Intro

Today wasn’t a day of turning pedals, but rather a crucial pause in the forward momentum of the journey. We’re well into the coastal stretch of Peru, and the plan was always to find a good spot to rest for a few days, to let the legs recover and the mind wander a little and to work on a few important todos. My mood was one of focused determination this morning, knowing I had a specific mission: secure a comfortable flat in Cabo Blanco.

Ride Overview

Distance (km): 0 Elevation gain (m): 0 Elevation loss (m): 0 Weather: Warm, with a gentle breeze off the Pacific. The sun was bright, making the search a pleasant walk rather than a chore. Surface: Mostly dusty village roads and some paved sections, with the occasional sandy patch near the shore. A day spent entirely on foot, exploring the small village of Cabo Blanco, which felt surprisingly expansive when you’re knocking on doors and asking around.

Highlights

The search for a flat had been a bit of a low hum of anxiety for a few days, so the breakthrough today felt like a true victory. I had two options initially, one appealing for its modern comforts but a stretch for the budget, the other more affordable but lacking a proper kitchen. As the afternoon wore on, favouring the pricier one reluctantly, a conversation with the lady at the local supermarket proved serendipitous. She pointed me towards a flat near the Capitanero. A quick chat with the landlord, and it was clear: this place was not only cheaper than both previous options but also boasted a fully equipped kitchen. Four nights booked, starting tomorrow – a real weight off my mind.

Mid-afternoon offered a delightful, unexpected reunion. Christian, who I’d met previously, was having lunch with his wife at one of the few restaurants in town. I joined them, sharing stories and enjoying a simple, satisfying meal together. It’s these small, unscripted connections that often breathe life into the journey, reminding me of the human thread woven through all these landscapes.

Later, I spent a good hour or so talking with Christian again, this time on the balcony of the new beach house where he offers a room. We spoke about life, about travels, and I was genuinely impressed by his knowledge of English music. He could sing along to so many songs, recalling artists and lyrics with ease. It was a quiet, profound moment of shared humanity under the fading light, a gentle reminder that interesting people are everywhere.

Lowlights

While the day ended on a high, the initial hours were steeped in a quiet frustration. Pacing through the village, weighing up imperfect options, feeling the pressure of needing a place to settle for a few days – it felt like a small, internal battle. There’s always that slight tension when you’re a stranger in a new place trying to secure a basic need, hoping not to be taken advantage of, hoping for something that feels right. Before the supermarket revelation, I was resigning myself to compromise, which is never the most uplifting feeling.

Overnight

I stayed at the same humble guesthouse I’d been in the night before, just a simple room with a bed near the ocean. It was a purely functional choice, a place to lay my head before moving into the comfort of my newly secured flat. It served its purpose, a quiet space to process the day’s successful hunt.

Reflection

Today confirmed the importance of persistence, and the unexpected kindness of strangers. The biggest lesson, if one must be drawn, is that sometimes the best solutions aren’t found through diligent online searching or careful planning, but in the casual, human interactions that happen when you simply ask. It feels good to have a base for a few days, a place to unpack fully and just be.

Route summary

• Date: 07.03.2026