A chocolatey end to our Peruvian adventure

We're nearing the end of our South American adventure; just one flight left now until we touch down in the home land. 

In order to avoid aimlessly wandering Lima all afternoon yesterday we had a slow morning, watched a film and had a relaxed breakfast before hitting the streets around 11am. 

We started off at the inca market, very similar to those in Cusco and la Paz and much bigger than expected. By the time we had finished 'window shopping' it was nearly midday so we spent a while scouting out the cheapest acceptable sandwich in central Lima. This turned out to be more than adequate and we demolished our chicken and mushroom melts. 

We'd booked our highlight of the day for 1.30pm... A chocolate museum tour. Here we learnt about the process of transforming a cocoa pod to the beautiful thing we know as chocolate. We were given the opportunity to test numerous chocolates, which we took in our stride, then make our own in a range of flavours. An hour later we left coated in chocolate and clutching a bag of goodies. 

Took another walk down to the cliff tops and read for a few hours before a dinner of pizza and a beer for Libby (didn't want anything risky before our long flights). 

Back at the hostel, just before our taxi came to collect us, we were invited on to the roof for a free cocktail in return for some photos. Here we met a friendly father and daughter from Hawaii who we were able to share a taxi with, saving us a few more soles. 

Luckily we had, as usual, left plenty of time for the airport as it took over an hour to check in our bags. We spent the rest of the time making it our mission to use up every last sole before boarding the plane. During our mission we discovered that Lima airport has a generous amount of testers including a range of chocolate covered fruits and pisco sours. 

By the time we got on the flight we didn't really need the sandwich and cake provided. The 7 hour flight went fairly quickly as we slept and ate our way through most of it. 

The automated U.S. security was simple and we're now whiling away our 8 hour stay in Dallas airport by reading, chatting and devouring the biggest burritos I've ever seen (Texas is living up to its name!)

Just over 12 hours left now until we return home with cameras full of snaps, heads full of wonderful memories, bellies full of unusual foods and bags stuffed full with alpaca wool. 

Lima living

Turns out the rumours are correct.. Lima is not the most exciting capital city, however we managed to occupy ourselves wandering around this grey city  and reading our books. 

We had a lazy morning followed by the usual hostel breakfast of cereal, bread and jam then hit the city. 

Starting with the main street we discovered that most places don't actually open until 11am so we took a stroll to a few of the parks and attractions shown on our little tourist map. 

The main square (parque kennedy) was overrun by cats so we decided against stopping here and instead carried on to a cat free garden to read our books. 

For lunch we ticked off the final Peruvian food on our list.. Ceviche. This is raw fish with onions in chilli and lime juice. To continue the Peruvian theme we washed it down with purple corn juice. 

By the time we had finished lunch the sun came out (apparently a rare sight in Lima) so we walked down to the parque d'amor overlooking the waterfront. This was much more lively and colourful than our early stops. 

Further along the waterfront there is a shopping centre built into the cliffs. Inside we found it contained all the high streets brands you would see in any British shopping mall. The highlight here was the statue of Paddington bear which we took an obligatory photo with. 

For dinner we head back into the centre for some speedy noodles and carrot cake. We're now settling down in our room for a cup of tea and a film before the final sleep of our South American adventure. 

Last stop Lima!

We started our day with usual Milhouse breakfast, plus the addition of scrambled eggs. We then wandered the city chatting and taking in the last of the cusco vibe. When we reached the main square we found a huge parade, locals filled the square, as marching bands, scouts, and suited and booted me paraded around in a circle. The flags flew above the grandstands, it was an impressive display. 

For lunch we hunted out the best deal, a small restaurant off a side street, for only 15soles (£3.75) a 3 course meal with 2 drinks. We started with a Pisco sour, then had garlic bread. Hannah choose a Mexican soup and Libby a cream of asparagus, both were very tasty and very big portions. For main we both choose a chicken enchilada, these were delicious coming with avocado and nachos. We then finished on a cinnamon and Clove tea. We were stuffed! 

