.......the missing bag has turned up after having a 'stop over' in Madrid.
The final chapter to our epic journey.
Sunday, 14 October 2012
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Day 2 Trek to Huamantay - the lost post
Haven't a clue right now what I wrote about this trek. It was a tough climb to 14000 ish ft and tougher coming down, but we did it. Now having completed our trip, this was voted our best day trekking. 
The aftermath!
Bag one off the belt very quickly. Waited nearly an hour and no more bags. Where is bag two? Probably in Peru but who knows. We filed a claim and came home. Fingers crossed it turns up. Welcome home.
Friday, 12 October 2012
This really is the last post
We woke up to yet another beautiful day, clear blue sky and sunshine. Had a fantastic day visiting Silustani pre inca burial site before arriving at the airport at 11am.
Now we are at Lima waiting to board our overnight flight to Madrid and then onward to London. Can't wait to be home now.
Now we are at Lima waiting to board our overnight flight to Madrid and then onward to London. Can't wait to be home now.
The last post
Our bags are packed and we are ready for the long trek home. We've had a fantastic time, good food, good hotels/lodges, brilliant trekking, wonderful scenery and an insight into Peruvian culture. What more could we ask.
We just have one more place to visit on the way to the airport, Silustani a pre inca burial site of the Collas which is set in a spectacular position above a blue lake called Umayo.
Fingers crossed we check in OK.
Over and out.
We just have one more place to visit on the way to the airport, Silustani a pre inca burial site of the Collas which is set in a spectacular position above a blue lake called Umayo.
Fingers crossed we check in OK.
Over and out.
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Lake Titicaca
Spent a very enjoyable hour on the floating islands of Uros. How they are constructed is fascinating. Our guide removed a natural 'plug' and only a foot below where we were standing was the lake below. He asked us to guess the depth of the lake at that point but none of us were close. It was an unbelievable 16 metres. The reeds are replaced every two months. Just as well there is an abundant supply.
We are now on our way to the island of Taquile which is one and a half hours away from the floating islands. Apparently this is the highest navigable lake in the world. It is also 130kms long.
We didn't do anything too strenuous but instead enjoyed the warm weather and the surroundings. What was surprising is that the women spin and dye the wool and the men do the knitting. Beautiful intricate patterns in multiple colours which they seem to be able to do as they are walking along. The landscape was beautiful, very Lake District/Dartmoor. We enjoyed a lovely meal of vegetable soup and fresh trout from the lake. Very tasty.
Now we are on our way back to the hotel and the poor old man is worn out! The next chore is packing and somehow I have to get everything back into our kit bags. I'm not looking forward to the task.
We are now on our way to the island of Taquile which is one and a half hours away from the floating islands. Apparently this is the highest navigable lake in the world. It is also 130kms long.
We didn't do anything too strenuous but instead enjoyed the warm weather and the surroundings. What was surprising is that the women spin and dye the wool and the men do the knitting. Beautiful intricate patterns in multiple colours which they seem to be able to do as they are walking along. The landscape was beautiful, very Lake District/Dartmoor. We enjoyed a lovely meal of vegetable soup and fresh trout from the lake. Very tasty.
Now we are on our way back to the hotel and the poor old man is worn out! The next chore is packing and somehow I have to get everything back into our kit bags. I'm not looking forward to the task.
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
The journey has begun
We are now seated in very comfy seats waiting for train to start. I expected luxury but this is superb. I hope we manage to stay awake.
During the journey we are served lunch and afternoon tea. The menu looks lovely.
It's now 10:07 and the pisco sour has just been served. It's very nice. Lets hope we're not 'piscoed' by the end of the trip.
The scenery right now is amazing. The photo is taken from the rail of the observation car.
There has been a fashion show and now we have singing and dancing. Wish I had the energy of the girl in the photo. Have to say the train is very relaxing with probably 50% asleep right now.
We started off in glorious sunshine with all the windows in the train open but slowly the clouds arrived and the temperature began to drop. We are now only 20 mins from Puno and the sky is very dramatic with lots of forked lightning. Pity the iPhone isn't quick enough to photograph it.
During the journey we are served lunch and afternoon tea. The menu looks lovely.
It's now 10:07 and the pisco sour has just been served. It's very nice. Lets hope we're not 'piscoed' by the end of the trip.
The scenery right now is amazing. The photo is taken from the rail of the observation car.
There has been a fashion show and now we have singing and dancing. Wish I had the energy of the girl in the photo. Have to say the train is very relaxing with probably 50% asleep right now.
