Crossing the border into Peru!
San Ignacio
Motor taxi in San Ignacio
View of San Ignacio
Apparently the end of the paved section near San Ignacio … but it wasn’t!
Cows on the road leaving San Ignacio
Rice paddies on our way to La Floresta
Rice paddies on our way to La Floresta
Rice paddies on our way to La Floresta
Rice paddies on our way to La Floresta
Rice paddies on our way to La Floresta
Fresh pineapple juice – yum!
Rice paddies on our way to La Floresta
Rice paddies on our way to La Floresta
Rice paddies on our way to La Floresta
River views on the way to La Floresta
River views on the way to La Floresta
River views on the way to La Floresta
Little Peruvian town on the way to La Floresta
River views on the way to La Floresta
Lunch time!
Rice paddies on our way to La Floresta
David got a flat tyre …
David fixing the flat tyre
Palm trees on the way to La Floresta
Papaya trees on the way to La Floresta
Papaya trees on the way to La Floresta
On the way to La Floresta
Views on the way to La Floresta
Views on the way to La Floresta
Views on the way to La Floresta
On the way to La Floresta
Our campsite on top of the petrol station, La Floresta
Our campsite on top of the petrol station, La Floresta
Our campsite on top of the petrol station, La Floresta
Our campsite on top of the petrol station, La Floresta
Views from our campsite at the petrol station
The kind owner of the petrol station in La Floresta
The petrol station in La Floresta
Port Rio Maranon
David at Port Rio Maranon
Port Rio Maranon
Port Rio Maranon
Our first Inca Kola!
Views from the Port Rio Maranon
Jo on the boat
David on the boat
David and our boat
On the way to Bagua Grande
Chillies on the way to Bagua Grande
Chillies on the way to Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
Coke stop on the way to Bagua Grande
Motor taxi
On the way to Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
Turkey for lunch near Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
On the way to Bagua Grande
Busy streets of Bagua Grande
On the way to Pedro Ruiz
Our river campsite on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Our river campsite on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Our river campsite on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Our river campsite on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Our river campsite on the way to Pedro Ruiz
On the way to Pedro Ruiz
The lovely La Choza Restaurant on the way to Pedro Ruiz
The lovely La Choza Restaurant on the way to Pedro Ruiz
The lovely La Choza Restaurant on the way to Pedro Ruiz
The lovely La Choza Restaurant on the way to Pedro Ruiz
With the super friendly staff from La Choza
La Choza Restaurant also has bungalows!
Views on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Views on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Views on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Views on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Views on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Views on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Views on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Views on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Views on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Views on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Beautiful waterfall on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Lunch in Pedro Ruiz … Catfish Soup!
Lunch in Pedro Ruiz … Catfish Soup!
Lunch in Pedro Ruiz … Catfish Soup!
Cute church on the way to Chachapoyas
Cute church on the way to Chachapoyas
Coffee beans drying on the side of the road on the way to Chachapoyas
Views on the way to Chachapoyas
Jo on the way to Chachapoyas
Dusty bicycles on the way to Chachapoyas
Views on the way to Chachapoyas
Views on the way to Chachapoyas
Views on the way to Chachapoyas
David on the way to Chachapoyas
Views on the way to Chachapoyas
David on the way to Chachapoyas
David on the way to Chachapoyas
Jo on the way to Chachapoyas
Jo on the way to Chachapoyas
Our first pisco sour, Chachapoyas!
Jo trying a coca tea
Jo and William on the way to Kuelap
The beautiful entrance to Kuelap
Jo at the entrance to Kuelap
View along the fortress wall at Kuelap
Exploring Kuelap
Imprint of a llama hoof
Remains of ancient buildings in Kuelap
Decorative patterns on some of the ancient buildings, Kuelap
Decorative patterns on some of the ancient buildings, Kuelap
Remains of ancient buildings in Kuelap
Remains of ancient buildings in Kuelap
Remains of ancient buildings in Kuelap
Fortress walls, Kuelap
Remains of ancient buildings in Kuelap
Remains of ancient buildings in Kuelap
Remains of ancient buildings in Kuelap
Remains of ancient buildings in Kuelap
Re-creation of one of the houses at Kuelap
View of the entrance to Kuelap
Kuelap is home to wild llamas!
