Look at this tiny Mulsant—isn't it amazing how a complex biological mechanism can be contained in this tiny, beautifully designed body? This diminutive male is just one example of why Peru, a country known for its natural beauty, has long been a haven for birdwatchers.

However, despite its extraordinary avian diversity, Peru’s infrastructure for birding tourism has historically lagged behind that of more tropical countries in Central and South America, making access to some of its best birding spots more challenging.

At its core, ceviche is a simple yet vibrant combination of fresh fish marinated in citrus juice, usually lime or lemon, which "cooks" the fish without heat. The acid from the citrus alters the texture of the fish, turning it from translucent to firm, and infuses it with a tangy, refreshing flavor that balances the richness of the seafood.

The beauty of ceviche lies in its versatility. 

The Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana) is the national bird of Peru. It is primarily found in the mountainous and forested areas of the jungle. The male's bright red plumage, combined with its prominent crest, makes it one of the most visually striking birds.

An ancient legend tells that when the last Inca prince of Vilcabamba realized his defeat was inevitable and there was nowhere left to hide, he spent his final night with the cock-of-the-rocks in his garden. In this moment of stillness, he told the birds to fly far away, toward the misty subtropical forests. He asked that their plumage, as bright as fire, become a symbol of the joy that transcended all the great things the Incas had achieved.

Peru doesn’t make you choose. You can weave together history, adventure, spirituality, and culture into one custom-made journey. From the ruins of Machu Picchu to the multifaceted Sacred Valley, here’s your guide to navigating this world of wonders—without ever feeling like you’re leaving the present behind. There are so many things to do here, it’s unlikely you’ll leave without finding something that captivates you.

Where the air is thin, people used to—and still do—slowly mash a small handful of dry, acidic coca leaves as they make their way across the desert hills in silence. Some say it’s to stave off hunger or prevent altitude sickness. Personally, I doubt the locals suffer from altitude sickness. They might feel hunger after hours of enduring harsh weather and climbing at high altitudes, but they’re prepared for it. They usually carry a small portion of food, knowing it must last them through the day.

In recent years, we have witnessed a rapid technological globalization that has reshaped our understanding of national economies. Two recent events reflect this phenomenon in a spectacular way: on one hand, the impact of global connectivity through Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet project; and on the other, the extraordinary valuation of Tesla, the electric vehicle company, whose market capitalization has reached astronomical figures.

While we oppose Musk's interference in U.S. foreign policy, we cannot help but admire his strategic vision as an entrepreneur. Both of his projects prompt us to reflect on how major technological innovations interact with local economies, such as that of Peru.

2. Jaime Bayly – The best modern Peruvian writer. Although he mocks everything and everyone, even Vargas Llosa himself, he remains true to his dream and ambition of being a master of words. With a mix of elegance and sarcasm, occasionally throwing in a wink, he tells us everything we are drawn to, without judgment. Like MVL, his ability to tackle diverse topics without arrogance or naivety is impressive. From his tropical house in Florida, he remains the most prolific commentator from his country. I forgive his tendency to write about vulgar sex, murders, absentee fathers, spoiled children, emotional blackmail, and all sorts of human baseness. I love him.

For the past 30 years, the French magazine Montagnes and the Groupe de Haute Montagne have been awarding the Piolet d'Or, or "Golden Ice Axe," recognizing remarkable mountaineering achievements from the previous year. Although it is considered the highest honor in the mountaineering world, I could never quite understand why it was awarded for summits that most people had never heard of—climbs and traverses far from the well-known peaks like Mont Blanc, Denali, or Everest. Instead, the Piolet d'Or often recognizes feats accomplished in more obscure, remote areas, far from the spotlight.

Nature photography is endlessly fascinating: nature is always in motion, and no two moments are ever the same.

It can be challenging – finding the balance between curiosity and the pursuit of the perfect shot, while always respecting the wildlife and its space.

Peru is one of the world’s premier birdwatching destinations, offering a remarkable variety of species across its diverse landscapes. Whether you're an avid birder or a nature enthusiast, Peru provides unparalleled opportunities to experience a wide array of avifauna.

Endemic Species

With over 100 endemic species, Peru is a top choice for birders seeking rare and region-specific birds. Endemics like Koepcke’s Hermit, Black-breasted Hillstar, Bearded Mountaineer, Marvelous Spatuletail, Vilcabamba Tapaculo, and the Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch—featured in the logo of Birds Hotel Molino—are just a few to name.

Peru is a country of extraordinary contrasts, where geography, culture, and economy converge to create a rich, diverse, and often contradictory experience. This diversity is both the country’s greatest strength and one of its biggest frustrations

Our guests often ask us questions—what places to visit, where to eat, how to get there, and what’s the cost?

We understand that each person has unique interests and views the world through a different lens. Take, for example, this peaceful spot near Hotel Molino. What do you see? Lush vegetation? Abandoned crop fields? A family house that once belonged to people who are no longer here? Or perhaps the Inca trail that leads to ruins just 100 feet above?

The way you perceive a place is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself.

We’re accustomed to a world where services are available 24/7. A canceled flight is a hassle, but we expect "them" to fix it, rebook us, and refund our money. Well, not always, and certainly not when traveling to Cusco during the rainy season.

As tourists, we often think of Peru in terms of its breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, amazing cuisine, and exciting adventures. While it certainly offers all of this, it’s important to remember that Peru is also a "normal" country facing the typical political, social, and cultural challenges that many nations experience.

One of the more overused buzzwords in marketing, “curated,” is gradually losing its power. Curated hotels, curated content, curated photos, curated itineraries—the term has become a catch-all that, like the European Union’s carrot production standards, leads to the discarding of anything that doesn’t fit a narrow set of predefined criteria. The result? We are often presented with a polished, idealized version of the world, one that overlooks the asymmetry, unpredictability, and raw beauty of reality.

Created by the Nazca culture over 2,000 years ago, the Nazca Lines are a breathtaking series of geoglyphs engraved into the vast coastal plain. These lines can be grouped into straight paths, geometric patterns, and intricate pictorial representations.

Perched like a nest on a narrow strip of land, Birds Hotel Molino overlooks the Vilcanota Valley, surrounded by towering mountains in three directions.

This privileged location comes at a price. Being so close to nature means we must remain constantly vigilant, as nature will not tolerate negligence.

In 1904-1905, Max Weber published The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.

Of all the concepts I encountered during my university years, which span more than a decade and include four degrees, only a few have stayed with me. Weber’s views on the value of methodical, everyday work are among them.

Apparently, the saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” was coined by an advertising executive, Fred R. Barnard, to promote his agency’s ads. I’m not sure if this is true, but that’s what pops up when you search on Google—the most accessible (and often unquestioned) source of explanations for anything.

The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), also known as the Virginia deer or gray deer, is a species of artiodactyl mammal from the Cervidae family.

Endless horizons, clear skies and having the world to yourself are the true luxuries of modern times. Here at Hotel Molino we believe everyone can do their bit for the environment, and we encourage our guests to adopt a ‘Leave No Trace’ policy when visiting us.