We then returned to our hostel where we gathered our things ready to head to the airport. We arrived bang on check-in time. We spent the 2 hours in cusco small airport reading, before we boarded our flight to Lima, on time. Onboard the flight we had our first taste of inca cola. Neither of us found it too appetising, it tastes somewhere between a cheap red bull and a bubblegum drink. 

We arrived safely in Lima, and collected our large bags. Dragonfly hostels were waiting for us and we were soon in a battered Lima taxi heading across the huge modern bright tower scrapping city. A little less character than the quiet cobbled streets of Lima! However tomorrow we make our decision as we explore. 

Sunny strolls in cusco

Yesterday was a relaxed day soaking up the sun as we wandered around the churches and remaining markets in Cusco. 

As we munched on the usual Milhouse breakfast we got chatting to a guy from London who asked to join us on our tour of the city. 

Following the guide book we started at the top, taking in the view across the city, then made our way down Cusco's pretty little streets to a cute market square where Libby sat and sketched for a while. 

Our new friend wasn't so interested in the markets so we moved on to see a few of Cusco's old, ornate churches and inca ruins. 

Samuel left us when we got to the main market as we warned him Libby would be a while choosing her blanket. Once the blanket decision had been made we had our usual lunch of empanadas and a slice of cake from a cheap local spot. 

As Libby sat and sketched and Hannah read her book in a sunny square a flock of children came over to peer at Libby's drawing. They were sweet but luckily they eventually left and we returned to the hostel. 

In the evening we went for another stroll before dinner followed by a film in the hostel's cinema room. 

It was nice to have a slow, relaxing day after the excitement of the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately the night was less calm as our sleep was broken by the drunken antics of our room mates. We're thankful that we've booked into a private room for our final 2 nights in Lima. 

Market madness and guinea pig grub

Today has been market day. After almost 12 hours sleep we stocked up on another yummy Milhouse hostel breakfast before sorting out our mounds of clothes and finally having a hot shower, luxury. 

Once we'd put our lives back in order we hit the Cusco markets to purchase a range of gifts; many of which we have no idea how we'll get home. 

The markets give us such a buzz to wander round as stall holders call to us and offer us jumpers and blankets galore.

For lunch we met with our friends Steve and Harriet from the salt flats for empanadas and cake. It was great to catch up on how their travels are going and receive some tips for our next few days in cusco. 

In the afternoon we tried out San Pedro market, the biggest so far. Here they sell the usual touristy items along side an assortment of fruits, meats and flowers. The cows heads and mouths were a little off putting along the meat aisle. 

For dinner we decided it was time to try the true Peruvian experience of cuy (guinea pig). We found a quirky and brightly painted restaurant that served a quarter of a guinea pig (enough for a taster) for just 25 soles. We were glad we decided to share a portion as this came with spaghetti, stuffed pepper, baked corn and potatoes. 

The guinea pig itself was surprisingly good with a very distinct taste. Slightly like biltong, somewhere between lamb and pork but more gamey and with a texture like crispy duck. 

To continue our Peruvian taste experience we're now heading to the bar to try the national drink: Pisco sour. 

Walking in the footsteps of the incas

We made it to Machu Picchu!! I won't say it was a walk in the park, our legs now feel like jelly, but we managed to complete the inca trail in just 3 days. 

Despite the rain and snow and thousands of huge, slippery steps we had an incredible time and feel like we earned the view over Machu Picchu as we stumbled through sun gate. 

We had a great group who powered through the trail; the Swedish couple, Adam and Francia, our informative guide Frank and the incredible group of 5 porters who sped along the trail with ease and fed us like royalty. 

Every meal was an occassion: pancakes, omelettes, porridge and hot cacao for breakfasts; a range of appetisers including fresh guacamole or stuffed tomatoes followed by freshly prepared flavoursome soups then mountains of rice, fish, vegetables and meat for lunch. For dinner, more scrumptious soup and piles of delicious foods finished of with dessert; on the last day they even presented us with a carefully decorated cake, cooked on a gas stove: incredible. 

