I was left glowing after a day trip to the Lomas de Lachay (Lachay Hills), a national reserve two hours north of Lima, with its own micro-climate.

At this time of year, October, it is well-know for its abundant flora, the result of the consistent moisture in the air, in an area that is otherwise desert.

Unexpectedly, we were in brilliant sunshine all day … which explains the sunburn!

On the way home, we stopped at the sea-side town of Chancay.

Most visitors here go to the faux castle, El Castillo de Chancay, built on the cliff-side overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

It is a Disney-esque pastiche of traditional European styles, constructed by a prominent local lady, in the 1920s and 30s, in memory of her husband.

Now, after extensive refurbishment, it is operated as a museum and tourist attraction, with a pool, waterslide, restaurant, as well as photos from Peru’s early Republican period and relics from the Chancay pre-Columbian culture.

However, we headed for the Hare Krishna community of Ecotruly, located on the beach below the Pan-American Highway.

Here we had a chance to hear a little about their lifestyle and belief system, try ceviche and anticuchos made of soya … and even do some chanting.