May 1 2024. 

After two previously cancelled attempts (COVID, surgery) Thea and I finally started the trip to hike the Inca Trail that she’s wanted to do since a child (she can explain the back story). 

We landed in Lima late the night before. Rejuvenated by surprisingly good hotel coffee, we had enough oomph to go out and tour. Aunty Michele had recommended the Monastery of San Francisco catacombs. 

First we stumbled across this section of the old city wall. Mainly because we were diverted by a large crowd at the Basilica for a religious festival. Never did find out which deity they were festivalling in honour of. Though it was also Labour Day, and there was a big march happening, so one suggestion was the Patron Saint of workers?

The wall was built by the Spanish to hold back both the river and pirates. The area is now quite a pleasant (uncrowded) park. 

The crowds having dispersed just a little we made it back for the catacombs tour. No photos. Not sure why. Not like my iPhone is going to damage anything. And we presume the souls have moved on. But then we noted others taking photos anyway. 🤷‍♂️ 

Did sneak into the church later for some photos. 

Orientation meeting was back at the hotel at 2. The group was planning to go to the catacombs so we chose to walk down to the shoreline. It’s not really shoreline as that is consumed by a freeway, but more the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The area was a nice linear park where we also found late lunch:/early dinner. Found a monument to a famous Peruvian. 

The first Pisco Sour for the tour and my “Chef’s special”

We then express bussed back up into the city to visit the Magical Water Circuit. Again an Aunty Michele recommendation. Disappointing cold hard churros but an entertaining water and light show. 

Found the city sign for the obligatory selfie. 

“Tomorrow” it’s off to Puerto Maldonado in the Peruvian Upper Amazon. (Though purists might argue that the madre de dios is not actually upper Amazon but part of the upper watershed).