Stone carving, Kuelap
David at Kuelap
Remains of ancient buildings in Kuelap
Kuelap from a distance
Iglesia Catedral de Chachapoyas, Chachapoyas
Plaza de Armas, Chachapoyas
Plaza de Armas, Chachapoyas
The back streets of Chachapoyas
Our backpackers in Chachapoyas
Fruit stand on the way to Leymebamba
Beautiful flowers on the way to Leymebamba
Bromeliads were everywhere on the way to Leymebamba
Thankfully, we didn’t need to cross at this bridge!
On the way to Leymebamba
Broken down bus on the road to Leymebamba
Not good … Broken down bus on the road to Leymebamba
We followed the river on the way to Leymebamba
The lovely town square of Leymebamba!
The lovely town square of Leymebamba!
The beautiful stone church in Leymebamba
The beautiful stone church in Leymebamba
The beautiful stone church in Leymebamba
Our hospedaje in Leymebamba – Hospedaje Diaz
Our hospedaje in Leymebamba – Hospedaje Diaz
Our hospedaje in Leymebamba – Hospedaje Diaz
Views of Leymebamba on the way to the Museum
The Museum near Leymebamba
Pottery at the Museum near Leymebamba
Climbing out of Leymebamba on the way to the Calla Calla Pass
Lunch with Andy and Luzia from Switzerland!
Traffic jam on the ascent! On the way to the Calla Calla Pass
Traffic jam on the ascent! On the way to the Calla Calla Pass
Views on the way to the Calla Calla Pass
Mule carrying containers full of milk!
Rest break on the way to the Calla Calla Pass
Views on the way to the Calla Calla Pass
Views on the way to the Calla Calla Pass
Views on the way to the Calla Calla Pass
Jo nearing the Calla Calla Pass!
We made it to the Calla Calla Pass! Yeah!!
We made it to the Calla Calla Pass! Yeah!!
We made it to the Calla Calla Pass! Yeah!!
Waiting for Andy and Luzia on top of the Calla Calla Pass – it was very cold!
Sunset on the descent from the Calla Calla Pass
Sunset on the descent from the Calla Calla Pass
Sunset on the descent from the Calla Calla Pass
Sunset on the descent from the Calla Calla Pass
Sunset on the descent from the Calla Calla Pass
Our campsite at the village near the Calla Calla Pass
Packing up our campsite!
All packed and ready to hit the descent!
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
On our way to Balsas
Jo on the way to Balsas
Jo on the way to Balsas
Jo on the way to Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
I was surprised to see trees full of pink blossoms on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Gorgeous river views on the descent into Balsas
Gorgeous river views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
On the way to Balsas
Cacti on the way to Balsas
David descending into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Views on the descent into Balsas
Jo crossing a wooden bridge near Balsas
Second breakfast stop in Chacanto (near Balsas)!
Fruit stands in Chacanto (near Balsas)
The beautiful River Maranon
The beautiful River Maranon
Jo crossing the bridge at Chacanto (near Balsas)
David crossing the bridge at Chacanto (near Balsas)
David crossing the bridge at Chacanto (near Balsas)
The beautiful River Maranon
Views on the way to Celedin
Views on the way to Celedin
The beautiful River Maranon
Views on the way to Celedin
The beautiful River Maranon
David on the climb to Celedin
David on the climb to Celedin
David on the climb to Celedin
Views on the way to Celedin
Desert views on the way to Celedin
Desert views on the way to Celedin
David got a flat tyre on the way to Celedin …
Not happy! David fixing his flat tyre
David on the climb to Celedin
Desert views on the way to Celedin
On the way to Celedin
Views on the way to Celedin
Views on the way to Celedin
Views on the way to Celedin
Views on the way to Celedin
Sunset views on the way to Celedin
Sunset views on the way to Celedin
Lovely blue building in the town square, Celedin
Beautiful blue church in Celedin
Beautiful blue church in Celedin
We got Jo’s shoes re-soled in Celedin!
