Picarones are a beloved Peruvian dessert that originated in Lima and were inspired by Spanish buñuelos. In Peruvian cuisine, picarones emerged as a more affordable alternative, incorporating local ingredients such as pumpkin and yam, both abundant in the region.

Yesterday was 20.05.2025, and in just a few days it will be 25.05.2025. Beyond the beauty of spring sweeping across the Northern Hemisphere and the wonderfully soft sunlight bathing Birds Hotel Molino, there’s something about these two dates that gives you pause. The magic of numbers, once again.

The Pisco Sour, Peru's national cocktail, traces its origins back to the early 20th century in Lima. Victor Vaughen Morris, an American bartender, is credited with creating the drink around 1916.

Arroz chaufa is one of the most iconic dishes of Peruvian-Chinese cuisine, born from the influence of Chinese immigration to Peru in the 19th century. Chinese immigrants, known as "coolies", arrived to work on plantations and construction projects, bringing with them their ingredients and cooking techniques. The word “chaufa” comes from the Cantonese term "chao fan", which means fried rice.

Papa a la Huancaína is a traditional dish of Peruvian cuisine, recognized for its unique flavor and simplicity. It consists of boiled potatoes served with a creamy sauce made from fresh cheese, yellow chili pepper, evaporated milk, and oil, creating a delicious combination that has won the hearts of people both in Peru and abroad.

Chifa cuisine is one of the best examples of cultural fusion in Latin American gastronomy. Originating in Peru during the 19th century, this culinary tradition was born with the arrival of Chinese immigrants—mainly Cantonese—who adapted their food customs to local ingredients, creating a unique cuisine with its own identity.

Mazamorra morada is one of the most traditional desserts in Peruvian cuisine. Purple corn, the base of modern mazamorra morada, has been consumed in Peru for over 2,500 years, especially in the form of a drink. The Mochica culture mentions it in ceramics dating back to pre-Incan times.

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. 

María Rostworowski Tovar de Diez Canseco was born on August 8, 1915, in Lima, Peru. The daughter of a Polish father and a Peruvian mother, she received a bilingual and cosmopolitan education from an early age. She studied in England, Switzerland, and France, and later pursued History at the National University of San Marcos, where she was taught by prominent scholars such as Raúl Porras Barrenechea and Luis E. Valcárcel.

Huayna Cápac was the last ruler of the Inca Empire who managed to expand and consolidate its territory before the arrival of the Spanish. His reign was marked by ambitious military campaigns, administrative reorganization, and cultural flourishing, bringing Tahuantinsuyu to its greatest territorial extent. However, his death triggered a civil war that weakened the empire at the crucial moment of the European invasion.

Pachacútec Yupanqui, the ninth Sapa Inca of the Tahuantinsuyo, is one of the most emblematic leaders of the Inca Empire. Born around 1410, he is recognized both for his military prowess and for the reforms and administrative structures he implemented, which transformed the Inca Empire into one of the most advanced civilizations in pre-Columbian America. During his reign, which lasted from 1438 to 1471, the Inca Empire reached its greatest territorial expansion, stretching from southern Colombia to northern Chile and Argentina.

Manco Cápac, also known as Ayar Manco, is considered the founder of the Kingdom of Cusco, which would later become the powerful Inca Empire. Although his story is surrounded by myths and legends, historical studies suggest that he was a real figure who played a key role in consolidating Inca civilization.

Tourism plays a vital role in Peru’s economy, contributing around 7% to the country’s GDP and employing approximately 11% of the workforce. In 2023, the tourism sector generated about $13.5 billion, with 26% from international tourism and 74% from domestic tourism. While Peru offers a diverse range of tourist attractions, from world-renowned historical sites to stunning natural landscapes, the sector has yet to reach its full potential compared to previous years or other countries. The question is: does Peru want to be where the others are?

Peru is one of the leading producers of Arabica coffee worldwide. During the 2022–2023 harvest, the country produced a total of 216,000 metric tons, ranking as the ninth-largest Arabica producer globally. This coffee variety is the most widely cultivated both in Peru and around the world, known for its quality, flavor, body, and aroma.

Peru's fishing industry benefits from the country's extensive 3,100 km coastline along the nutrient-rich Pacific Ocean. The Humboldt Current brings an abundance of marine life, notably the Peruvian anchoveta (Engraulis ringens), which has been central to the industry's development. In the mid-20th century, Peru emerged as a global leader in fishmeal production. However, subsequent overfishing and environmental factors led to a dramatic decline in fish stocks, prompting adjustments in fishing practices.

The Agrarian Reform was enacted by President Juan Velasco Alvarado in 1969, aiming to redistribute land from large estate owners (haciendas) to rural populations. This radical reform sought to empower rural communities with land. It led to expropriation of 71% of irrigated land, 92% of dryland crops, 57% of natural pastures, and overall 56% of Peru's agricultural land. While it brought social justice, it also led to a decline in rural well-being: the basic food basket that took 27 hours of labor to afford in 1971 required 89 hours by 1985.

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.

In Andean communities, the roles of men and women within a couple are partially rooted in practical necessity. The relationship between the two is often seen as complementary, with each fulfilling distinct but equally important functions.

