Lima to Arequipa

Today started very early… a 5am breakfast, bags packed and a 6:10 pickup for the airport. The Lima airport experience could best be described as chaotic but successful — lots of queues, a bit of confusion, but we made it through.
Our flight was slightly delayed, but just over an hour later we were descending along the coastline and into a very different landscape. From the air you can see how dramatically Peru changes — dense city giving way to dry terrain, then suddenly green agricultural valleys surrounded by mountains.
We arrived in Arequipa where Gisselle, our guide for the day, was waiting to collect us. On the way to the hotel we stopped to take in our first sights — a bit cloudy ( can you spot the difference of what we saw and what is in the brochures?) but a beautiful countryside, patchwork farmland, stone terraces, and our first look at the famous white volcanic stone architecture the city is known for.
After checking in, it was time for a late lunch — a relaxed catch-up around the table after the early start. Spirits were good, despite the sleepy faces.
Now we reset briefly before heading out again… preparing for our late afternoon and evening walking tour to properly discover Arequipa.
New city. New altitude. New food.
And the adventure continues.Read more