We started off in glorious sunshine with all the windows in the train open but slowly the clouds arrived and the temperature began to drop. We are now only 20 mins from Puno and the sky is very dramatic with lots of forked lightning. Pity the iPhone isn't quick enough to photograph it.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
We've been, we've seen, we're weary
This is definitely a trip that would benefit from being at least 10 to 15 years younger. We have all had a fantastic day but were glad to climb aboard the train at 18:10. The journey is about 1hr 40 mins followed by a bus journey of 1hr 30. Can't wait to have a hot shower and bed before having to be up again at 6am tomorrow.
Machu Picchu was much bigger than we expected. We started off by walking to the sun gate which is more or less where the photo was taken from. It was a very very long uphill walk, all the more exhausting because it was so hot. After the sun gate we walked back down to the main area and had a thorough exploration. By 3 we had had enough so made our way back to the bus stop for the 30 min ride back to Aguas Calientes for a quick meal and wander about before the train.
To our surprise we were served an airline type meal soon after boarding and wished we hadn't stuffed ourselves with pizza earlier.
Looking forward to a 'day off' tomorrow aboard the Andean Explorer train which is run by the Orient Express. A 10 hour journey which includes drinks, snacks, a three course meal, entertainment and a break at La PlayA to stretch our legs and souvenir shop.
Looking forward to no more trekking this holiday. Remind me next year to book a holiday that is centred in one place and doesn't involve living out of a kit bag. This fortnight we will have slept in 9 different beds and whilst they have all been very nice it'll be nice to sleep in the same bed every night.
The entertainment has just started and we have the colourful character in the photo dancing up and down the aisle. After he had finished a fashion show started showing us all sorts of alpaca garments worn by the train staff. Trolley dolly one moment, fashion model the next. And we thought we were going to sleep on the journey!! zzzzzzzzzz
Machu Picchu was much bigger than we expected. We started off by walking to the sun gate which is more or less where the photo was taken from. It was a very very long uphill walk, all the more exhausting because it was so hot. After the sun gate we walked back down to the main area and had a thorough exploration. By 3 we had had enough so made our way back to the bus stop for the 30 min ride back to Aguas Calientes for a quick meal and wander about before the train.
To our surprise we were served an airline type meal soon after boarding and wished we hadn't stuffed ourselves with pizza earlier.
Looking forward to a 'day off' tomorrow aboard the Andean Explorer train which is run by the Orient Express. A 10 hour journey which includes drinks, snacks, a three course meal, entertainment and a break at La PlayA to stretch our legs and souvenir shop.
Looking forward to no more trekking this holiday. Remind me next year to book a holiday that is centred in one place and doesn't involve living out of a kit bag. This fortnight we will have slept in 9 different beds and whilst they have all been very nice it'll be nice to sleep in the same bed every night.
The entertainment has just started and we have the colourful character in the photo dancing up and down the aisle. After he had finished a fashion show started showing us all sorts of alpaca garments worn by the train staff. Trolley dolly one moment, fashion model the next. And we thought we were going to sleep on the journey!! zzzzzzzzzz
Machu Picchu
The day has arrived warm and muggy. The highlight of the trip has arrived and we are breakfasted and ready to leave for the bus up to Machu Picchu. Photos later.
Monday, 8 October 2012
Train to Machu Picchu
The rain continued all morning and to get to the road for the bus was a 40 minute trek through coffee and banana plantations. We saw lots of parakeets which were extremely noisy and some humming birds.
The bus ride lasted an hour and was very bumpy, after which we walked in the rain and eventually made our way to the station where we had a wait of a couple of hours. The train journey itself was fascinating and involved much tooing and froing and coupling and uncoupling of carriages and locos.
The hotel is lovely and it's a shame we won't be spending longer here. One surprise is that dinner is included when we expected to be going out hitting the town. We're not complaining.
Now it's time to shower and find some clean clothes. I can't wait to get out of all this trekking gear when we get back to Cusco tomorrow and wear something decent.
The bus ride lasted an hour and was very bumpy, after which we walked in the rain and eventually made our way to the station where we had a wait of a couple of hours. The train journey itself was fascinating and involved much tooing and froing and coupling and uncoupling of carriages and locos.
The hotel is lovely and it's a shame we won't be spending longer here. One surprise is that dinner is included when we expected to be going out hitting the town. We're not complaining.
Now it's time to shower and find some clean clothes. I can't wait to get out of all this trekking gear when we get back to Cusco tomorrow and wear something decent.
