7 Must-Visit Locations In Peru For Lovers Of Literature

Peru is a country steeped in literary history and tradition, and even boasts a Nobel Prize-winning writer, Mario Vargas Llosa. If you enjoy literature, there are a number of locations that you must make time for while traveling through Peru. Here’s our guide to the essential hotspots for lovers of literature.

Cabo Blanco and the north

Ernest Hemingway’s masterpiece The Old Man and the Sea has a lot in common with the landscape and lifestyle of Cabo Blanco and the north of Peru, where little fishing towns rule and everyone is a fisherman. Hemingway visited the area when filming the movie based on his book, and during his visit, he caught one of the largest marlins on record in the area. His pictures can be found in restaurants throughout the area, which is a great place to visit to see the Peruvian version of his novel.

1. Bodega Queirolo

Bar, Restaurant, Peruvian

Bar Queirolo was the famous meeting point for the Hora Zero movement of the 70s, a group Peruvian writers who wanted to break the statuesque of literature, combing political activism with vanguard poetry. The group wanted a form of poetry that reflected daily life not the wealthy, Peruvian elite. This was one of the seminal groups in Peruvian literature and they always hung out at Bar Queirolo, which carries that vanguard feel to it.

El Puente de los Suspiros, Lima

Without a doubt one of the most romantic spots in all of Lima and a place of inspiration for poets and musicians, who almost always mention the bridge in their works. It is both beautiful and timeless, a place for every person to enjoy, reveling in its charm.

Machu Picchu

The famous Inca ruins in the sky have inspired many writers and thinkers, from Pablo Neruda to Che Guevara. The site itself is both breathtaking and inspiring, and is the subject of many books as well as heated discussion. The ruins are also the subject of Mark Adams’ well-known book Turn Right At Machu Picchu.

2. Bar Cordano

Bar, Restaurant, South American

Located in the heart of Lima’s historical center is Bar Cordano, a famous hangout for Lima politicians and the country’s literati. The bar was a favorite of American Beat poet Allen Ginsberg and his friends during his visits to Peru.

Barranco

Every writer, no matter the time, visits Barranco – it’s where every artist goes in Peru. From the classic Lima bars like Juanito and Bodega Piselli, to the great coffee shops and vibrant streets, Barranco holds inspiration for all.

3. La Casa de Literatura

Museum, Library, Art Gallery

This spot is one of the best places to visit for lovers of literature in Peru, and is located in the remodeled historical Desamparados Train Station building near the historical center in Peru. The buildings teaches you about Peruvian literature and preserves the history of the country’s literary progression. You’ll be able to learn about famous Peruvian writers like Mario Vargas Llosa, Alfredo Bryce Echenique, César Vallejo and José María Arguedas. It is a great place to explore on your literary quest in Peru.