The streets are lined with orange, yellow and white buildings, some proudly built with local grey stone, the hanging signs offering anything from a hostel to coffee shops and local tours. Inviting as they are, the padlocked grilles covering the windows and doors give off a different vibe. Above our heads tangled wires travel along the streets and between the buildings – a troubling sight if it was in London but here it highlights a country still getting to grips with modern technology. Or, at the very least, seeing functionality as the priority and not really paying close attention to risk assessment.

Eventually the tight road leads into the vast square, where it feels like everything small has been replaced by everything big. Big streets, big walkways, as well as the view beyond. The opening of the space has afforded us a view of the huge mountains surrounding the city, a reminder of the magical adventures to come and the rich history of the Peruvian Andes capital. The Sacred Valley and the renowned Incan ruins of Macchu Picchu are nearby, maybe adding to the calmness that I feel as we walk through this busy place.

The Plaza de Armas glows orange thanks to the disappearing sun, highlighting the beauty of its huge cathedral that takes up the majority of one side of the square. Elsewhere restaurants and bars call out to us, beckoning us away from the decorative grassy verges in the heart of the square, all of which have been lined with benches for people to sit and absorb the local sights.

‘Anyone hungry?’ I ask, after we’ve meandered around for a while.

‘Starving!’ declares Zaza, her arm looped through Vicky’s who clutches her bag tightly.

‘Let’s head a little out of the square. That guy on the front desk recommended that pizzeria up here, remember?’

‘I thought you’d want us to try the local cuisine,’ says Vicky, looking surprised and relieved.

‘It does both,’ I smile.

‘I’m good with pizza, wine and bed!’ declares Zaza.

‘I could sink a beer or two,’ I nod, not really wanting a cloudy head in the morning but knowing it’ll help me sleep. I can’t remember the last night I went to bed and my mind and body agreed to take a break so I could get some good shuteye, but maybe a drink and a different bed will help.