We made the right decision
It has rained all night and it is still raining now. The decision to use the bus last night was disappointing but by this morning we realise we have made the right decision. Three out of the American group have also opted to join our bus which reduces the cost even further. $80 irrespective of whether its 1 or 8. A bargain in this weather.
Day 6 trek - the bad news
Our guide Leo has had a good talk to us this evening and outlined the itinerary for tomorrow. It would appear that short of setting out at daybreak, there is no way that we would have time to complete the trek by 2pm which is the time we need to be at the railway station. There is only one train a day at 3pm so missing it is mot an option. The problem lies in a very steep 2 hr downhill which in places can be treacherous because the terrain is clay. We have collectively made the decision this evening that we will resort to Plan B, which we didn't know existed, which is to miss the last day trekking and instead take a bus and use the time to do a short walk without any pressure.
Machu Picchu here we come.
Machu Picchu here we come.
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Day 5 trek
Today has been a very tough day walking but was compensated by walking through beautiful forests full of all the plants we normally spend a fortune on in the garden centre. Bromeliads, fuchsia, air plants, lilies and orchids.
After 4 hours or so we reached a clearing where our cook and assistant had prepared another lovely 3 course meal of a delicious bean salad followed by atomic wheat! and chicken and then fresh fruit salad. The cooks have to do the same as us ie after they have prepared our breakfast they have to hike to the designated lunch spot with the food being transported on mules. After lunch has been eaten we set off again and they then have to clear up and then set off on foot to the next lodge where another 3 course meal will be prepared for this evening.
After we had trekked another couple of hours we said goodbye to our mule drivers and were picked up by bus with all our luggage. Mules aren't allowed any further on this trek so tomorrow all will be carried by porters. I'll bet they'll wish we had eaten all our snacks but the truth is that we have had no need because we are so well fed. The bus was awful, no suspension at all and the road was very very bumpy. I was glad when the short journey was complete and we continued our hike for another 40 mins or so through farmland growing coffee, bananas, avocados, oranges and limes.
Unfortunately this lodge doesn't have a jacuzzi so a hot shower was very welcome to wash away the grime of the day.
Shortly we are going to go and see the coffee making process in a local house. I'd rather relax as I don't like coffee but I suppose I must go as its been arranged for us.
After 4 hours or so we reached a clearing where our cook and assistant had prepared another lovely 3 course meal of a delicious bean salad followed by atomic wheat! and chicken and then fresh fruit salad. The cooks have to do the same as us ie after they have prepared our breakfast they have to hike to the designated lunch spot with the food being transported on mules. After lunch has been eaten we set off again and they then have to clear up and then set off on foot to the next lodge where another 3 course meal will be prepared for this evening.
After we had trekked another couple of hours we said goodbye to our mule drivers and were picked up by bus with all our luggage. Mules aren't allowed any further on this trek so tomorrow all will be carried by porters. I'll bet they'll wish we had eaten all our snacks but the truth is that we have had no need because we are so well fed. The bus was awful, no suspension at all and the road was very very bumpy. I was glad when the short journey was complete and we continued our hike for another 40 mins or so through farmland growing coffee, bananas, avocados, oranges and limes.
Unfortunately this lodge doesn't have a jacuzzi so a hot shower was very welcome to wash away the grime of the day.
Shortly we are going to go and see the coffee making process in a local house. I'd rather relax as I don't like coffee but I suppose I must go as its been arranged for us.
Up with the lark
Here we are up at 5:30 again for a 6am breakfast and a 7am trek start. Remind me to have a relaxing holiday next year.
That said everything about this holiday is fantastic. Now time for breakfast.
That said everything about this holiday is fantastic. Now time for breakfast.
Saturday, 6 October 2012
A speciality just for us
Just found out our chef has prepared something special for us, roast guinea pig! Not sure it'll go around 11 trekkers and 2 guides!
Day 4 trek - We love to go a wandering.....
.........along the mountain track, and as we go a wandering (now all join in)
Today has been a good day only 4 hours trekking but all of it down hill. In total we have dropped 3300 ft which is tough going on the poor old knees. We arrived here at the lodge too early but as it is close to a small community we killed time and helped the local economy by buying beers. The first for a week would you believe.
Just watched lunch being dug up from a pit in the garden of the lodge. Potatoes, chicken, lamb and beef. Mmm, can't wait for it to be served.