As if their ability to cook wasn't enough the porters were strong as ices and agile like gazelles. They bounded down the trail with 20-25kg piled high on their backs, making our 10kg packs feel somewhat insignificant. It did feel good however when we powered past the people who had hired extra porters so we're just carrying water and snacks. 

The first day was beautiful with sun pounding down on us. We wound alongside the urumana river, snapping focus of the towering mountains, spiky cacti and inca ruins and terraces below. 

We walked around 10km this day with an hour and a half stop for lunch in a quaint farm along the way. That night after dinner we went to bed early, preparing ourselves for what has been described as the killer day the next day. 

On the second day we woke early, but the sun was not out, the clouds had rolled in and it began to rain, however this wouldn't stop us we had hiking to do! The first hour was only small ups and downs, although not easy by any means, however as the rain got heavier the next part of the began, the vertical hike. Uneven stone step after step rose in front of us, it never seemed to end. We rose 1.2km in height in only 2.5hrs (it was meant to take 4hrs). Both me and Hannah powered on with our huge backpacks, proudly passing others with their small day sacks, we were going slow and steady. As we gained altitude the rain turned to snow. We reached the top in our shirts and raincoat, with the wind howling around us and the snow swirling down, the achievement of reaching the top was an anticlimax! 

We quickly began the steep scramble down, with our hands numb and our legs red raw. We made the hour an a half journey down to camp very wet and cold. Once at camp we warmed up with hot chocolate and popcorn, we then huddled in our tent, or clothes still wet and Libby's roll mat was soaked. We played cards and had dinner before an early night hoping for a sunnier day tomorrow. 

The third day we woke up to hear the sound of rain, not a good sign! However at breakfast we talked as a group and decided to make it all the way to Machu Picchu that day, meaning we saw it from the sun gate without the morning mist and our photos over the place would have very little people as it would be afternoon. So we began the 20km hike, the first hour was another step staircase, but the top of this mountain was much more sheltered, almost like an oasis on top of the mountain, beautiful. As we continued down hill we came to a large inca town, which would have been for the wealthy as it had no farming terraces. The walk got much better as the rain lightened and the trail began to turn into the jungle. The views were incredible as we walked around the mountains, the trees and plants so colourful and varied, this was incredible! 

We passed through a few more inca ruins before we reached our lunch spot. The rain had cleared, but our legs were jelly after the 6 hour walk. After lunch we had 2 more hours mostly down until we reached Machu Picchu, however there was one rock wall, towering 20m in our way. We scrambled up like spider monkeys with our huge rucksacks. We were then shortly at the sun gate, giving us the first glimpse of Machu Picchu, it was stunning! We continued down, getting the classic views over the city, however it was long until the rain began, so quickly we boarded the bus and headed down to the town we would stay in. Dinner was served by our porters in the restaurant, which was very cool, but strange. We then headed to our hostel where we fell swiftly to sleep. 

The alarm buzzed at 4am dragging us into the dark morning ready for another uphill climb to Machu Picchu. We staggered out of bed on our peg legs and slowly followed frank by torch light to join the queue for the start of the climb. 

At 5am the gates opened, our passports were checked and we were on our way. 

In just under an hour we managed to stagger up what seemed like an endless pathway of steps to 400m above our starting point. 

At the top we were greeted by an ever growing queue to enter Machu Picchu. Once through Frank took us on a tour of the ancient city. The history of the Ince people was fascinating and steeped in rituals and tradition. Much of the city had been designed to worship the sun, such as the east facing windows and temple of the sun. There were also frequent references to the condor, a sacred bird sent down from the cosmos. 

Frank showed us an example of early earthquake proofing where the stones had been calved to interlock. 

Once Frank had taken us on a tour of the ruins and explained what they mean we bid him farewell. 

Wanting to make the most of our time we hobbled up to the inca bridge, another 40 minute walk, via plent of llamas. 

