Every time I travel, my goal is more than simply visiting a new destination. I want to immerse myself in the local culture, learn the country’s history, and savor authentic food. This year, I chose Peru to celebrate my birthday and welcome a new chapter of my life. I wanted this journey to be more than a vacation. I wanted it to be a fresh beginning, to leave behind the pain, disappointment, and heartbreak of the past year and embrace a future filled with wonder.
The journey began with a smooth flight from Tampa to Panama, a country that instantly made me want to return and explore more someday. From there, I arrived in Peru, where I was immediately welcomed by the warmth and kindness of its people.
My first day was spent exploring Lima. I stayed at the beautiful Nhow Hotel in Miraflores, where every staff member made me feel welcome. The hotel’s colorful décor and artistic design were stunning. That evening, I enjoyed dinner at Siete Sopas, where I tasted the famous Criolla soup, a dish I highly recommend to anyone visiting Peru.
The second day of my journey started at 4 am and took me to Paracas, where I began with a boat excursion to the breathtaking Ballestas Islands. Seeing playful sea lions, flocks of seabirds, and the incredible marine wildlife in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience.
After the boat ride, I enjoyed lunch at the charming local restaurant Tres Nietos, where I also sampled wines crafted by the restaurant’s owners, a delicious and authentic taste of the region. In the afternoon, I continued to Huacachina for one of the greatest adventures of my life: racing across the towering dunes in a dune buggy and sandboarding down the golden slopes.
That adventure became one of the greatest lessons of my trip. As a nurse, my mind naturally focused on everything that could go wrong, and fear almost convinced me not to try. But I reminded myself that so much joy exists on the other side of fear. I took a deep breath, lay onto the board, and went for it. It wasn’t just exhilarating; it was incredibly liberating. Sometimes our greatest victories come from choosing courage over comfort. As the day came to an end, I witnessed one of the most spectacular sunsets I’ve ever seen. Florida sunsets have always brought me joy, but sitting in the middle of the desert, surrounded by endless golden dunes as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon, was a moment of pure magic that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
On my third day, I returned to Lima to continue exploring this vibrant city. I visited Larcomar, the stunning cliffside shopping center overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where breathtaking coastal views make the experience just as memorable as the shopping. I also explored several of Lima’s fascinating museums, each offering a deeper appreciation of Peru’s rich history and culture. To end the day, I had dinner at Tanta restaurant and enjoyed a refreshing maracuyá pisco sour, Peru’s iconic cocktail with a tropical twist of passion fruit, the perfect toast to another unforgettable day of discovery.
On the fourth day, I flew to Cusco. The altitude quickly reminded me that nature is always in charge, despite coca tea and altitude medication. I slowed down, wandered through the local markets, visited historic churches, and explored the Máximo Laura Museum. His breathtaking textile art left me speechless and became one of the artistic highlights of my trip. Every meal I enjoyed that day reminded me why Peruvian cuisine is celebrated around the world.
Then came the moment I had been anticipating for months: visiting Machu Picchu. My tour followed Circuit 1, offering the breathtaking panoramic view I had dreamed about. Standing there, overlooking one of the world’s greatest wonders, I realized how small we are compared to the beauty and greatness surrounding us. Every joy, every heartbreak, every lesson, and every unexpected turn in my life had somehow led me to that exact moment. I stood there with nothing but gratitude, gratitude for the lessons, gratitude for the journey, gratitude for still being able to dream.
Day six brought yet another unforgettable adventure: Rainbow Mountain. From the colorful peaks and grazing alpacas to the thrilling ATV ride and breathtaking landscapes, every moment reminded me that this world is filled with incredible wonders. More importantly, it reminded me that I still can create wonder in my own life.
Before returning home, I spent the last morning at the “Parque de la Amistad”, then headed into the Barranco district, enjoying more of Peru’s incredible food and, naturally, another pisco sour and the most delicious seafood dish at Javier’s. Before heading to the hotel, I also discovered one of the best chocolate cakes I’ve ever tasted at Vekia, a sweet ending to an unforgettable journey.
Peru gave me far more than beautiful photographs and unforgettable experiences. It gave me hope. It reminded me that healing is possible. It reminded me that I am worthy. It reminded me that becoming an empty nester is not the end of my story but simply the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with freedom, adventure, and endless possibilities.
Maybe that chapter includes finding love again; maybe it doesn’t. Either way, I know this: I will continue collecting memories, embracing new experiences, and choosing joy.
Thank you, Peru, for reminding me that life still holds so much wonder.
Wow, this is a great adventure and thank you for sharing with us. I hope you find the love you deserve, and I wish you peace and happiness, and more adventures ahead.
This brings back so many memories. I had only spent a few months in Cusco and 1 week in Lima. Definitely adding your destinations to my list.
Thank you, it was a beautiful trip!