Peru and Bolivia…
Posted by Karen on November 11th 2007
Written on the 2007 Alaska to Brazil expedition
So Far…
Moving in and out of Peru and Bolivia, our South American part of the journey couldn’t be any more exotic. Locals clad in their colorful garments and little hats, usually accompanied by some sort of animal, from sheep and pigs, to Alpaca, Llama and Guinea pigs.
Up at dawn we were treated to an incredible sight as Peruvian Condors circled our heads, rising up on the morning thermals, with some at a 3 meter wing span, they are a pretty impressive sight for first thing in the morning! Continuing on to we took boats out to Lake Titicaca (which actually looks more like the ocean, because from most parts you can’t see the other side), and the reed islands, some taking the opportunity to stay with a local family for the night. Everyone was very humbled by their very basic existence, most hadn’t even traveled to the mainland before! They were very accommodating people though and happy to share what they had. It was great to see a community not influenced by the Western need to out do each other, although they lived very simple lives, they all looked extremely well fed and happy.
La Paz proved to be a highlight as well, the souvenirs and curios here are simply wonderful and nearly everybody shopped till they dropped, the Witches Market was right around the corner so a few spells and potions were purchased as well (so look out you know who…)! La Paz is definitely a place to save your shopping for! It is also one of the best places for a Fancy Dress party as the streets are teeming with party costumes, so Fancy Dress party it was!
Our adrenaline junkies were up at 5am to complete what is claimed to be ‘The Worlds Most Dangerous Road’ by mountain bike, a rather physical event that saw them riding for 8 hours, going from 5000 metres to 1000 metres, a truly exhilarating experience!
Our next stop is one that most have been looking forward since we started – The Inca Trail and Machu Pichu! The trail starts tomorrow…!
Until next time…
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