Ever since Netflix dropped Without Saying Goodbye—or as we locals in Peru call it, Hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar—there’s been a bit of a scramble to find the hasta que el cielo nos reúna reparto. Here is the thing though: if you’re searching for "Hasta que el cielo nos reúna," you’re actually looking for the Stephanie Cayo and Maxi Iglesias rom-com. The title often gets mixed up in translation or memory, but the emotional core remains the same. It’s that sweeping, high-altitude romance that made everyone want to book a one-way ticket to Cusco.
Honestly, the casting was everything for this movie. If the leads didn't click, the whole "stiff architect meets free-spirited backpacker" trope would have fallen flat on its face. It didn't.
The faces behind the hasta que el cielo nos reúna reparto
Let’s talk about Stephanie Cayo. She plays Ariana. If you follow Latin American cinema, you know the Cayo family is basically royalty in Peru. Stephanie isn't just a "pretty face" for the camera; she brings this grounded, almost stubborn energy to Ariana that makes her feel like a real person you'd meet in a hostel in Aguas Calientes. She’s a singer, an actress, and someone who actually understands the rhythm of the Andes. That matters.
Then you have Maxi Iglesias. He plays Salvador.
Maxi is Spanish, which was a very deliberate choice for the script. His character, Salvador, is this corporate architect from Spain who comes to Peru to build a giant, soulless luxury hotel. The friction between his "European efficiency" and the Peruvian "Ayni" (reciprocity) is the whole point of the movie. People loved the hasta que el cielo nos reúna reparto because Maxi and Stephanie actually started dating in real life during or after the filming. You can’t fake that kind of eye contact. It’s electric.
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The supporting players you probably recognize
Beyond the main duo, the film is anchored by some heavy hitters in the Peruvian acting scene. Wendy Ramos is a legend. Period. Most people know her from her clowning work or Patacláun, but here she plays Lichi. She provides that necessary warmth and comedic relief that keeps the movie from becoming too melodramatic.
Then there’s Vicente Vergara and Renata Flores. If you haven't heard Renata Flores, go to YouTube right now. She’s a famous Peruvian singer who blends urban music with Quechua. Including her in the cast wasn't just a "diversity hire"—it was a tribute to the modern, vibrating culture of the Andes that many tourists never bother to see.
The cast also includes:
- Amiel Cayo (a powerhouse in Andean cinema, known for Retablo)
- Mayella Lloclla (who has been in everything from Dos Besos to The Last Hour)
- Ahmed Shawky Shaheen
Why the location is the secret cast member
You can't discuss the hasta que el cielo nos reúna reparto without talking about Peru itself. Director Bruno Ascenzo basically treated the landscape of Cusco, Puno, and Paracas as a living character. When Salvador is staring at the mountains, he’s not just looking at a backdrop; he’s reacting to the scale of the Earth.
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The film faced some local criticism when it first came out. Some felt it was a "tourist's version" of Peru. But honestly? That’s exactly what the story is. It’s about an outsider (Salvador) learning to stop looking through a camera lens or a blueprint and start actually seeing the world. The cast facilitates this transition perfectly.
The Maxi and Stephanie Factor
People are obsessed with the "reparto" because the line between fiction and reality got blurry. When the movie premiered, the chemistry was the only thing anyone talked about. It's rare to see a Netflix original where the leads have such a natural rapport. They don't feel like they're reading lines; they feel like they're actually annoyed with each other, then actually charmed.
Maxi Iglesias has this way of playing the "stiff corporate guy" without making him a total villain. You want him to put down the phone. You want him to eat the food. You want him to fall for Ariana.
Realities of the production
Filming in Cusco isn't easy. You’ve got altitude sickness (soroche) to deal with. You’ve got unpredictable weather. The hasta que el cielo nos reúna reparto had to actually trek. This wasn't all done on a soundstage in Lima. When you see the actors looking a bit out of breath or their skin looking weathered by the sun, that’s real.
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The film also serves as a massive postcard for Peru’s tourism industry, which took a hit during the 2020s. By using local icons like Wendy Ramos and Amiel Cayo, the production ensured that while the leads were international stars, the soul of the film remained Peruvian.
What most people get wrong about this movie
The biggest misconception is the title. If you're looking for "Hasta que el cielo nos reúna," you might find some old poems or different indie films. But in the context of the 2022 Netflix hit, the title is Hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar.
Another thing? People think it’s just a simple romance. It’s actually more about the conflict between development and preservation. Salvador wants to build; Ariana wants to protect. The cast carries this heavy thematic weight while still making you want to see them kiss. It’s a delicate balance.
Practical steps for fans of the cast
If you finished the movie and want more of this specific vibe or these specific actors, you shouldn't just stop at the credits. There’s a lot more to dive into.
- Check out Retablo: If you liked Amiel Cayo’s performance, watch Retablo. It’s a masterpiece of Peruvian cinema and shows a much deeper, more complex side of Andean life.
- Follow Renata Flores on Spotify: Her music is the literal heartbeat of the modern Andes. It’ll give you a much better appreciation for her cameo in the film.
- Watch "Valeria" on Netflix: If you’re a Maxi Iglesias fan, this Spanish series shows him in a completely different light—still a heartthrob, but in a very different setting.
- Explore Bruno Ascenzo’s other work: The director has a knack for capturing the "cool" side of Peru. Look for A los 40 if you want to see more of his style.
- Plan a trip (the right way): If the movie inspired you to visit Cusco, look into sustainable tourism. The whole point of the film’s conflict is that giant hotels aren't always the answer. Stay in local "picanterías" and support the real people who make up the culture shown in the film.
The hasta que el cielo nos reúna reparto succeeded because they captured a moment of genuine connection in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Whether you're there for the romance or the scenery, the cast provides a solid bridge into a culture that is much deeper than a 90-minute movie can show.