The Pan-American Highway has seen its fair share of adventurers, but few stories are as captivating, or as daring, as the one currently unfolding on the shores of Northern Peru. This week, the coastal town of Zorritos, Tumbes, welcomed a very special guest: Spanish traveler Fabio Belnome, better known to his thousands of followers as Volata di Peluca.
After months of navigating the rugged terrains of North and Central America, Fabio has officially crossed the border from Ecuador, marking a major milestone in what he calls the "third season of the Volata World Tour".
A Legendary Journey in a Budget Car
Fabio Belnome is no stranger to "impossible" road trips. Last year, he captured the internet's imagination by driving from Spain to Japan. For this current expedition, his ambitions grew even larger: a five-month trek starting from the northernmost reaches of Alaska all the way down to Tierra del Fuego (Patagonia) in Argentina.
Perhaps the most remarkable part of the story is his choice of vehicle. While most transcontinental overlanders invest in heavy-duty 4x4s, Fabio is conquering the Americas in a €900 Fiat Marea. It is a testament to the spirit of adventure, proving that you don’t need a fortune or a specialized truck to see the world; you just need a reliable engine and a lot of heart.
The Road to Tumbes
The journey hasn't been without its logistical puzzles. While Fabio has driven almost the entire length of the Pan-American Highway, he bypassed the roadless Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia by shipping the Fiat Marea via boat while he explored Colombia on a motorcycle. Now reunited with his car, he is ready for the next challenge.
As Fabio settles into the Peruvian leg of his tour, his eyes are set on the mountains. He has shared his excitement about heading toward Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. For a traveler who has seen the world’s most iconic landmarks, visiting Machu Picchu remains a primary goal of this South American chapter.
First Stop: A Mandatory Peruvian Welcome
Crossing the border into Tumbes is hungry work, and Fabio wasted no time diving into Peru’s world-renowned culinary scene.
His first order? A delicious "Piqueo Marino".
Sitting by the coast, he enjoyed a feast of Arroz con Mariscos (seafood rice), Chicharrón de Pescado (crispy fried fish), and of course fresh Ceviche, all accompanied by the classic Cancha Serrana (toasted corn) and Chifles (plantain chips). To wash it all down: two cold beers, declaring that this spread is quite literally "everything you have to eat in Peru on your first day". It was the perfect introduction to the flavors that await him as he heads further south.
For fellow travelers and fans of the Volata World Tour, Fabio’s arrival in Peru serves as an inspiration. It reminds us that Peru is not just a destination to fly into, but a land meant to be explored one kilometer, and one plate of ceviche, at a time.