Peru. Callao

 

   We landed in Lima early in the morning after our flight from Iquitos and were already at Jorge Chávez International Airport around 8:00. It was our last day in Peru before our evening flight to Madrid, so we had one full day left to enjoy the Lima region one last time. Our plan was simple: pick up some souvenirs and finish the trip with a swim in the Pacific Ocean...

  While flying back from the Amazon region toward Lima, we were treated to one last unexpected highlight from the plane window. Below us stretched the dramatic line of the Andes, and we could clearly recognize the mountain ranges we had explored just a week earlier—the snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and the rugged, remote ridges of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Seeing them from above added a completely new perspective to the journey: familiar trails and valleys we had struggled through on foot now appeared as vast, sculpted landscapes fading into the distance, marking a quiet and reflective end to our time in the Peruvian highlands...

  Before descending into Lima, we also caught our first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean from above. The coastline slowly emerged through the clouds, and soon the deep blue water filled the window, dotted with countless boats scattered across the surface. From that height, they looked almost motionless, gently marking the busy maritime life below.

  From the airport, we took a bus to Magdalena del Mar to have breakfast at a local market. There, we enjoyed simple but satisfying sandwiches with chicharrón and avocado, paired with strong Peruvian coffee - an ideal start to a long travel day.

  After breakfast, we continued by Uber toward Miraflores, heading in the direction of the well-known Inka Market in Miraflores, a popular place for traditional crafts and souvenirs. On the way, we stopped at Parroquia La Virgen Milagrosa, a calm and modest church located near the lively Parque Kennedy.

   It offered a brief moment of quiet in the middle of one of Lima’s busiest districts. Unlike more ornate colonial churches, this one feels simple and modern, with a peaceful interior that contrasts nicely with the constant movement and energy of Miraflores just outside its doors.

   Soon after, we reached the Inka Market, where we browsed through rows of handmade goods and souvenirs. We bought natural cacao beans, warm alpaca socks, and a few small keepsakes to bring home - everything reflecting the colors and traditions of Peru.

  Later in the day, we took another Uber to Callao, heading toward La Punta. There, the atmosphere shifted completely - open ocean views, fresh sea air, and a relaxed coastal vibe. We walked along the shoreline, watching the Pacific waves roll in and admiring the tall palm trees lining the promenade. 

   

  Callao itself is the main seaport of Peru and a separate constitutional province, although it is fully integrated into the Lima metropolitan area. It has a strong maritime identity, shaped by its port, naval base, and long history as the country’s gateway to the Pacific. The nearby La Punta district adds to this coastal character, known for its quiet residential atmosphere, waterfront promenade, and views over the ocean, offering a more relaxed contrast to the busy port areas.

  As we strolled along the shoreline, we were surrounded by open ocean views on one side and the calm, residential atmosphere of La Punta on the other. 

   Looking out toward the horizon, we could see the vast Pacific stretching endlessly, with Lima spreading far in the distance along the coast and inland into the desert. 

   The promenade in La Punta is a calm seaside walkway lined with tall palm trees, creating a relaxed coastal atmosphere...

  After exploring the main coastal area, we continued to Cantolao Beach, where we finally went for a swim.

  The water was surprisingly warm and calm, and after weeks of travel across Peru, it felt like the perfect way to slow down and absorb the last moments of the journey. Floating in the Pacific Ocean on our final day gave everything a sense of closure—peaceful, unhurried, and unforgettable...

   Pelican was swimming surprisingly close in the water, moving calmly between the small waves, while a cormorant flew just above the surface, diving in and reappearing only a few meters away. Sharing the ocean with them made the swim feel wild and immersive, as if we had briefly stepped into their world rather than just swimming in the Pacific.

   After our swim at Cantolao Beach, we went to eat at the nearest local market to refuel. We had a simple but very satisfying meal- fresh fish served with potatoes and salad. From there, we made our way to Plaza Grau in Callao, a central square named after the national hero Admiral Miguel Grau.

   At Plaza Grau, we took an Uber to the airport, beginning the final leg of our journey. It was a quiet ride, with the city slowly giving way to the coastal highways leading back to Jorge Chávez International Airport, where our time in Peru came to an end.

   We finished our trip in Peru with a deep sense of fulfillment, having experienced an incredible variety of landscapes and adventures: the towering peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, the remote beauty of the Cordillera Huayhuash, the dense Amazonian jungle, and an unforgettable expedition through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.