As we walked to the inca bridge the clouds swirled down and the rain began to pour. Once we had seen the feat of engineering, a stone bridge tucked into the cliff face we decided to head back down. 

The steps seemed even longer than before as we slowly stumbled our way back to the hostel. Finally, we made it. 

Picked up our bags, ate our bodies' weight in nuts, wrote our diaries then made our way to the train station. 

A nice surprise to finish off the trip.. We were in business class so served a tropical cocktail, more nuts, fruit and chocolate. 

Finally arrived back in cusco around 6.30pm, dumped our bags and went straight next door for pizza. 

We feel so privileged to have been able to walk the inca trail and experience the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The views and incredible architecture which has stood the test of time were well worth the aching legs and soggy nights. 

Can't quite believe it's less than a week until we arrive home now, just cusco and Lima to go!! 

Exploring Cusco

This morning was wonderful.. We managed to lie in until 8am before being served Milhouse hostel's complimentary breakfast of crusty bread with jam, watermelon, banana and fresh orange juice. 

We wandered out into the omnipresent sun and took a stroll down Cusco's beautiful and historic, narrow streets. Stopped off in many little markets to add to our collection of gifts for our families and stroke all the soft alpaca slippers and hats. 

For lunch we found a lovely, airy cafe with cute decor reminiscent of a French patisserie. Hannah had an aji de gellina (spiced chicken) empanadas and Libby a meat one; both truly scrumptious. To finish on a sweet note we then order a 'tres leche de cafe' slice of cake which was absolutely delicious and incredibly moist. 

Fully satisfied we then walked up to plaza de Armas del cusco where the main San Francisco cathedral is do that Libby could do some sketching while Hannah read her book. 

Returned to the hostel for our inca trail talk; we will be in a group with just 4 of us and a leader for this arduous hike. The second day sounds like a killer with a 5 hour uphill hike to start off the morning, joy.

For dinner few cheap places nearby were open so we each enjoyed a beef fajita each followed by half a cookie. 

We're all packed and ready, fingers crossed we'll make it to Machu Picchu! 

We'll be pretty remote for the next 4 days so no electricity and certainly no wifi. Will update you on how we got on once we're back in civilisation. 

Amazonian adventure!!

Incredible. We've just returned from our 5 days exploring the diversity of the Amazon rainforest. 

Early on Tuesday we caught a 35 minute flight which took us from the arid, bustling city of cusco to the vibrant, humid air of the Amazon rainforest. It's amazing what a contrast can be seen over such a short distance. 

From the plane we peered out at the carpet of green with orangey-brown rivers lacing through; just like in all the documentaries. 

The red bricks of cusco had been replaced by lush greenery and the peeps and blasts of car horns exchanged for the chirp of crickets and bird calls. 

The real adventure began when we reached the tributary to the Amazon we were staying on. We whizzed along the river, pausing as the guides spotted a range of interesting flora and fauna on the way. Within the 2 hour ride to our lodge we had already been lucky enough to see red howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, a Cayman, many river turtles, a capybara (the largest rodent in the Amazon) and the elusive PUMA!! (All the other guides were very jealous of this siting). 

The lodge was pure luxury for us backpacking folk. Our private en-suite room was in a little wooden hut with a hammock outside to relax in the afternoons.

 Right behind was the start of a trail down to the water hole where we went to cool down after a long hike through the 35C heat. The main bar and dining room had a constant supply of tea coffee and hot chocolate (of which we made good use) and outside hung a bunch of tiny lady finger bananas which we could help ourselves to.

Not that we needed any snacks; our craving for fresh food was certainly satisfied by our buffet breakfast of fresh watermelon, pineapple and papaya along with cheese, ham, bacon, eggs, fried plantain, toast, yoghurt and cereal, all washed down with a range of fresh juices. Libby added an extra plate to her breakfast selection each day (certainly got her monies worth!) 

