When we arrived in Peru, we had no idea what to expect from this country. Of course we knew of Machu Picchu, but there were so many more surprises in store for us! We hope you enjoyed exploring the country along with us, but our 180 day tourist permit is expiring and it is time to leave Peru. We exited Peru through the Amazon, specifically Puerto Maldonado. There are some movies about this area, which discuss the illicit gold mining operations and river vacuuming procedures. We didn’t see any of that as we wound through the jungle roads. 
The final village we slept in is called Marcapata. Once we took a look at the church, we wished we had more time to stay and explore. This is one of only a few thatched roof, baroque churches in South America. Here is a collection of photos by Yale University which document this beautiful relic. (click here to open a new window)
But the church isn’t the only old, patched together thing in the little village of Marcapata. The city truck has certainly seen better days. Yet I share this photo with great admiration, as you must acknowledge the details: missing lights, fabricated fender, dangling bumper, etc. And yet the city crew pulled up and parked this beast as they arrived to work on the church lawn. 
But before we leave Peru entirely, we want to share some food photos with you. This is a collection of items that we discovered during our 6 month visit to Peru. Check the labels on each photo for more information.
It is not uncommon to share a table with strangers. Because we were using only two chairs at a table for six, this family came in and sat down with us. The waitress is serving soup to accompany the chicken and rice dish.
Most of our meals are eaten “at home” The cooking is done inside or outside the camper. We have two tanks of propane for the cooktop. We have a full array of cooking utensils. We have space to store many fresh and preserved ingredients. Geneva enjoys preparing food and learning to use local ingredients. Maybe you will join us for a meal someday? We would like that.
Find us next in Brazil. We will be waiting for you!
I really have enjoyed following you around Peru. Thank you so much for the postings
I’m not ever going to get over that plate of salchipapas. (No ketchup?) 🤢 😂 You’ve shown us some fascinating places in Peru, and it’s hard to form a singular picture of it (except now, thanks to the salchipapas 🙄).
Oh, and I always love the long distance photos of your camper, when I picture one of you left behind, watching wistfully as it almost disappears down some distant road. 😝
Looking forward to Brazil! 👍