Today has been a good day only 4 hours trekking but all of it down hill. In total we have dropped 3300 ft which is tough going on the poor old knees. We arrived here at the lodge too early but as it is close to a small community we killed time and helped the local economy by buying beers. The first for a week would you believe.
Just watched lunch being dug up from a pit in the garden of the lodge. Potatoes, chicken, lamb and beef. Mmm, can't wait for it to be served.
Friday, 5 October 2012
We made it
Well here we are at the Wayra Lodge after a very tough day. The first half was up up up from 12700 ft to 15260 ft. At the top it was freezing and the mist came down so we didn't stay long. The track down was tough and half way we found our chef and assistant chef had set up camp and prepared a lovely meal of soup, garlic bread, pasta and a poached pear in red wine. We then carried on with the downhill and eventually arrived at 15:40.
Chhaya was our horsewomen today but told us it was extremely cold on the horse. It did mean though that she was snug and warm toasting her toes when we arrived.
We are now going to relax until tea at 16:30 and then jacuzzi at 5pm, followed by a briefing at 18:30 and dinner at 19:00.
Chhaya was our horsewomen today but told us it was extremely cold on the horse. It did mean though that she was snug and warm toasting her toes when we arrived.
We are now going to relax until tea at 16:30 and then jacuzzi at 5pm, followed by a briefing at 18:30 and dinner at 19:00.
Day 3 The big day
Well this is it, the BIG day has arrived and we are all up bright eyed and bushy tailed for breakfast at 6am. We're told it's a long gradual ascent to the pass but the tricky bit is going to be the down hill, which in places is very steep and slippery. We are also having to prepare for changeable weather. Right now the sun is shining but the weather is often cold and damp at the pass. Our extra clothing is going to be carried for us on the horse together with extra water so that we keep our back packs as light as possible.
Adios amigos x
Adios amigos x
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Jacuzzi
What better way to ease the aching muscles than to spend 45 mins sat in the jacuzzi. Now we have time for a quick shower before a pisco sour cocktail making demonstration. It's all go on this holiday!
The view from our balcony
This is Mt Salkantay this morning the weather is perfect. Just about to set off to a glacial lake at 13452 ft beneath the snowy face of Humantay mountain.
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Day 1 trek
Well we were up at 3:30am and on the road by 4 am. Thankfully we didn't encounter any protesting lorry drivers. The four hour drive, 2 hrs on tarmac, 1.5 hrs on a rough road and then 30 mins on a mountain track wasn't too bad. Breakfast left a lot to be desired. 3:30 was too early to eat at the hotel and a dry roll and grotty cereal bar at a 'restaurant' was awful. Thankfully I had a tracker bar in my rucksack.
We started our trek at 8:45. It started off up, up, up and was quite tough but we all coped well. We stopped half way for an enjoyable lunch apart from being accosted by hundreds of mosquitoes. After lunch we walked for another 90 minutes when our lodge came into view. It is superb and we have all just spent the last half hour in the outdoor jacuzzi watching the sun turn Mt Salkantay pink. The long day was worth it. Now it's shower time before meeting up with our guide at 6:30 for a briefing re tomorrow.
The photo shows the data for today.
We started our trek at 8:45. It started off up, up, up and was quite tough but we all coped well. We stopped half way for an enjoyable lunch apart from being accosted by hundreds of mosquitoes. After lunch we walked for another 90 minutes when our lodge came into view. It is superb and we have all just spent the last half hour in the outdoor jacuzzi watching the sun turn Mt Salkantay pink. The long day was worth it. Now it's shower time before meeting up with our guide at 6:30 for a briefing re tomorrow.
The photo shows the data for today.
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
The bad news
We have just had a briefing with Leo our guide for the next week and instead of starting out tomorrow at 7am, we will be starting at 4am!!! It would appear that tomorrow is a big protest day and we have to get an hour and a half away from Cusco before all main routes are blocked by lorry drivers protesting at the price of petrol.
The photo shows our trekking itinerary. He explained that we would have a horse with us all the way in case of fatigue or problems with altitude. Let's hope we are all OK.
Anyway, enough is enough for now as its time to sort out our bags, go out for dinner and have an early night. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow, 4 hours driving followed by 4/5 hours walking. Can't wait to get to the lodge and soak the day away in the jacuzzi.
.
The photo shows our trekking itinerary. He explained that we would have a horse with us all the way in case of fatigue or problems with altitude. Let's hope we are all OK.