Lunch was similarly large, lots of chicken and rice with salad and various forms of yucca, plantain or potatoes. On days when we were out on a hike it was all packed up in a banana leaf (very authentic). 

Dinner wasn't a small affair either. After a bowl of soup we piled our plates high with a range of meats, noodles, rice, potatoes and plenty of fresh veg followed by something sweet to finish off the evening. 

Anyway, enough about food! What we were really there to experience was the diverse flora and fauna of the Amazon; we certainly weren't disappointed. 

Each morning our guide, Delford (very friendly and informative) took us and our group for a hike and boat ride. Our group started with 11 people and slowly reduced down to just the 2 of us by the last day. 

On our first night we set off down the river in the dark to go Cayman spotting. We managed to get fantastic photos of about 6 different white Cayman (the more common variety) then turned out all the lights in order to gaze at the mass of stars, visible in the clear nights sky; amazing. 

The first full day we went for a 2 hour hike, winding between the dense tangle of trees and vines and over typically Amazonian bridges, to a large lake. Whilst rowing around the lake we were bombarded by hundreds of brightly coloured butterflies, exotic birds squawked overhead and we spotted a family of large black Cayman in the shallows.

Wanting to make the most of our time in the Amazon we joined another group in the afternoon to visit the fruit farm that supplies the lodge with many of its delicious goods. Here we sampled a range of tropical fruits including papaya, Lima (a bland citrus fruit), star fruit and a green orange (green due to the lack of chemicals). We politely declined the offer of nonny due to its vomit like aroma. Once we'd had our full we took a walk around the farm to see the vast array of fruits and vegetables grown by this single man. 

That night we went for a night walk with our group to see the nocturnal creepy crawlies. It was both unnerving and exciting when we were made to turn off our torches and stand alone with the creeks and buzzes if the jungle all around. 

In the morning we had another early start, and today was the clay lick. We ventured on the 20min journey upstream by boat before we headed back into the journey for the hours walk to the clay lick. The walk passed very quickly and we soon arrived to our hide. We all sat quietly watching and it wasn't long before we spotted macaws, scarlet macaws to be precise, we sat for around 2 hours, watching them come and go from the tree tops around us, unfortunately none came down to the lick, as Delfort explained that there must be a hawk nearby which was scaring them. However we did get close glimpses of them which was nice. We then made the hour trek back, once we reached the river front there were around 20 blue and gold macaws perched in the nearby trees which we all got a look at through a powerful microscope. We then headed back to the lodge for lunch. After lunch we explored some trials around the lodge. Delford met up with us in the afternoon and we went on a short hike around the lodge to see if we could spot anything, however the trees were very quiet. That evening after dinner the girls and us played a charades type game which was very fun! Our team won!!

The final day of hiking was great, the girls had left so it was just is and Delford, we caught the boat down to the start of the trail for the small river. The hike was around an hour long, half way through Delford spotted some saddle back tamarins in the tree tops, we watched them for a while, then they began to move close to us, in fact they even crossed our path, no more than 15m away, it was incredible to be so close to a family of wild monkeys! 

Suddenly from nowhere something large crossed out path, we jumped, thinking it was a large cat, Delford laughed at us, as it was 2 seers chasing each other! But it was still incredible to see the deer so close. We continued to the lake, where we rowed across to the otherwise, spotting various species of birds as we went. At the other side we went to see 2 trees, 1 was a huge strangelling tree, which we could get inside of, incredible, the other the tallest species of tree the Amazon houses. We made our way back to the boat and Delford gave us snacks of crackers and passionfruit- it was delicious! We shared our snacks with some of the fish, we spotted many species but the two which stood out the most were the pretty green angel fish and the aggressive tiger fish, eating the smaller fish as we fed them! We headed back across the lake and then hiked the remained of the way to the boat. After lunch at the lodge we met a polish lady who was travelling on her own and so the 3 of us went on an adventure through the trials close to the lodge. We were acting as the guides attempting to spot anything exciting, then suddenly we did! Monkeys! Incredible! Delford had taught us well! As we were coming to the end of the trail we heard a large mammal, being the Amazon novices we were we got scared and quickly left, explaining to Delford later we found out that we had been very close to a family of wild boar! Which was exciting!! That night we had an early night, ready to leave the Amazon in the morning. 