Celedin is known for its straw hats!
Celedin is known for its straw hats!
On the way to Cajamarca
Views on the way to Cajamarca
Views on the way to Cajamarca
We made it to Abra Comullca – the top of the pass!
We made it to the top of the pass at Abra Comullca!
Views on the way to Cajamarca
Views on the way to Cajamarca
Views on the way to Cajamarca
Views on the way to Cajamarca
Our Hostal in Cajamarca
Our Hostal in Cajamarca
The family were eating cuy for lunch at our Hostal in Cajamarca!
The family were eating cuy for lunch at our Hostal in Cajamarca!
Enjoying the biggest meal of chicken and chips EVER in Cayamarca!
Enjoying the biggest meal of chicken and chips EVER in Cayamarca!
This donkey was carrying guinea pig food!
Lunch cooking at a roadside restaurant on our way to Agua Calientes
On our way to Agua Calientes
We stopped for lunch outside this little church
The little village where we stopped for lunch on our way to Agua Calientes
Amazingly, the village had a campground! We can’t remember when we last saw a marked campground like this …
On the way to Agua Calientes
Views on the way to Agua Calientes
Views on the way to Agua Calientes
We love seeing bikes on our travels!
Out in the countryside, almost all of the houses are covered with advertising or political slogans …
More political slogans …
Views on the way to Agua Calientes
“Mas David” = More David!
Just after leaving San Marcos we saw this poor sheep, which had fallen off the roof of the colectivo on the bad roads. We stopped the colectivo, so it could be rescued …
Just after leaving San Marcos we saw this poor sheep, which had fallen off the roof of the colectivo on the bad roads. We stopped the colectivo, so it could be rescued …
Lovely views on the way to Agua Calientes
Lovely views on the way to Agua Calientes
Lovely views on the way to Agua Calientes
On the descent into Agua Calientes we were spoiled with a brand new road!
On the descent into Agua Calientes we were spoiled with a brand new road!
On the descent into Agua Calientes we were spoiled with a brand new road!
Our awful hostal in Agua Calientes – the best of a bad bunch of hostal options …
This is the hot springs in Agua Calientes – more of a warm swimming pool … not even remotely picturesque
Our awful hostal in Agua Calientes – the best of a bad bunch of hostal options …
This was a pretty shabby room, which smelled of rotten eggs. I’m only smiling because we managed to wheel our bikes into the room fully loaded!
Morning bridge crossing in Agua Calientes
This is how women transport their young children in the Peruvian Andes
Views on the way to Cajabamba
Mud bricks drying in the sun
House being constructed out of mud bricks
Welcome to Cajabamba!
Lovely church in Cajabamba
The pedestrian zone in Cajabamba – no cars allowed!
Leaving Cajabamba
Two Andean ladies seen on the road out of Cajabamba
Shortly after leaving Cajabamba we hit construction – a new bridge was being installed over the river
Thankfully there was a little path that pedestrians were using to get over the river while the bridge was down and with the help of some friendly locals, we managed to get our bikes safely to the other side!
Thankfully there was a little path that pedestrians were using to get over the river which the bridge was down and with the help of some friendly locals, we managed to get our bikes safely to the other side!
Thankfully there was a little path that pedestrians were using to get over the river which the bridge was down and with the help of some friendly locals, we managed to get our bikes safely to the other side!
Clay/mud roof tiles drying in the sun
Clay/mud roof tiles drying in the sun
Clay/mud roof tiles drying in the sun
Agricultural views on the way to Sausacocha
On the way to Sausacocha
On the way to Sausacocha
On the way to Sausacocha
On the way to Sausacocha
On the way to Sausacocha
Hehe, we passed … Sh*t-abamba!
Finally … we made it to beautiful Sausacocha, with its lovely laguna!