Anyway, enough is enough for now as its time to sort out our bags, go out for dinner and have an early night. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow, 4 hours driving followed by 4/5 hours walking. Can't wait to get to the lodge and soak the day away in the jacuzzi.
.
Sacsaywaman
How lucky are we to wake up to another glorious day. A leisurely start today at 9am and then off to Sacsaywaman an ancient Inca fortress. It is very hot so thankfully we haven't walked too far. The size of the stones and the engineering skills required to fit them together is incredible.
You can see the natural 'slide' in the rock formation but after seeing our guide descend somewhat faster than we'd like to, we opted instead for a photo shoot only. Rajni was adventurous though and did succumb to a much smaller, slower slide. Thankfully he survived uninjured.
Next we were picked up for a short drive, and a goody bag, so that we could begin our walk to Tambomachay to see the finely worked ceremonial water fountains. From their we continued to Puka Pukara (the Red Fort) and marvelled at the skill of the Incas so many years ago. Such a shame that the Spaniards came along and destroyed all the wonderful sites.
Our driver then met us and took us to our picnic site which was once again set up with a tent to shelter from the sun and of course the rocket toilet tent. Lunch was prepared by young Flora and was superb. We really couldn't ask for more.
After lunch we visited one more site before stopping at a textile factory where I bought a beautiful baby alpaca cardigan and Rajni drove a very hard bargain to acquire two cloths for Chia. (Sorry to Satish's family for the name spellings).
We have now returned to our hotel and have 2 hours to relax before our guide arrives to brief us for the start of our trek tomorrow.
You can see the natural 'slide' in the rock formation but after seeing our guide descend somewhat faster than we'd like to, we opted instead for a photo shoot only. Rajni was adventurous though and did succumb to a much smaller, slower slide. Thankfully he survived uninjured.
Next we were picked up for a short drive, and a goody bag, so that we could begin our walk to Tambomachay to see the finely worked ceremonial water fountains. From their we continued to Puka Pukara (the Red Fort) and marvelled at the skill of the Incas so many years ago. Such a shame that the Spaniards came along and destroyed all the wonderful sites.
Our driver then met us and took us to our picnic site which was once again set up with a tent to shelter from the sun and of course the rocket toilet tent. Lunch was prepared by young Flora and was superb. We really couldn't ask for more.
After lunch we visited one more site before stopping at a textile factory where I bought a beautiful baby alpaca cardigan and Rajni drove a very hard bargain to acquire two cloths for Chia. (Sorry to Satish's family for the name spellings).
We have now returned to our hotel and have 2 hours to relax before our guide arrives to brief us for the start of our trek tomorrow.
Monday, 1 October 2012
Urubamba to Cuzco via Pisaq
Today the sun is shining and after a good breakfast we said goodbye to Urubamba and continued along the valley to Pisaq, enjoying splendid scenery along the way.
On arrival in Pisaq we took a road to high above the town where we started our trek. The terracing as shown in the photos was amazing. The buildings shown were mainly ceremonial and for use by the nobility.
Our leader Zak has a sister who has a restaurant in Pisac which is where we stopped for a lovely lunch of pumpkin soup, vegetarian lasagne and carrot cake. A good reward for a tough morning.
After lunch we carried on to Cusco and had a quick tour of the market which was very busy. It was pretty well all women on the stalls and it appeared that they took their young children to work with them. There were lots of tiny tots of maybe 2 or 3 playing happily, racing up and down the aisles. What a contrast to the UK where we wouldn't let the children out of our sight.
This evening we had to look after ourselves as this was the first night that dinner wasn't included. We ventured out and had pizza in a lovely restaurant which was very busy. Thank goodness Zak our guide had made a reservation for us.
Goodnight all.
On arrival in Pisaq we took a road to high above the town where we started our trek. The terracing as shown in the photos was amazing. The buildings shown were mainly ceremonial and for use by the nobility.
Our leader Zak has a sister who has a restaurant in Pisac which is where we stopped for a lovely lunch of pumpkin soup, vegetarian lasagne and carrot cake. A good reward for a tough morning.
After lunch we carried on to Cusco and had a quick tour of the market which was very busy. It was pretty well all women on the stalls and it appeared that they took their young children to work with them. There were lots of tiny tots of maybe 2 or 3 playing happily, racing up and down the aisles. What a contrast to the UK where we wouldn't let the children out of our sight.
This evening we had to look after ourselves as this was the first night that dinner wasn't included. We ventured out and had pizza in a lovely restaurant which was very busy. Thank goodness Zak our guide had made a reservation for us.
Goodnight all.
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