The trip was incredible! A holiday in a holiday, out of this world!

We are now at our hostel in Cusco, with our flight being on time without a hitch. 

Road trip to cusco

This morning we had a bit of a lie in, and at about 7:15am, we ventured down to breakfast, which consisted of scrambled eggs, bread rolls, jam, coca tea and orange juice. After breakfast we went back to our room to organise our stuff and have our last hot power shower! We then waited downstairs for our bus. As usual the bus was running late, so we called up and they said they were having problems, and would be to us in 10mind. Eventually the Peru hop guide turned up, 1 hour late!! We boarded the small bus from Puno to Julianca, where we stopped for lunch. Libby and Hannah order a Traditional meal each, which when it arrived was a huge steak, enough for 3 people! with a fried egg, chips and rice! Very filling!! After a long wait for the larger bus which would take us to Cusco, we hit the road again. We were now running 2hours late. After around 4 hours into our journey to cusco, the bus came to a sudden halt, everyone peered out the windows to find the driver with his tools out, we had broken down! We continued to watch our film with little information about what was happening, however after around 40mins and a few tries we were off once again. But not for long, we stopped again, but luckily mostly into the petrol station, until the driver fixed the bus again. We then headed the other hour and a half to Cusco, arriving 3 hours late. Peru hop but us in a taxi and paid for us to get to our hostel. We checked into Milhouse hostel, a very large hostel with a lively bar and a series of large relaxing court yards. We are in a 4 person room, our room mates are a Brazilian couple who seem sweet. We are just heading to bed now, ready for an early start for our flight to the Amazon!! We are super excited!! 

Unfortunately we won't have any internet whilst in the Amazon for the next 5 days, but as soon as we get back to civilisation we will update you on our Amazon adventures. 

Island hopping on Titicaca

We've come to love Huchuy Wasi hostel in Puno, especially with its hot power shower and breakfast of bread, jam, eggs, yoghurt, juice and, of course, coca tea. 

At a South American 7.35am the cheerful hostel doorbell rang and our Titicaca adventure began. We were dropped at the port along with around 20 others (mostly middle aged and French). 

Our guide Henry welcomed us onboard and we slowly chugged out into the expanse of the highest navigable lake in the world (3810m asl). Named Titicaca due to its apparent resemblance to a 'great puma'. 

Our first stop was the floating islands of Uros where families live on islands made entirely from reeds. The locals showed us how they use roots as a base and layer reeds on top to create a 2m thick raft, held in place with 10 anchors. We thought the cooking situation looked slightly risky as only a rock kept the fire from the flammable reeds.

After being shown their way of life (worlds away from the hectic westernised lifestyle) we were given the opportunity to take a ride on one of their reed boats. 4 of us sat high on the boat's platform and were entertained by a cheeky local boy while his parents rowed us to another little Island. 

From here we boarded the motorised boat again and puttered the 3 hours to Amantani Island where we would be spending the night. We were welcomed by our host 'Madre', Hilda, who didn't speak a work of English making communication pretty tricky (we wished  we'd spent a bit longer on duolingo before starting our travels). 

Hilda led us to her picturesque house up on the hillside with views down to the lake. 

We had an awkward wait in our new room whilst she prepared lunch. Finally she beckoned us into her kitchen and we were served a huge portion of quinoa soup followed by a range of potatoes, tomato and grilled halloumi; very traditional Peruvian food. We felt slightly odd as we ate at the table whilst she sat in the corner and watched us but it was nice none the less. 

Once we had had our fill we were led down to a field to meet the rest of the tour and watch how the locals grind quinoa into flour and the intricate process of weaving scarves and blankets. It's incredible how much detail they achieve with just a wooden frame and bone. 

