, which was exhilarating. After a full day of adventure, we ended the evening with an unforgettable party in the middle of the sand dunes, watching the sunset over this surreal landscape.
Exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley
After our time in Lima, we flew to Cusco for a few days to explore Peru’s cultural and historic heart. Cusco’s high altitude and ancient Incan influence make it a unique place to experience Peruvian culture, and we used it as our launch point for Machu Picchu.
The Adventure Route to Machu Picchu
Our journey to Machu Picchu wasn’t the typical tourist route. Instead, we took a lesser-traveled path that made the experience feel like a true adventure. We started by driving up into the Andes and then mountain-biking down through the incredible scenery of the Andean mountains. This thrilling ride brought us closer to our destination, and from there, we kept the adrenaline going with zip-lining through the mountains—a bucket list experience that’s hard to put into words.
Natural Hot Springs and Hiking Through the Jungle
After our zip-lining adventure, we relaxed at a natural hot springs nestled in the Andes. It was the perfect way to unwind and prepare for the big hike to Machu Picchu. The next day, we set off on a jungle trek, making our way through lush vegetation as we hiked to the town of Aguas Calientes, the base for our final ascent to Machu Picchu.
Visiting Machu Picchu
Finally, we arrived at Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a symbol of Incan civilization. This ancient citadel, set high in the Andes, is a masterpiece of architecture and ingenuity, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Built in the 15th century, it’s believed to have served as a royal estate or religious site, and it remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site today. Experiencing Machu Picchu after our days of adventure felt like a powerful moment, and standing in the midst of such history was unforgettable.
Conclusion
Peru’s combination of adventure, culture, and cuisine made it a highlight of my Remote Year journey. From dining in some of the world’s best restaurants to trekking through the Andes and reaching Machu Picchu, Peru offered an amazing balance between work and exploration. This month showed me the true richness of South America, and it’s a place I’ll definitely return to for more
