But at every stop on this colourful tour, Johnson finds it hard to resist leavening his diplomatic duties with a quip, or an arch remark more directed to fans back home than his South American hosts.
All of this is significant for a foreign secretary whose greatest political power back at home lies in the fact that he hasn't resigned – and the threat that he might. Far away from Peru, his presence in Theresa May's cabinet is a symbol of the trust the Leavers in her party still – just – have, in her ability to make Brexit happen, and in a way they can stomach. That trust has been severely tested of late; but as he jetted between three South American countries this week, Johnson didn't seem like a man about to walk away. The question is: could he ever give it up?
Later that day, asked to say a few words at a formal ceremony, where he and Popolizio have signed a series of memoranda of understanding between their respective governments, he begins: “I've done so much today. I've fed a manatee, who reminded me vaguely of one of my beloved colleagues in parliament – I won't tell you who.” Later still, after a long, hot day, he can't stop himself telling onlookers at a building site visit that, “personally speaking”, he could really do with a shower.
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