After the slightly stressful week of Bolivian mountain exploration we booked ourselves into a 5 star hotel, "The Ritz", and lorded it up (like all good adventurers?)… We are not ashamed to say we got a suite, with cable (English movie channels), sofa and all the trimmings - including actual hot showers (which did not dole out electric shocks) and a delightful lady who turned down the bed and gave us little cakes before bed. We supplemented this feast ...

After the Inca trail we spent a few days resting and recuperating in Cusco. This was partly a necessity as Rich had been bitten no fewer than 21 times on his left ankle including by something unsavoury enough to make the whole leg swell up, so we couldn't move very far. But it was a welcome break, and Cusco is cool. Loads of really nice bars, restaurants and things to see. Our Inca trail mates were still around too, so we had a good night or two on the pisco sour...

A review of our experience at Machu Picchu with GAP...

This has seemed like a looong week. We arrived in Cuzco City (3600m above sea level) early Tuesday morning having heard a lot about altitude sickness, but it wasn't too bad… neither of us suffered the nausea, dizziness and headaches. So we managed to steer clear of the chancer selling oxygen to tourists at the airport terminal, it was a good effort tho, not as if its abundant in the atmosphere or anything… That said, we were totally knackered climbing 4 f...

Hola.. We have been in Peru for 4 days now, most of which we have spent in Lima. Our expectations were kept expertly low by the Planet, and they have been handsomely beaten… at least when the sun came out. The richest part of Peru I expect, where we are staying in Miraflores district is very pleasant, full of 5 star hotels and casinos… We also took a trip to Paracas and Pisco for a few days... 4 hours on a bus and we were there... little bit freaky to share...