Good coffee and amazing ice cream at Via Via, Ayacucho Beautiful church along the Pedestrian only Street, Ayacucho Pedestrian only street, Ayacucho Pedestrian only street, Ayacucho Pedestrian only street, Ayacucho Lovely church in Ayacucho Convento de San Francisco de Asis, Ayacucho Arco de Triunfo, Ayacucho Yummy trout salad at Via Via, Ayacucho Plaza de Armas, Ayacucho Plaza de Armas, Ayacucho Hostal Marcos, Ayacucho More beautiful churches, Ayacucho More beautiful churches, Ayacucho More beautiful churches, Ayacucho More beautiful churches, Ayacucho More delicious food at Via Via – Steak with quinoa Huge bronze statue seen while exiting Ayacucho Jo trying out some natural “Incan” insect repellant! On the way to Ocros On the way to Ocros Agricultural scenes on the way to Ocros On the way to Ocros Agricultural scenes on the way to Ocros The road was quiet and good quality On the road to Ocros On the road to Ocros Agricultural scenes on the way to Ocros Agricultural scenes on the way to Ocros Shepherdess on the road to Ocros View from our wild campsite on the way to Ocros Our wild campsite on the way to Ocros View from our wild campsite on the way to Ocros View from our wild campsite on the way to Ocros We were camped behind these little mounds – completely out of sight! Climbing up to the pass on our way to Ocros Climbing up to the pass on our way to Ocros Jo taking a break on the way to the pass Agricultural scenes on the way to Ocros Abandoned buildings on top of the pass – kind of weird We got caught in a massive hail storm on top of the pass … Views on our descent into Chumbes On the way to Ahuayro Our hotel in Ahuayro Our hotel in Ahuayro The main street of Ahuayro River views on our way to Uripa River views on our way to Uripa On our way to Uripa On our way to Uripa We had been climbing for at least 14kms when we saw this sign! Cycling into the lovely town of Chincheros Chincheros has recycling! We stopped at Restaurant La Cabana for lunch We stopped at Restaurant La Cabana for lunch Street art in Uripa Lovely church in Uripa Lovely church in Uripa The view from our hotel window – this is the Hotel Owner’s garden! Sunset in Uripa We watched as the local residents of Uripa sang the National Anthem and raised the Peruvian Flag We passed through Challhuani shortly after leaving Uripa Views of Uripa Views of Uripa School children singing the National Anthem Piglets! Above 4000m we came across herds of alpacas! We finally made it to the top of the pass – yeah! Above 4000m we came across herds of alpacas! Above 4000m we came across herds of alpacas! Coasting down the other side of the pass! Coasting down the other side of the pass! Jo picking up rubbish near Andahualyas Seafood and rice in Andahualyas Ceviche, Andahualyas Day of the dead celebrations Day of the dead celebrations On the road to Huancarama On the road to Huancarama We were invited to try pumpkin pudding here! On the road to Huancarama On the road to Huancarama Views on the road to Huancarama Yeah – we made it to the top of the pass! Yeah – we made it to the top of the pass! Yeah – we made it to the top of the pass! Views on the road to Huancarama On the road to Huancarama Views on the road to Huancarama Views on the road to Huancarama Gorgeous views on the road to Huancarama Shepherdesses herding their flock Andian villages on the road to Huancarama On the road to Huancarama Descending into Huancarama Statue of Jesus overlooking Huancarama On the road to Abancay David had his first stack of the tour here A little cut and bruised – but still smiling Jo dodging some obstacles on the way to Abancay Views on Abancay in the distance We passed lots of shepherdesses herding an assortment of livestock! The crazy road to Abancay Agricultural views on the way to Abancay Day 1: Michel, our Arriero (mule handler), loading Maria the mule Day 1: Frosty morning in Cachora Day 1: Doris’ house, Cachora Plaza de Armas, Cachora Day 1: Our luggage for the hike Day 1: On our way to Choquequirao! Day 1: Bridge crossing Day 1: On the way to Capuliyoc Day 1: On the way to Capuliyoc Day 1: This little calf was terrified of us! Day 1: From Capuliyoc we made our way to the top of the ridge Day 1: Beautiful views on our descent to the river Day 1: Jo on the long descent Day 1: The long and steep descent Day 1: Beautiful views on our descent to the river Day 1: The long and steep descent Day 1: Beautiful flowers on our descent to the river Day 1: Funny sign … “Do not lean”! Day 1: Beautiful views on our descent to the river Day 1: The long and steep descent Day 1: Awesome – a dangerous “landslide” zone! Day 1: The long and steep descent Day 1: We love these cool desert plants! Day 1: Beautiful views on our descent to the river Day 1: Cute puppies at one of the many drink stops Day 1: Beautiful views on our descent to the river Day 1: Almost at the river – yeah! Day 1: We had to climb up this to our camp at Santa Rosa Alta … Day 1: Almost at the bridge Day 1: Hold onto your hat – its windy here! Day 1: David sweating his way up to Santa Rosa Alta Campsite Day 1: Yeah – we made it to Santa Rosa Alta Campsite! Day 1: Our lovely campsite at Santa Rosa Alta Day 1: David cooking a yummy pasta dinner Day 1: Sunset over our camp Day 1: Sunset over our camp Day 2: The view from breakfast! Day 2: On the way to Choquequirao Day 2: Beautiful red flower on the way to Choquequirao Day 