The church in Sausacocha
Jetty, Sausacocha
Restaurants, Sausacocha
The Titanic! Sausacocha
Row boats, Sausacocha
Sunset over Laguna Sausacocha
Interesting trucha (trout) concoction in Sausacocha
Our wonderful hotel in Sausacocha
Old town gate, Huamachuco
Plaza de Armas, Huamachuco
Lady carrying her child, Huamachuco
9kms from Huamachuco, we arrived in Yamobamba
The turn off to Angasmarca at Yamobamba
The turn off to Angasmarca at Yamobamba
We immediately faced a traffic jam on the road to Angasmarca!
On the way to Angasmarca
Lovely blue house on the way to Angasmarca
We met this awesome group of locals who shared some of their home brew with us!
Finally, some beautiful dirt roads!
Finally, some beautiful dirt roads!
On our way to Angasmarca
On our way to Angasmarca
This was the wrong turn off … we started heading towards Tamboras from this point ….
One little black sheep!
Roads less travelled
The road was pretty rough in places
Our first river crossing at around 3900m. David got his feet wet here!
Our first river crossing at around 3900m. David got his feet wet here!
The stunning road to Tamboras
Stunning mountain vistas on the road to Tamboras
Stunning mountain vistas on the road to Tamboras
The stunning road to Tamboras
Gorgeous blue lagoons on the road to Tamboras
Views on the road to Tamboras – we were cycling at 4100m at this point!
Jo cycling the dirt road to Tamboras
This with my first big day on dirt … it was exhausting!!
This with my first big day on dirt … it was exhausting!!
My favourite campsite on the way to Angasmarca. We spent 2 nights here as we got rained in on the second day
My favourite campsite on the way to Angasmarca. We spent 2 nights here as we got rained in on the second day
My favourite campsite on the way to Angasmarca. We spent 2 nights here as we got rained in on the second day
David cooking dinner – yummy vegetarian pasta
Sunset from our campsite on the way to Angasmarca
All packed and ready to leave our favourite campsite on the way to Angasmarca
Amazing views on the road to Tamboras
Amazing views on the road to Tamboras
The wonderful road to Tamboras
Amazing views on the road to Tamboras
We decided to leave the road to Tamboras and try to join up with the road to Angasmarca
We decided to leave the road to Tamboras and try to join up with the road to Angasmarca
Jo cutting cross country to a dirt track that we hoped would join up with the road to Angasmarca
David cutting cross country to a dirt track that we hoped would join up with the road to Angasmarca
The dirt track that we hoped would join up with the road to Angasmarca
Hmmm … land slides seem to be a common occurrence here
Nice little stone bridge
Vicuña (wild South American camelids – a member of the camel family) crossing!
David maneuvering over a land slide …
Hmmm … land slides seem to be a common occurrence here
David maneuvering over a land slide …
David maneuvering over a land slide …
David maneuvering over a land slide …
Vicuña (wild South American camelids – a member of the camel family)
Hmmm … where are we?!!!
The local farmers were back burning near our dirt track …
A gate … no surrounding fence though!
David cutting cross country to see if he can find the road to Angasmarca
David cutting cross country to see if he can find the road to Angasmarca
River corssing!
Manouvering our bikes over another land slide … we should have known at this point that we weren’t on the right road!
When we tried to turn back in the afternoon, we discovered that our path was blocked due to back burning …
When we tried to turn back in the afternoon, we discovered that our path was blocked due to back burning …
So, we set up camp on a sandy patch of the rocky road and prayed for rain!
So, we set up camp on a sandy patch of the rocky road and prayed for rain!
Sunset from our campsite
Views on the way to Angasmarca – we are finally back on the right road here!
Views on the way to Angasmarca – we are finally back on the right road here!
Views on the way to Angasmarca – we are finally back on the right road here!
House on the way to Angasmarca – we are finally back on the right road here!
View of an Andean Village on the way to Angasmarca
View of an Andean Village on the way to Angasmarca
Views on the way to Angasmarca!
On the way to Angasmarca
On the way to Angasmarca
Views on the way to Angasmarca!
Yeah – we’re on the right road!
