Visiting the Monasterio Santa Catalina is an absolute must, even if you’re not into church history or architecture. It was founded in 1579 and part of a not-a-secret rebellion that Peruvian-born women of wealthy Spanish families waged during the 1600s and 1700s.

Inside the convent, they could vote, own property and generally be quite independent. They were each allowed up to four servants and many lived in apartments, like condos built in the 5-acre convent. Most brought a cook with them, as apartments have separate kitchens and the youngest nuns, especially those who entered in their teens, brought their nanny.

The Spanish conquest of South America was bloody by all accounts and the lives of most Spanish men were brutish and short. Many were young women widowed in their 30s and decided to enter the convent rather than remarry another conquistador.