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Steve and Lorna gallavanting around the world
PERU (24 days)With our time in Ecuador mainly surrounded by mountains we headed for the coast of Peru. Both Steve and I were rather shocked/surprised and in awe of the various types of landscapes that met us entering the country. Not really the rolling green mountains as we all tend to imagine... but desert and alot of it. From our first town of Piura we travelled to Trujillo - a city that we both really loved, wonderful architecture and pretty churches. From there we headed to the seaside town of Huanchaco and visited the ruins of Chan Chan. A Pretty amazing mud brick city which was the largest in the world! Incredible.Next we headed for the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca region and stayed in a town called Huaraz. From here we visited Laguna de Llanganuco situated below Peru´s highest peak, Huascaran. From there we did a 7hr hike to the most beautiful lake we have ever seen - "Laguna 69" at an altitude of approximately 4800m above sea level. Absolutely amazing, you have never seen such rich blue water! The area is famous also for a massive earthquake in the 70´s which caused a landslide and decimated the nearby town and is people. Next we headed to the capital of Lima which is were family ties were made with a long lost cousin of my Dads. A great time spent meeting the long lost family and shown the true side of the gigantic capital.We then headed to Paracas - were we visited Islas Ballestas also known as the "Poor man´s Galapagos". Thousands of various sea birds, sea lions, penguins and a hell of alot of bird poo. Heading further south along the coast we visited Nazca. We flew over the sun bleached expanse of land to see the famous Nazca Lines from above. They spread over an incredible 500sq km of arid, rock strewn plain, the mysterious Nazca Lines form a striking network consisting of over 800 lines, 300 figures and 70 animals. The most elaborate designs are a monkey, condor, humming bird, spider and astronaut. They are believed to have been made from 900BC to 600AD!!!! Next we headed to the beautiful city of Arequipa which is nestled by some impressive volcano's. By coincidence we were there on their national day - so picture a carnival atmosphere andmassive festivities non stop. One close shave with being mugged we then headed for Cusco, which too was an interesting journey. It was supposed to be a 12 hr bus journey but ended up being 20hrs, thanks to the local villagers protesting about their mayor. So for the lengthy wait surrounded by huge rocks placed in the road we waited and waited. Anyway we eventually made it to the wonderful city of Cusco, the gateway to the once hidden city of Machu Picchu. We did a 2 day trip to the Sacred valley visiting various indigenous markets, Ollantaytambo and the many Inca ruins. From there we caught a train to Aquas Calientes the stopping off point for visiting Machu Picchu. We caught the first bus up to the ruins and entered at 6am. Oh WOW! What an absolutely magical place. Both Steve and I were certainly in awe and the cherry on top - a very magical place of course due to the very romantic proposal by Steve. Ahhhhhhhh!!!We did a fair bit of walking for sure and climbed the top of Huayna Picchu. Hard work and bloody steep - not for those with vertigo! What wonderful views of the lost city below. We also walked the Inca road to the Sun gate. Stunning. A full day spent in the calming ruins. What a day!We then headed back to Cusco for a couple of days rest and absorbed the culture and of course shopped .Next we headed to the town of Puno on Lake Titicaca (The highest navigable lake in the world at 3820m above sea level). Freezing at night and so hot during the day! While here we visited the floating island of Uros (The island is built using many layers of buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly on the lake, which are also used to build their homes, crafts and interesting boats too) from there we did a home stay on Isla Amantani (though slightly touristy) . We hiked up to Pachapapa Mt which was wonderful - surrounded by moody stormy skies over lake Titicaca. We stayed in a mud house with a family of 3 women and the cutest baby. What a wonderful and enlightening experience! In the evening we were dressed in their traditional clothing and shown their dances. The next day of our lake tour was a visit to Isla Taquile before heading back to Puno. From Puno we had a short bus ride to border cross into our next country - Bolivia.
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