A tour of Cusco to start with. The cathedral was our first port of call. It was built by the invading Spaniards using the existing Inca temple as the base. Then on Saqsaywaman the site of a massive Inca temple. The base layers are massive granite stones which have shaped to fit incredibly well. We then return to Cusco and I spent the time just wandering round the narrow streets. In the evening I went to a nearby restaurant and ordered piglet and received the bigg...

I didn't sleep too well. I just felt cold, this in spite of the fact that I kept the heater on all night and had the duvet from the spare bed. Still the day dawned bright and clear and the temperature rose steadily. We drove up Colca Canyon which provided us with some splendid views. The end of the Canyon is supposed to be a good viewing spot for seeing Condors. So, along with a few hundred other tourists, we sat, if you could find a comfortable rock to sit on, o...

Instead of the bus we departed the hotel by boat. The hotel is built on the banks of Lake Titicaca, so it was short walk to the end of the pier where our boat was waiting. First of all it took us to the Floating Islands iand we given a talk on how these islands were made. The island we went to was a tourist demonstration island. Never the less after the previous 4 days this was very pleasant and relaxing. The weather continues to be delightful, warm and very sunn...

Started a little later this morning, 8am. However, before relating today's exploits an explanation of last night's excitement. Peru is a centre for earthquakes and has several of them each year. Most if them are not very severe. Last night's excitement was a trial run for all the emergency services to test procedures in case a real quake should occur. However, back to today and we headed into the high Andes and possible promblems with altitude sickness. The maxim...

Another day another flight this one from Lima to Arequipa. We had to leave the hotel at 7 which meant being at breakfast by 6 and setting the alarm for 5:15. This time though the flight was a short one, one hour, back over the Andes to Arequipa. The views from the plane were spectacular. The hotel is situated on the main square which has a some rather attractive gardens in the centre. The hotel is an an old building but the interior is ultra modern.my room even h...