Quito’s Equatorial position meant that sunrise was at 5:56 a.m. and a sunset expected at 6:05 p.m. From the hotel room and the tour bus the geographical and morphological characteristics of the city were visible. The whole region near the city is one of mountains and canyons with the altiplano (plateau) in between. This restricts …
The journey to the Galápagos Islands started with a short hop to Amsterdam, an overnight stay at the airport and a 5,948 mile on 14th to Quito. The Great Circle Route to South America crosses the Atlantic so far from land that this is only spotted when reaching the Caribbean. We landed at the World’s …
We started the long haul home with a flight from Arequipa to Lima. Then onwards to Amsterdam, arriving Monday, where plans were thwarted by a technical fault on the 737 to Manchester which led to us transferring to another plane that had just landed. We arrived in Manchester about 2 hours late after around 16 …
Today was a well earned rest day but we did saunter around the Plaza and sat on the steps in front of the cathedral and watched the locals parade around in their finery. Later in the day we ate at the only Indian restaurant in the city. Butter chicken cooked and served by the owner/chef …
Our tour started at Carmen Alton, a viewpoint in a former colonial suburb, Yanahuara. The terrace commanded views over the whole city, always with El Misti as a backdrop. At another viewpoint we saw the pre-Inca terraces and irrigation schemes that are still in use. The production of market garden produce was in full swing …
Today’s road transfer was to Arequipa. With an 07:10 start and a short drive up the upper reaches of the Colca Canyon we penetrated the depths of this magnificent landscape at first light. It is the equivalent of two Grand Canyons inside one another, similar to a valley-in-valley formation. At the Cruz del Condor observation …
Today was a rest day. Although not suffering from altitude sickness it is still taxing operating at these altitudes, so slow and steady is the way. Early this morning we walked to the hot springs which are evidence of volcanic activity beneath the ground. It rises at around 80 degrees and each pool was slightly …
Today we travelled to the Colca Canyon. An early departure was essential because of extensive road repairs and closures along the route. However, our driver had a cunning plan which was to head out onto the Altiplano on unmade roads, barely wide enough for two vehicles and large dust trails left in the air. The …
Today was our opportunity to explore Lake Titicaca. It is the world’s highest navigable waterway. Lakeside inhabitants have used reed and wooden sailing boats, later steam powered ships and petrol engine craft to fish and trade for centuries. Adjacent to the hotel were two Glasgow-built steamships for passengers and freight from the late 19th century …