There is a very specific type of magic that exists in a port city before the rest of the world has hit the snooze button.

This morning in Montevideo, I decided to chase that magic. While the city slept, I slipped out of my door just as the sky was turning that bruised purple color right before dawn. The air near the Rio de la Plata was cool, heavy with the scent of brackish water and the faint, industrious diesel smell of the docks.

My walk began at the port. At 6:30 AM, it’s already alive, but quietly so. Crane operators were starting their shifts, and massive container ships sat silhouetted against the brightening horizon. It felt industrial, raw, and strangely peaceful.

But the real draw for me was just across the rambla: Ciudad Vieja—the Old City.

If you love photography, this is your playground. Walking into Ciudad Vieja at this hour felt like stepping onto a movie set where the director hadn’t yet called \”Action.\” The streets were impossibly quiet. The early morning light, that famous \”golden hour,\” began to strike the tops of the buildings, painting the peeling facades of grand Art Deco and colonial architecture in warm amber tones.

I walked for an hour with just my camera for company. I got lost in the details that you miss when the streets are full of people: the intricate ironwork on a balcony, the incredible patina on a heavy wooden door, the way the cobblestones slicked with morning dew reflected the fading streetlights. It was an atmospheric feast, a silent conversation with history.

By 8:00 AM, however, the artist in me was being overtaken by the caffeine addict in me. My stomach was growling, and the hunt for coffee began.

I turned a corner near Plaza Matriz, down one of those narrow, shadowed side streets, and saw a modest sign that looked like it had been there for a century. It didn\’t scream \”trendy cafe.\” It looked more like a place my grandfather would have gone to buy cough syrup in the 1940s.

I pushed the heavy door open and stopped in my tracks.

It was called, quite literally, La Farmacia Café (The Pharmacy Cafe). Stepping inside was like walking into a time capsule that had been gently hijacked by a modern barista.

The bones of the old apothecary were completely intact. Floor-to-ceiling dark wood shelving lined the walls, packed not with coffee bags, but with antique glass jars bearing handwritten Latin labels for mysterious tinctures and powders. The original marble counter, cool to the touch, was still there, only now it supported a gleaming, state-of-the-art espresso machine instead of a mortar and pestle.

The juxtaposition was brilliant. It smelled of rich roasted beans, but it felt like a place of quiet remedies.

I ordered a cortado and a croissant, taking a seat near the window to watch the city finally start to wake up.

The coffee was exceptional—smooth, strong, and precisely what the morning required. But the croissant was the real surprise. In this city known more for its sweeter, denser medialunas, this was a masterclass in French baking: shatteringly flaky on the outside, impossibly buttery and airy on the inside.

Sitting there, surrounded by the ghosts of old pharmacists and the aroma of fresh espresso, was the perfect end to the morning walk.

If you find yourself in Montevideo, set your alarm. The sleep you lose is worth the atmosphere you gain. And if you find that little pharmacy cafe in the old town, order the croissant. It’s the best prescription for a perfect day.

Baños Termales de Calientes en Miculla, Miculla Museum, suspension bridge, valley views

Since ancient times, thermal baths have been appreciated for their healing properties. In Tacna, in southern Peru, there are a variety of thermal baths that offer a unique and relaxing experience. These destinations are not only excellent options to rest and de-stress, but they also help improve physical and mental health. In this article we will present you some of the best thermal baths in Tacna so you can plan your next visit and enjoy its benefits.

Hot Thermal Baths-Pachia

Can you imagine a place where you can soak in hot springs and improve your health? That place is located in the Tacna region and is called Calientes Baños Termales! According to locals, the water has medicinal properties to treat neuroarthritis and skin diseases.

Also, the history of this place is interesting. Formerly known as \”Huntu Uma\” meaning \”hot water\” by the indigenous Aymaras, today it is known in Spanish as \”Calientes\”. The temperature of the hot springs reaches 39.8 degrees and the altitude is about 1,350 meters. There are no coastal garoos here to ruin your experience and the air you breathe is pure and fresh. So why not take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing bath and the medicinal benefits of hot springs in a natural and tranquil environment?

How to get?

If you don\’t want to drive, you can also take a taxi or bus from Tacna\’s Plaza de Armas. The Calientes-Pachia Thermal Baths are located on the banks of the Capulina River, just 22.8 kilometers from the city of Tacna. Once on Highway 40, continue east until you reach the intersection with the highway to Pachia. From there follow the signs and take the detour to the thermal baths, at 1,400 meters above sea level. The road is in good condition and easy to navigate. The location is a kind of ravine along whose banks the Caplina River flows.

The Calientes spa is managed by the Municipality of the District of Pachía.

What are the health benefits of thermal baths?

The benefits of these waters are due to their chemical content, rich in substances such as sulfur, calcium, iodine, potassium, lithium, bicarbonate, iron, oxygen and silicon, the temperature ranges between 36ºC and 39ºC.

This oasis has excellent tourist infrastructure so you can enjoy an incredible experience. If you want to stay a few days, there is accommodation for you. In addition, there is a restaurant where you can taste delicious typical food from the region, as well as fast food restaurants such as tamales, corn with cheese, humitas, trout and more.

The hot springs have a small pool and eight separate pools where visitors can enjoy the medicinal properties of the hot springs. Don\’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful place and relax in the warm waters!

Thermal baths are not only a pleasure for the senses but also offer many health benefits. Since ancient times, people have used hot springs to relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and reduce stress. One of the most important benefits of thermal baths is their ability to relieve muscle and joint pain. Hot springs contain minerals such as sulfate, calcium and magnesium, which have been shown to be effective in reducing joint inflammation and pain.

Additionally, soaking in hot springs can also help improve blood circulation. The heat from hot water dilates blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the body\’s tissues. Another important benefit of thermal baths is their ability to relieve stress and anxiety. Soaking in hot water can help relax muscles and reduce tension in the body.

Do you want to enjoy these benefits? Well, we invite you to explore our itineraries and prices so that you can visit these wonderful destinations as soon as possible.

For those interested in learning about the local history and culture, the Miculla Museum is a must-visit. The museum offers a glimpse into the ancient history of the area, with exhibits showcasing petroglyphs that act as a window into the past. The museum is affordable to get into, and the exhibits are informative and engaging. Visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the customs and traditions of the people who have lived in the area for centuries. The museum is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and history.

Another attraction worth visiting in Miculla is the suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the valley below. The bridge is a fun and adventurous way to take in the natural beauty of the area, and it is an ideal spot for taking photos. The scenery is breathtaking, with mountain and river views that are sure to impress. Visitors can also stop for snacks along the way and enjoy a picnic while taking in the views. Crossing the suspension bridge is a unique experience that is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Miculla.

A review of La Estación Restaurant in Pozo Almonte and its unique characteristics

The La Estación restaurant is located in Pozo Almonte, in the Pampa del Tamarugal. The restaurant\’s atmosphere is cozy and familiar, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The restaurant\’s decoration is unique, with a wide collection of antiques that attract the attention of diners. In addition, the restaurant has outdoor spaces, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a delicious meal.

The restaurant\’s decoration is one of the most unique features of La Estación. The place has a large collection of antiques, which includes objects such as old cameras, radios, telephones, and other period objects. This collection of antiques creates a unique and welcoming atmosphere that makes diners feel like they are in a museum.

The kitchen at La Estación restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, from typical Chilean dishes to international options. The dishes are prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, which guarantees exceptional flavor. In addition, the restaurant has a salad buffet and a wide selection of natural juices. The combination of exceptional cuisine and unique decoration make La Estación a place that cannot be missed when visiting Pozo Almonte.