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 …
We departed Cusco by the 07:50 train to Puno. This PeruRail service operates three times a week and is a tribute to the days of Pullman luxury travel. The route follows the valley of the ‘Sacred River’ and because of the inclines and single narrow gauge track is a 10 hour journey. The landscape is …
Cusco was the headquarters of the Inca Empire from the 13th -16th century. The Plaza de Armas was the heart of the city and continues today. Arcaded colonial buildings surround the Plaza and the streets leading from it. When we arrived last night it was full of people enjoying the start of the weekend. Two …
A morning at leisure in Aguas Calientes was what we needed after 16 hours on our feet yesterday and altitudes around 2800m. There are so many coaches used to transport visitors to the Citadel that whilst at leisure we started bus spotting. They use 28 buses and in one morning we saw 20 of them. …