From here our group slowly hiked the hour up to the top of the island to admire the view of the setting sun, lighting up the lake a warm shade of red. 

On return to the island's main square we were again met by Hilda to show us to her place for dinner. Another awkward wait was followed by a very salty rice and vegetable soup and even saltier fried vegetables and rice. This left us gagging for water.

Party time! In the evening all of the tourists were dressed by their host parents and met in the school for traditional music and dancing. Hilda gave us beautifully embroider shirts, puffy skirts, colourful belts and long black shawls to wear. 

The dancing was very energetic as we joined hands and bounced around the room; good fun for the first few songs but a little repetitive. Once we'd danced our socks off we made our way back to the house for a comfy nights sleep. 

Next morning we were served quinoa pancakes and yet more coca tea in Hilda's little kitchen. The quinoa pancakes were really good, nothing like the European variety; somewhere between a sweet chewy flat bread and an American pancake. 

We bid farewell to our host family, secretly slightly thankful to leave the awkward attempts at communication.

Next stop was Taquile island where we saw more of the traditional way of life, from dancing and festivities in the main square to weaving and wool making in a field near by. 

For lunch we were taken to an idyllic spot on the hillside with amazing views down to lake Titicaca. Our entire group sat at a long table in the garden and were served quinoa soup followed by incredible, fresh fried trout with rice and chips (double carbs as usual). 

Henry taught us more about the traditional dress before we clambered back onboard our little boat and snoozed through the 3 hour ride back to the mainland. 

It was so interesting to see the way of life on Lake Titicaca's island, especially the floating Uros islands. We did feel that the whole experience was very much put on for the tourists and that we are now their main source of income but it was fascinating to see and experience none the less. 

Back in Puno we checked into Huchuy Wasi then set out for an early evening meal, not wanting to walk the streets here in the dark. 

We found a good looking place with 3 courses for £5 so decided to give it a go. Our punt paid off as we munched our way through scrummy, fresh food. Libby got her comfort from nachos, spag bol and English tea while Hannah found the freshness she needed in a mushroom omelette, alpaca steak with steamed veg and cinnamon tea. For dessert we shared chocolate cake and fruit salad, yum! 

Now back in Huchuy Wasi getting everything ready for our bus ride to Cusco followed by our Amazon adventure :D 

Adiós Bolivia, Hola Peru!!

This morning we woke early in la Paz, and bid our final farewell to the vibrant city. We boarded the Bolivia hop, a little late at 7:20am and made our way through the beeping and blasting of horns as we left the city. Soon we were in the countryside making 2hr 30min journey to our first stop.

 At this stop we disembarked off the bus and watched as it was loaded onto a sketchy raft, to Bob across a small stretch lake Titicaca. 

Meanwhile we were loaded onto a slightly speedier motor boat across the same stretch, meating our coach on the other side. From here it was a short 45min drive down to the lakeside town of Copacabana. Here we had 5hrs to stretch out legs and explore. We had only 62 bolivianos ( around £6) between us to get a dinner. After extensive research of every restaurant in town we scouted out the best deal in a small local restaurant. Just 20 bolivianos (£2) for a pasta soup, trout or chicken with salad, rice and chips, followed by banana and yogurt. Pretty good price! We still had 22 Bolivians and a few hours to waste, so once again we began our research for tea and cake. At the top of the street we found a cute bakery with brownies for just 10, leaving us with 6 each to buy a cup of tea at the beach front! Perfect!! We sat drinking tea and ratting brownie putting the world to rights for around 2 and half hours!

We then hopped back on the bus for a short ride through to Peru! We passed through immigration without any hassle and boarded the Peru hop. From here we headed straight to Puno where we are staying for the next 3 nights. We arrived in Puno in the pitch black, but luckily the Bolivia hop bus paid for and sorted out taxis for us, which was perfect! We won't have internet on our homestay, as we are staying on a floating island tomorrow evening, fill you in when we are back on dry land!