Post inca trail, back to cuzco (on a very painful and dodgy train ride! Not having a lot of luck with transport!) to celebrate the end of the walking, and let my legs recover! Left to go to Arequipa on a sauna of a night bus! Highlight of Arequipa involves the mummified body of a inca child sacrifice. So obviously went to see this and get more inca educationess! A lot of processions in Arequipa, they love their brass bands so whiled away some hours watching these.
Went from here to colca canyon for a few days. Stayed at an awesome lodge (with resident alpaca/llama hybrid). Saw some condors (very big birds!). Walked along the canyon and then ziplined across the canyon, with a random parachute attached to my bum, to slow you down apparently!
Back to Arequipa for a day, visited the convent, as you do, which was like a mini village!
Headed to nazca, experienced the sunshine, saw the lines from a lookout, the thought of a rickity plane....not my idea of fun. Had lunch made in the ground, actually one of the best meals we have had.
Left to go to sea level and leave altitude after 5wks if being up high! Travelled to Paracus, via sand dunes where we dune buggied, which was amazing, attempted sandboarding again. Instead opted to go down head first, obviously screamed, and fell off!
At Paracus, more pelicans, which close up look evil! Took a boat trip to the nearby island of birds where the presence of penguins was the highlight!
Tour drew to a close in Lima the capital. Said sad farewells to the group and had an extra 3 days with Kate to experience the delights of Lima! Has been an amazing 6weeks, aided by the company of some fabulous people!
End of South America, wiser (about incas at least), browner, and maybe a few stone heavier from the tasty food and pisco! With some great mates to boot. Farewell Peru, next stop, New Zealand.