2: Beautiful views on the way to Choquequirao Day 2: David hiking up to Marampata Day 2: We made it to Marampata Day 2: There are some great spots to take a breather on the way up to the ruins Day 2: Our first glimpse of Choquequirao Day 2: Our first glimpse of Choquequirao Day 2: This chicken and her 2 chicks followed us through Marampata Day 2: The lovely town of Marampata Day 2: Stunning views from Marampata Day 2: At the entrance to the ruins Day 2: Views of Choquequirao and surroundings Day 2: Views of Choquequirao and surroundings Day 2: Views of Choquequirao and surroundings Day 2: Views of the stunning terraces Day 2: Views of Choquequirao and surroundings Day 2: Lovely blue wild flowers Day 2: Our campsite at Choquequirao Day 2: Flowers at our campsite at Choquequirao Day 2: Views of the stunning terraces Day 2: Gorgeous views from Choquequirao Day 2: Lovely mossy foliage on our way to Choquequirao Day 2: Moss covered rocks at Choquequirao Day 2: Choquequirao – pretty impressive! Day 2: David exploring the ruins at Choquequirao Day 2: Choquequirao – pretty impressive! Day 2: Choquequirao – pretty impressive! Day 2: David exploring the ruins at Choquequirao Day 2: Choquequirao Day 2: This is how the old walls must have looked before being restored Day 2: Lovely views from Choquequirao Day 2: Jo exploring Choquequirao Day 2: Stunning Choquequirao Day 2: Gorgeous terraces at Choquequirao Day 2: Hmmm …. you can’t rely on the interpretive signs … Day 2: Moss covered foliage at Choquequirao Day 2: Stunning views of Choquequirao Day 2: David exploring Choquequirao Day 2: Stunning views of Choquequirao Day 2: More impressive ruins at Choquequirao Day 2: Stunning views of Choquequirao Day 2: Stunning views of Choquequirao Day 2: Stunning views of Choquequirao Day 2: David exploring Choquequirao Day 2: Our first glimpse of the llama terraces Day 2: Our first glimpse of the llama terraces Day 2: More gorgeous views of Choquequirao Day 2: More stone wonders at Choquequirao Day 2: David exploring Choquequirao Day 2: David exploring Choquequirao Day 2: This way for the Llama Terraces! Day 2: This zig zag pattern appears at the top of the llama terraces Day 2: The llama design is made from white stones Day 2: The llama design is made from white stones Day 2: The incredible llama terraces – it was very steep! Day 2: The llama terraces Day 2: The llama terraces Day 2: The incredible llama terraces Day 2: The dodgy viewing platform for the llama terraces Day 2: The incredible llama terraces Day 2: The incredible llama terraces Day 2: The incredible llama terraces Day 2: David attempting to climb the llama terraces Day 2: David attempting to climb the llama terraces Day 2: Mother and baby llamas Day 2: Jo making the brutally steep ascent from the llama terraces Day 2: Jo making the brutally steep ascent from the llama terraces Day 2: Exploring Choquequirao Day 2: Exploring Choquequirao Day 2: Jo exploring Choquequirao Day 2: Choquequirao Day 2: Choquequirao Day 2: Awesome views of Choquequirao Day 2: Awesome views of Choquequirao Day 2: David and Choquequirao Day 2: Jo and Choquequirao Day 2: More lovely ruins at Choquequirao Day 2: More lovely ruins at Choquequirao Day 2: Beautiful flower at Choquequirao Day 2: Cluster of butterflys at Choquequirao Day 2: Much of Choquequirao has still yet to be uncovered Day 2: Our campsite at Choquequirao Day 2: We ended our day with a beer, chilled with icy cold water in our rack pack! Day 3: Beautiful flowering cacti Day 3: Choquequirao covered in fog Day 3: Jo making the climb up to Chiquisca Day 3: Jo making the climb up to Chiquisca Day 3: We saw a tarantula! Day 3: Lovely views on the way to Capuliyoc Day 3: Lovely views on the way to Capuliyoc Day 3: Enjoying a beer at Capuliyoc Day 3: Our campsite at Capuliyoc Day 3: Our campsite at Capuliyoc Day 3: Our campsite at Capuliyoc Day 3: Views from Capuliyoc Day 4: Jo and our wonderful host at Capuliyoc Day 4: Jo and our wonderful host at Capuliyoc Day 4: On our way back to Cachora Day 4: Jo on our way back to Cachora Day 4: Misty views on our way to Cachora Day 4: Misty views on our way to Cachora Day 4: Misty views on our way to Cachora Day 4: Michel, the handler, unloading Maria Our hostal in Cachora, Hospedaje Apu Salkantay Our hostal in Cachora, Hospedaje Apu Salkantay Ready to leave Cachora with our bikes Interesting Ceviche inspired dish, Sara, Cusco River Pachachaca Abancay Burgers in Abancay Sunset over Cachora Our hostal in Cachora The amazing breakfast at Quinua Villa, Cusco San Francisco Church, Cusco Beautiful old gate, Cusco San Pedro Market, Cusco San Pedro Market, Cusco Exploring the streets of Cusco Exploring the streets of Cusco Time for lunch and a pisco sour! Cusco The Cusco Cathedral San Cristobal Church, Cusco Jo and Aleecia in the Plaza de Armas, Cusco Yum … steak and seafood at Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse, Cusco The stunning Plaza de Armas, Cusco One of the many staircases on the hike up to Machu Picchu Jo and Aleecia on the hike up to Machu Picchu Our first mist covered glimpse of Machu Picchu Stunning Machu Picchu! Stunning Machu Picchu! Stunning Machu Picchu! Jo and Machu Picchu! The incredible Inca Bridge The incredible Inca Bridge Exploring the ancient city of Machu Picchu We were surprised to see llamas at Machu Picchu We were surprised to see llamas on the terraces at Machu