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.

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

$320bn is the amount that the four leading AI applications companies (Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta) are planning to spend on AI-related capital expenditures this year—19% more than Peru's GDP in 2023 and about 1.2% of the United States’ 2023 GDP.

These companies consumed a total of 72 TWh of energy in 2021—including the energy required to operate their AI projects—enough to power four cities the size of Lima.

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.

While trogons are commonly found in mainland forests, they are generally absent from oceanic islands, except in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. Some species, such as the quetzals, are adapted to cooler montane forests. Notably, one of the species, the golden-headed quetzal, can be found in the Quillabamba Road, which is located a 2–3 hour ride from Birds Hotel Molino.

The Versicolored Barbet (Eubucco versicolor) is found in the Andean forests of Peru and Bolivia. It belongs to the family Capitonidae (New World barbets), part of the larger order Piciformes, which also includes woodpeckers and toucans. Piciformes are mostly arboreal, nest in tree cavities and have strong beaks, while Capitonidae are found solely in Central and South America, and are mostly fruit-eating. 

The Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant (Anairetes alpinus) is a small bird from the tyrant flycatcher family (Tyrannidae), native to the high-altitude regions of Bolivia and Peru. It thrives in Polylepis and Gynoxys woodlands, typically found on steep slopes at elevations of 3,700–4,600 meters.

Antpittas, or Grallariidae, are a family of small suboscine passerine birds native to South America. These forest-dwelling birds are often found feeding on the ground, with many species being specialist ant eaters. Antpittas are timid and spend more time walking than flying. Their drab plumage, typically rusty brown, black, and white, along with long, powerful legs and vestigial tails that help them maintain an upright posture, are all adaptations to their habitat.

The Blue-mantled Thornbill belongs to the genus Chalcostigma in the subfamily Lesbiini. The genus is currently the subject of ongoing debate, with the South American Classification Committee (SACC) of the American Ornithological Society considering merging it into the genus Oxypogon.

Cinclodes, a genus of passerine birds in the family Furnariidae, are typically found in South America, particularly in high-altitude regions of the Andes.

Birdwatching in Peru’s mountains is a dream for any birder. Birding opportunities vary depending on the four key habitats: lush gardens, rainforests, expansive pampas, and rugged mountains. To see the elegant Andean Hillstar from the photo, or the cautious Blue-mantled Thornbill, you will need to leave the comfort of the car and walk in the rugged, thin-aired terrain.

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.

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.

In Beskidy mountain range, only a few hundred Western capercaillies, or "cocks-of-the-woods," remain, making the species endangered. A cock living in that region was recently being disturbed by tourists and wildlife photographers, who later shared their photos on social media.

Because people continued to harass the animal, authorities eventually decided to capture it and relocate it to a quieter area. Unfortunately, the bird did not survive the move. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Sacred Valley is a haven for travelers seeking peace and rejuvenation amidst breathtaking Andean landscapes. If tranquility is your top priority, consider the following factors:

When it comes to accommodations in the Sacred Valley, the level of service, room size, bed comfort, views, and accessibility can vary greatly. Dining options may differ, but one thing remains consistent: the breakfast experience. Whether you're staying at a luxury resort or a quaint boutique hotel, you can count on a traditional morning spread to fuel your day of exploration.

What works for others may not always be what’s best for you.

From luxury resorts with spas and gourmet dining to more affordable, charming guesthouses, and even hostels, the Sacred Valley offers options at all price points. Unless you're at either extreme of this spectrum, here’s a quick guide to help you narrow down the list of the best hotels in the Sacred Valley—the ones that fit your own criteria.

When looking for things to do in Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, or anywhere else, I used to focus on ticking off items from the "top ten" list. Fortunately, people around me offered a broader perspective.

Ollantaytambo isn’t the easiest name to pronounce, but once you get there, you’ll likely remember it for a long time, and for good reasons. It’s a small town that offers a subtle kind of magic, easy to overlook if you’re too busy chasing souvenirs or snapping pictures at the ruins.

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.

For those looking to reconnect with themselves, clear their minds, or spark creativity, consider traveling to the Sacred Valley. Higher than in Colombia or Ecuador, the Peruvian Andes present a diverse and stunning landscape. Warmer than in Chile or Argentina, they allow you to enjoy the sun and greenery at altitudes of over 4,000 meters—all in your sneakers. If you're looking for things to do in Machu Picchu and beyond that combine exploration with moments of serenity, these experiences will reset your mind.

When traveling to Peru’s Sacred Valley, payment methods can be a bit tricky if you don’t have a Peruvian bank account. For non-locals, Yape, the popular mobile payment app, is typically off-limits, leaving cash, cards, or digital wallets as the primary alternatives.

Birds produce color through various mechanisms, including pigment-based coloration, light scattering from nanostructured feather tissues, and combinations of both. Among birds, hummingbirds are particularly renowned for their brilliant, iridescent colors. The source of this vibrant coloration is nit simply due to pigments, but rather to a complex interplay between light and the nanostructured feathers of the bird.

After many days of continuous, gentle rain that turns the valleys and pampas into lush green lawns, today in the Peruvian Andes from Huaraz to Cusco was the day of the clear blue skies.