We ventured into high altitude country and were joined by a couple of familiar faces, Sally & John (Scott's parents); together we embarked on an expertly organised, spectacular tour of the country (thanks again Sally!).
It all started in Cuzco, where we visited the heart of the Inka Empire "Sexy Woman", bargained at the first of many markets, drank cups and cups of coca tea, tasted a little guinea pig and alpaca and soaked up some Inka architecture in The Sacred Valley. The trip then took a mystical turn as we made the journey to Machu Picchu! Machu Picchu is a breath taking site from every angle. In the two days we were there, we managed to visit all the key sites - Sun Gate, Inka Bridge, Machu Picchu Mountain and the most spectacular of all Wayna Picchu! Walking a total of 10 hours in the blistering sun and drenching rain we experienced it all.
Dad enjoying some cuy (guinea pig)
Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu
At the top of Machu Picchu Mt
Two boofheads at Machu Picchu
We then made our way down to Puno, which was the launching pad for our island hopping experience of Lake Titikaka. We visited Uros, floating islands made completely of reeds. It is a very unusual feeling stepping off the boat, and your foot sinking a few centimeters into squashy terrain. Next island was Amantani, where we had a home stay and meet Angelia (our adopted Peruvian mama). She cooked us many Peruvian dishes and we danced the night away in traditional dress at a local fiesta. From there we went to Taqulie Island and munched on freshly caught Trout overlooking trillion dollar view of Lake Titikaka. Our Peru adventure was pretty much over, but we still had more of Lake Titikaka to explore in Bolivia.
With Angelia, our Peruvian mama, at the local fiesta
Delicious trout with spectacular views
Uros, the floating reed island
Our colourful Uros taxi driver
When in the Andes wear an alpaca hat
We crossed the border into Bolivia without too much changing except the currency, which Scott was still calling Pesos anyway. A quick trip around the original Copacobana and it was all aboard the catamaran. As it turns out it is low season for travel in the Andes so we were luckily enough to get this catamaran all to ourselves and for 24 hours lived the lifestyle of the wealthy! A private tour of Isla del Sol (aka Sun Island and birthplace of the Inca's) followed by Sara breaking the oar of a traditional reed boat (Oops!) and then treked part of the Inka trail over the island. The day did not end there, with a candle lit dinner (might be the only one Sara gets all year!!) and a private traditional dance show. Not sure we are made for the Peru beat (we all had left feet!). Overall, it was a spectular experience, waking in the morning literally under a full rainbow.
Sara breaking an oar
Sunset from our private catamaran
On our last day with John and Sally, we saw the Tiwanaku ruins, which taught us a little about the pre Inka civilisation, before continuing on to La Paz. All were amazed as we rounded a corner and the city was spread out in the valley before us. That night it was a fun and sad dinner as we bid farewell to Sally and John at a rooftop restaurant soaking up the lit up valley of La Paz. We were shocked back into the backpacker lifestyle as we were stuck in La Paz due to demonstrations followed by a 30 hour bus ride up into Lima.
Hasta Luego,
Scara
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