Acemuzzy’s Positronic Blog

Day 16 (Tuesday 15 July) - Cuzco

We had to move hotels to Niños, probably my favourite of the trip, but otherwise had an empty day.

We lazed around in the morning, hit the Inca museum and had a tasty calzone (though Liv wasn’t so hungry and didn’t eat anything).

Otherwise, nothing much to report.

Day 17 (Wednesday 16 July) - Andean Express

Up early for our 8.00am train to Puno on lake Titicaca.

Lots of screaming french kids in our carriage, and confusion over seats (our ‘table for two’ initially had us not at the same table…) but OK once we were off.

Lots of reading and card games and enjoyable views out the window.

We finally arrive at 6pm (after dark) and head for the hotel.  We booked a tour for the next day and had a disgusting meal of pizza.

Day 18 (Thursday 17 July) - Puno & Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is an interesting place. 

Our first stop were the fascinating floating islands of Uros where unbeliveably people actually live on reeds on the lake.  Very surreal.

We then headed on to Taquile (an actual island) and lunch.  We met some locals and even had a dance.  Walking up the hill was tough due to the altitude (4,000m or so - despite seemingly being at sea level!).

Liv was pooped in the evening, but we sorted out transport to Arequipa and a tour of the Colca Canyon.

Day 19 (Friday 18 July) - to Arequipa

We had the morning in Puno and got our coach to Arequipa at 3.00pm.  Very inefficient check-in system.

On arrival, we were met and taken to our hotel, the luxurious Casa Andina. 

Day 20 (Saturday 19 July) - Colca Canyon Day 1

Up early for the tour, driving up to 4,900m (!).  Lots of vicuñas, llamas and alpacas on the way.  Nice volcanic scenery.

We descended into Chivay where our hotel was.  Quick walk, then some hot springs which were ‘lush’.  Liv discovered she can swim.

Day 21 (Sunday 20 July) - Colca Canyon Day 2

Great morning, where we got to see nine or so giant condors in their native environment.  These really were big birds!  They flew very close and gave some (I hope) good photos.

The drive back was exhausting, but we hit Arequipa before sundown and started to think about our next steps and journey to Chile.

It turned out flights were expensive, with a cheapy leaving on Wednesday afternoon. After some debate we decided to pay the extra a booked a flight for the following day (Monday).