From Cusco, the road to Lima is scenic as we climbed peaks close to 15,000 ft, then descended into the valleys of the southern central regions. Occasionally, we passed through small towns where Quechua and other indigenous languages are often spoken. It took us two days to reach Nazca, on the Pan American Highway.

Our journey from Cuzco Peru to Macará, Ecuador

Driving through the Apurímac region, southern central Peru

Abancay, Apurímac region, Peru

Church in Ayacucho region, southern central Peru

Church in Ayacucho region, southern central Peru

Countryside in Ayacucho region, southern central Peru

Countryside in Ayacucho region, southern central Peru

Pueblo in Ayacucho region, southern central Peru

Vicuña conservation area in Ayacucho region, southern central Peru

Long winding road in Ayacucho region, southern central Peru

We stopped to view the mysterious Nazca Lines, ancient animal-shaped geoglyphs that crisscross the Nazca Desert.  Scholars believe that they were created by the Nazca Culture between 500 BC and 500 AD.  These geoglyphs are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  We climbed the rickety stairs of the mirador (viewing platform) for a better look, then continued on to Lima.

Mirador, (viewing platform), Nazca Lines, Peru

View from mirador, Nazca Lines, Peru

Nazca Lines, Peru

Nazca Lines, Peru

Nazca Lines, Peru

An ongoing problem for those who travel as we do is where to stay when visiting a large city.  Fortunately, we didn’t have to worry in Lima because we found the Hitchhikers/Backpackers Hostel, which had a secure, though small, parking lot for campers… and there was just enough space for a VW van!  Surprisingly, this modest hostel is located in the Miraflores district, an attractive, upscale neighborhood which is very popular with visitors. This was a perfect place to  explore the city on foot… and most importantly, to sample its food!  Lima is considered by many to be the gastronomic capital of South America.  It has one of the most productive fisheries in the world, and in addition to the cuisine from its indigenous cultures, a sizable influx of Chinese, African and Japanese populations have created a culinary fusion of the traditional and exotic.  Besides Peru’s wonderful ceviche, now considered part of the national heritage, we tried other traditional foods along with Japanese and African – Amazonian fusion dishes, all delicioso, and well worth the long and tedious drive to get here!

HItchikers/Backpackers Hostel, Miraflores District, Lima, Peru

Miraflores Beach, Lima, Peru

Plaza near cathedral, Miraflores District, Lima, Peru

Andre’s new best friends, Parque Central de Miraflores (Parque Kennedy), Lima Peru

Ceviche Peruano, Lima, Peru

Anticuchos (Peruvian shish kebab), Lima, Peru

Peruvian-Amazonian fusion, Lima, Peru

Too beautiful to eat! Sushi, Peuvian style, Lima, Peru

Continuing north along the coast, we passed through the surfing town of Huancho, where ceviche is said to have originated.  Then we stopped for lunch in Trujillo for another ceviche fix…

Huanchaco, La Libertad region, Peru

Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Trujillo, Peru

Main Square, Trujillo, Peru

Main Square, Trujillo, Peru

Our last night in Peru was at a lush estate just outside the city of Piura.  The land had been recently purchased by a man who hoped to turn it into an event center with camping facilities.  It was a lovely quiet area and we were the only ones there.  Then we crossed the border into Ecuador.

Our campground near Piura, Peru

Our campground near Piura, Peru