Picchu Beautiful ruins, Machu Picchu David and Aleecia at the Main Gate, Machu Picchu A small army of workers help to preserve and keep Machu Picchu looking its best! Beautiful ruins, Machu Picchu Beautiful ruins, Machu Picchu Beautiful ruins, Machu Picchu Inti Watana stone, Machu Picchu Beautiful views, Machu Picchu Beautiful ruins, Machu Picchu Beautiful ruins, Machu Picchu Beautiful views, Machu Picchu Aleecia exploring Machu Picchu Machu Picchu Machu Picchu Beautiful views, Machu Picchu Beautiful views, Machu Picchu Beautiful views, Machu Picchu Views of Machu Picchu on the way to the Sun Gate Views of Machu Picchu on the way to the Sun Gate Incan ruins at Ollantaytambo Pinkuylluna, Inca storehouses near Ollantaytambo Pinkuylluna, Inca storehouses near Ollantaytambo Incan ruins near Ollantaytambo View of Cusco from the San Cristobal Church, Cusco Exploring Cusco’s historic streets View of Cusco from the San Cristobal Church, Cusco Cusco’s Twelve Angled Stone We love Cusco’s old Incan walls! Qurikancha with Convent of Santo Domingo above, Cusco Qurikancha with Convent of Santo Domingo above, Cusco Qurikancha with Convent of Santo Domingo above, Cusco We made time to visit Cusco’s Pisco Museum! How to make a “Pisco Sour” … David learning how to make a killer Pisco Sour The finished product … a yummy pisco sour! Aleecia learning how to make a killer Pisco Sour Jo and Aleecia enjoying a ride on a traditional reed boat, Lake Titicaca Jo and Aleecia enjoying a ride on a traditional reed boat, Lake Titicaca Jo and Aleecia enjoying a ride on a traditional reed boat, Lake Titicaca We visited one of the Uros Floating Islands, Lake Titicaca Mobiles, Uros Floating Island, Lake Titicaca Uros Floating Island, Lake Titicaca Old style house construction, Uros Floating Island, Lake Titicaca Old style house construction, Uros Floating Island, Lake Titicaca New house construction, Uros Floating Island, Lake Titicaca Waiting to be assigned a “host mother”, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca The harbour, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Views on our walk to our home stay, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Our host mother outside her house, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca David inspecting our room, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Aleecia’s bedroom was up a little staircase! Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Our bedroom for the night … under the stairs, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca We love the traditional local outfits! Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Church tower in the main square, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Statue in the main square, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca We hiked up to Pachamama to watch the sunset! Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Jo on the way to Pachamama, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca David hiking up to Pachamama, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Views on the way to Pachamama, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Views of Pachatata, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Views of Pachatata, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca David with one of the arches near Pachamama, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Sunset fun, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Sunset fun, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Watching the sunset from Pachamama, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Sunset fun, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Watching the sunset from Pachamama, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Watching the sunset from Pachamama, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca One of the arches near Pachamama, Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Party time … Amantani style! Party time … Amantani style! The brilliant muscians at the fiesta! Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Enjoying the fiesta! Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca Party time … Amantani style! Party time … Amantani style! Knitting man, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Harbour, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Terraces, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Knitting men, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Main square, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca The cemetery is located right next to the soccer field! Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Yum … fresh trout for lunch! Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Cute local girl, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Cute local girl, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Local handiwork, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Views on the way to the harbour, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Views on the way to the harbour, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Views on the way to the harbour, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca Related projects Ecuador – Amazon Jungle AdventureWe spent 4 days (3 nights) at Nicky Amazon Lodge, deep in… Bolivia – November – December 2015 New Zealand – December 2010 – January 2011 Chile – December 2015