Ausangate trek

Another very high altitude trek of 4700 to 5200 mts. We are pros at sleeping and walking at these altitudes now.
This is a sacred mountain range to the Andinos. We had mixed weather with 2 days of intermittent heavy falls of snow. Then it cleared perfectly for our treks over the high passes.
Stunning coloured lakes, glaciers, and picturesque scenery.
Also some tiny interesting communities where we bought some beautifully hand spun, knitted and natural vegetable died products in the softest pure alpaca.
We finished with some hot thermal springs.
Next stop the jungle of Manu UNESCO world heritage biosphere. Out poor tired bodies need this rest.

It seems an age since my last post and so much has happened since Araquipa. Travelled by bus to Chivay followed by a day trip to Colca Canyon which was incredible. The condors performed for us, at one stage there were ten of them soaring on thermals just above us, it was almost as though we could touch them. On the way back to Chivay we asked to be dropped at a nearby village where we wandered around, ending up at a suspension bridge over a steep part of the canyon which gave an idea of the steepness in some parts. Travelled back to Civay by ´´collectivo´´ for a couple of soles, that was interesting.
From Chivay to Puno where we spent a day on Lake Titicaca visiting floating islands and the island of Taquile were some sort of festivity was in progress. Dancing in the plaza followed by beer, then more dancing and more beer.I can only imagine what the dancing was like later in the day.
Puno to Cusco by bus then a day in the Sacred Valley which was taster for Machu Picchu.
After a free day Cusco we left for the Salkantay trek. 12 of us altogether Sandy and me and 10 others in their twenties. Needless to say we very soon realised we could not keep up with them as they raced ahead on the first day which was 18 km on rough roads. Funny, the next day the young ones told that ours was a good pace so decided to follow until the could see the pass at 4600m then raced ahead. That was a long day 22km with 4 hours up to the pass and 6 down to the camp. The views were magnificent and it was well worth it especially when we reached Aguas C then Machu Picchu.
We have just returned from Manu NP were we had a terrific time. The wildlife was so prolific and interesting. The lodges were very basic but comfortable, right beside the river. Had to leave our comfort zone with some rafting through the rapids and them ´´zip lining´´ through the tree tops followed by rapelling back to earth. Sandy was looking for the staircase down but was out of luck.
Off to Iguaso Falls tomorrow.

Cachora to Machu Picchu

We have just completed a ten day hike to Machu Picchu starting at the village of Cachora in the neighbouring department of Abancay & passing by the extensive & impressive Inca ruins of Choquequirao.  This was our hardest walk so far with distances up to 15 km & ascents & descents of over 1000 m, often on the same day.  The views of steep mountain valleys & snow-capped peaks were stunning.
We also did a mini-project spending a morning with the school children in the village of Yanama.  I'm not sure what they made of our descriptions of Australian wildlife but Ellie's picture book helped and Jim's graphically acted death from snake bite was a great hit.  We never suspected the depths of his thespian talent!
We finished the walk at Machu Picchu - easier to get to than Chokekiraw (alternative Quechua spelling more or less) but certainly impressive for its size & the extent of intact buildings.

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Yesterday spent the day visiting Inka archaeological sites in the sacred valley.
First to Pisaq the most well preserved, and significant site after Machu Picchu. Impressive agricultural terraces are being restored with funding from UNESCO.
Next to Ollantaytambo to see more ruins and aqueducts, and finally to Chinchero. At Chinchero there are almost no ruins, but the local culture and weaving techniques have been preserved.
Then today we saw a procession for the Virgin de Cococabana, before departing for our city tour.
Tomorrow we begin a 10 day trek to Machu Picchu using an unusual route.

Cusco Peru

In Cusco at 3400mts - a beautiful city full of quaint streets, hidden plazas, museums, churches and beautiful shops with the softest alpaca knitwear.
Really enjoying the relative quiet and cleanliness after Lima.
We have unfortunately had to leave our good friends Sandy & John behind because they have gone to Arequipa to enjoy other sights before arriving in Cusco.
Rob is still in hospital in Lima waiting to be transported home.
Ann has joined us for the Machu Picchu trek - start Sunday for 11 days.

After a meal last night we farewelled our group and departed a hectic Lima for amore relaxing Araquipa. Our hotel is in a garden setting and very comfortable. We spent today wandering around the main square and visited the Santa Catalina Convent, so interesting. The cathedral was well worth the visit and we followed that with a tour of  the museum where Juanita the Ice Maiden is displayed.
Just put my feet up and are now ready for a beer.
John

Lima

The capital of Peru is the food capital of South America.  We have eaten the most magnificent food here; from the splendid archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana to the new Amazonian restaurant in the Hilton.
There is also less elevated food such as that served by the nuns at the convent of L´eau Vive who support their charitable work by running a cheap restaurant in the convent.

Huaraz

Huaraz is a small provincial town, the capital of Ancash province.  But it's also the climbing capital of the Cordillera Blanca & the centre for trekking & climbing in Huayhuash and the town is thronged with tourists.  Food (& beer) happen.  The picture is of Lucho with his famous hops & coca beer.