Sweet memories of Caraz.

Not many people choose Peru for their holidays. And, between those risky ones, the vast majority tend to explore the Cuzco region and, of course, the Machu Picchu.

No doubt, the Incan lost city is definetely a must see. And being one of those that have had the luck of getting there and survive the altitude sickness or soroche, as it is called by the locals, I can honestly say that there is absolutely nothing there not to fall in love with. I have tones of pictures and even a stamp on my passport for those in the need of more proofs than what can be easily got through internet.

Peru offers much more. Lima, the capital city, may not have the enchantment and the luxury of the old European capitals, but still provides a wonderful atmosphere. Noisy and chaotic but yet safe and charming. From the seaside area of Miraflores, where you can easily spot some pelicans swimming and flying over the Pacific ocean, to the Huaca Pucllana ruins that have overlooked the city for more than 1,300 years, going through the Plaza de Armas, city centre and truly the core of the city, which will take you back to the 16th century and where you can enjoy the freshness of a good ceviche, marinated fish and one of the most well-known dishes of the peruvian gastronomy, for less than £3.00.

But such a huge country has much more to offer. Just 10 hours by car heading North from Lima, you will be amazed to discover the Callejón de Huaylas, a deep valley that goes through two factions of the Andes, the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra, with mountains higher than 16,000 feet on each side, and magically named “white” and “black”: “white” for the everlasting snow on their peaks, and “black” for the coal mines underneath.

In this valley, driving in the opposite direction of the flow of river Santa, you will discover many small villages that will help you feel what the real Peru is: thousands of colours everywhere, food and drinks that taste so natural that you wouldn´t believe it and, even more impressive, the sight of real happiness in the eyes of people that literally have nothing but the willing to enjoy the few things they have in a peaceful and quiet way.

At the end of this valley, there is a very small village called Caraz, known as well as Caraz Dulzura. And Dulzura (translated as sweetness) comes after the superior quality of the cakes and ice creams that you can enjoy in this remote corner in the world, for less than 30 pennies each.

And it was there, sitting on a bench in the small Plaza de Armas of Caraz, with the impressive Andes surrounding me and while I was having an ice cream made from a fruit that I didn´t even know that existed till that day, I realised how lucky I was to have made such a journey.

(02/10/2015)