We have four whole days to explore the Peruvian tourism epicentre of Cusco and we were immediately caught up in the whirlwind of its cobblestone charm. This sky-high city, sitting at 11,200 feet, has a 'high' possibility to leave you breathless from both altitude and awe — it is undoubtedly the most picturesque part of Peru I think we have seen. We are told Cusco was once the heart of the Inca empire and today is the gateway to Machu Picchu. With Cusco as ou...

Couldn't potentially leave South America without being in a slight traffic dink! We treated ourselves to another all day bus journey on the cheapest company could find; 8 hour journey for £4 each. The bus driver liked to erratically use his breaks at every opportunity and so after just twenty minutes into our journey he decided to drive into the back off a lorry smashing the driver's windscreen. Sat there for a good hour and then drove on regardless switchi...

Kiwi Disa and Paul on the beers. Disa was travelling solo around South America, really nice company and useful as she seemed to know the city a little better than us. She introduced us to 'CHURROS', similar to doughnuts just not round! 2 soles a bag. Cowabunga!!

A twenty minute boat ride and we were back to mainland and the cities celebrations were in full swing! We walked the short walk from the harbour up to the main square and we stumbled across a fantastic street parade, which went on and on and on! Stood there with Disa a Kiwi girl we had met on the tour we were knee bending and clapping along with trying to snap as many photos as possible, they were all wearing the most amazing colourful costumes. With trumpet a...

Families are friendly, always smiling and often joking, it all seems very genuine too, they are genuinely happy to have a visit. Tourists come and go, filling a hectic morning for the islanders, giving them a chance to sell some reed souvenirs or intricate weavings, of which are absolutely stunning. They sell the most amazing handmade bright and colourful pieces, table runners, material wall hangings. These will take them months to finish by hand and are relat...