Well, now we are in Arequipa, and we have to say that this is definately the nicest city we´ve been to yet. It´s really clean, lots of colonial buildings, lots of history and spectacular views - we are again surrounded by volcanoes!

We didn´t really intend to get all the way down here this quickly, but bloody Holy week has been the bane of our lives! Getting kicked out of our hotel in Pisco, then not being able to stay in Huacachina cos the whole place was booked up by flippin locals, meant that in slight desparation we booked a 5 day tour to Arequipa and the surrounding area with the same company we booked the sandboarding trip with. It included the bus tickets, hotel etc. etc. so it was too good a deal to pass up - particularly as it´s costing only 130 quid between us!

We rode on a bed bus last night, which despite sounding really comfy - isn´t! We are finding it pretty impossible to sleep whilst on these night buses despite big reclining seats! The journey passed quickly tho and it was very prompt - took 12hrs roughly. We were met at the bus terminal in Arequipa this morning by a lady who took us to our hostel - which is basic, but fine - and there we were briefed on our trip. Very smooth so far!

So tomorrow we leave for a 2 day bus tour that includes wildlife watching and chewing coca leaves, watching traditional dancers and part taking in some r&r at the hot springs. After that we go for a two day trek in to and back out of the Colca canyon - the second deepest in the world at over 3000m deep! Then we return back to Arequipa - what we do then we are still undecided - might stay a night or two, then get the bus to Cusco (16hrs!!!!!). Who knows?!

We will write in a few days time, try and upload the pics asap - having trouble finding a USB point at present! Love to all.