Peru Through My Eyes : My First Solo Trip To Peru
- Arny Lay
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 21
My first time in Peru completely changed the way I travel. A couple of weeks ago, someone asked what my favorite country was. Without hesitation, I answered “Peru.” I couldn’t think of a reason that would make me not want to go back. Yes! It’s that good! Incredible, really.
Why Peru?
In the beginning, I didn't really know what kind of traveler I am. I know I like the ocean, nature in general and love traveling, but not exactly sure what I was looking for. So I asked a friend of mine, which country I should visit, and he said and I quote, “I think everyone in their life should visit Peru, at least once in their life.” So here I go, I booked the flight and asked for time off work.
Planning My First Solo Trip to Peru
I remember it clearly, it was the first country I ever visited in Latin America. I don’t speak Spanish, I didn’t know anyone. But I keep telling myself this;
“If I don't do it now, I never will.”
I read tons of articles from the good reviews to the horror stories people experienced there. So yes, I was beyond nervous. But I booked the flight anyway, made the itinerary and pre-booked buses, day trips, hostel and my first big hike in a while which happened to be Machu Picchu.
My First Day in Lima: Chaos from the Start
Long story short, I landed in Lima with my backpack and all the necessities for two weeks. I was not sure about booking a hostel on my first night there and I landed at like 10 pm, so I booked this hotel 30 minutes away from the airport then got in my Uber. I was scared about something that I read on reddit so I pretended to be on a phone call the entire ride, telling my imaginary friend that I will arrive soon, and they can wait for me in the lobby.
Looking back now, it makes me laugh—but at that time I was convinced I was starring in my own survival movie.
I was too excited when I got to the hotel and couldn’t sleep. But, I booked a three day and two night trip to the desert for the next day, and the bus will pick me up at 5 am. Yes, not a very smart move there. And as expected, I missed my alarm, the bus left and I am panicking by myself because again, I already booked for the two night hotel in the desert.
But, the girl at the receptionist desk helped me a lot. She made a phone call to the travel company explaining my situation and all. I am so thankful for the help I got from that girl because I am so panicky, I thought I messed up the entire trip. They kept my stuff while I roamed around downtown Lima, got lost here and there, and took the wrong bus. Chaos.
Even with everything that had happened that morning, I couldn't help but admire Lima. The city stretched along the Pacific Ocean, where endless blue sea met the horizon. For a moment all the stress faded away. Maybe it was the detour I needed, to simply see just how magnificent Lima really is. And if I am being honest, I desperately needed a coffee too.
Getting Lost—and Finding Kindness in Paracas
After going back and forth for hours, I decided to take a local bus to the first stop of the trip, or at least get to the first hotel. I am a budget traveler so paying for a taxi or Uber is out of the equation. At that time, I had no idea about what an eSim was, so I was running on wifi or doing the old school thing with a huge tourist map and asking people for directions.
The Sunset That Made Me Fall in Love with Peru
That afternoon as I walked from the terminal in Paracas, the sun slowly disappeared behind the Pacific Ocean. It wasn’t the kind of sunset you find on a postcard. Power lines stretched across the sky, streets were almost empty and fishing boats rested quietly in the distance. But somehow, it was just perfect.
I started walking slowly, not because I was lost anymore, but because I wanted to hold on to that moment a little longer.
After a day filled with missed buses, wrong turns and unexpected kindness from strangers, I realized I wasn’t remembering the chaos—I was remembering the people who helped me through it. That was the moment I knew I had fallen in love with this country—not just the landscapes but the people.
From the Coastline to the Andes
I did the 3 day tour (Minus day one, when I spent roaming around Lima), and took an airplane to Cusco for my 5 days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and my unexpected trip to the Amazon rainforest and back to Lima.
Looking back, I can honestly say the trip went smoothly, but it doesent mean everything was easy. But bumpy road that I took, taught me something new. From dealing with altitude sickness to learn to slow down and listen to my body. Yes, I lerned to be more flexible, because no matter how perfect my plan was, my body doesn't always follow the itinerary. I learned about friendship and to be grateful for the life I have.
Peru reminded me that traveling isn't about chasing the next destination. Sometimes the most valuable lessons come from the unexpected moment that force you to pause, adapt and appreciate the journey a little more.
Why Peru Will Always Have My Heart
The first time I heard about Peru was in high school, when I was researching about the seven wonders of the world. I read about Machu Picchu over and over, being so fascinated by the lost city of Inca. To think about how far I’ve come to see it with my own eyes still feels unbelievable.
Peru is where I learned about myself and being reminded of the goodness in people, a culture so rich, it makes me want to keep going back. Nature is so breathtakingly beautiful that I need to stop and calm my poor heart. And the food, oh it’s making me hungry just to think about the food.
Peru gave me more than incredible views and unforgettable adventures. It reminded me that the best journeys aren’t just about the place you visit—they are about how they change you. In the end, it’s never just about the adventure. It’s about the feeling a place leaves with you long after you’ve gone home.
I am so excited to share more of the stories from the desert to the mountain, the trails and the people I met along the way.
Have you visited Peru or is it still on your bucket list? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments !
What’s Next?
I’ll be sharing more stories, travel tips, and detailed guides soon. Subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss the next chapter of the journey!
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