We cycled past a huge gold mine on the way to Angasmarca
On the rough descent into Angasmarca
On the rough descent into Angasmarca
We cycled past a huge gold mine on the way to Angasmarca
Angasmarca has a stunning location, with a mountain backdrop
David on the way to Angasmarca
Roadside shrine on the way to Angasmarca
On the way to Angasmarca
Angasmarca has a stunning location, with a mountain backdrop
On the way to Mollepata
This could be in Australia … but its Peru!
Overcoming obstacles on the way to Mollepata!
The dirt road from Angasmarca up to Mollepata was super tough and dusty
On the road to Mollepata
The dirt road from Angasmarca up to Mollepata was super tough and dusty
The dirt road from Angasmarca up to Mollepata was super tough and dusty
Beautiful views on the way to Mollepata
Beautiful views on the way to Mollepata
Views of the little village of Mollebamba
The quiet town of Mollebamba
The quiet town of Mollebamba
On the descent into Mollepata
Views of Mollepata
Views of Mollepata
The church in Mollepata
On the descent from Mollepata, we had some stunning views of the road to Pallasca – it is paved these days
On the descent from Mollepata, we had some stunning views of the road to Pallasca – it is paved these days
As we continued to descend, we realied that the white dots were cars that had driver over the edge of the road to Pallasca – so sad
The descent from Mollepata was paved – yippee!
The descent from Mollepata was paved – yippee!
The epic descent from Mollepata
David enjoying the descent from Mollepata
Jo enjoying the descent from Mollepata
The crazy descent from Mollepata – the BEST descent ever!!!
The crazy descent from Mollepata – the BEST descent ever!!!
Mud on the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
Mud on the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
Wonderful views from the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
David cycling the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
David cycling the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
David cycling the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
Lovely views from the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
Lovely views from the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
David cycling the wonderful dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
David cycling the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
The stunning River Tablachaca
The stunning River Tablachaca
Lovely views from the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
Lovely views from the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
Mine shaft
Hmmm … not sure about this orange stuff in the water. We decided not to get water from the river …
Lovely views from the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
Not sure what this black stuff is … it was a bit like tar …
Jo cycling the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
There were a couple of tunnels along the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
Lovely views from the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
There were all kinds of surfaces to traverse on the river road, including slate!
Abandoned straw mattress
Jo cycling the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
After we made our way past some big boulders on the road, the track became more overgrown
More piles of slate to maneuver over!
More piles of slate to maneuver over!
There was a house behind the trees. We camped a little past here on the river bed.
Jo at the first main river crossing
Jo packing up the tent the following morning
Our tents and bikes on the river bed
Our camp spot on the river bed
Ordinarily we prefer not to camp on a riverbed, but as you can see, there wasn’t really anywhere for us to go … we couldn’t scale the rock with our bikes in the dark!
Having a laugh with our new gold prospecting friends!
Our friendly gold prospecting friends!
Jo cycling to the second river crossing
David on the way to the second river crossing
David on the way to the second river crossing
On our way to the second main river crossing there was an unexpected, but short, muddy river crossing
The second major river crossing
David taking Jo’s bike across the river – the current was strong and the water came up to our thighs at times!
David taking Jo’s bike across the river – the current was strong and the water came up to our thighs at times!
Jo’s shoes disintegrated after the many river crossings!
David crossing the river to get the last of our panniers
David crossing the river to get the last of our panniers
David making the final trip across the river with our front panniers
On the other side of the river we came across a series of shacks belonging to the gold prospectors. They didn’t have water (which we needed), but they had Inca cola!
Beside the beautiful River Tablachaca
Beside the beautiful River Tablachaca
David cycling the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca – the mountains were really that colourful – pinks, purples and greens – it was spectacular!
Cycling along the beautiful River Tablachaca
Cycling along the beautiful River Tablachaca
Enjoying some magic views along the beautiful River Tablachaca
Enjoying some magic views along the beautiful River Tablachaca
Enjoying some magic views along the beautiful River Tablachaca
Cycling along the river road next to the River Tablachaca – the mountains were really that pink and gorgeous!
Cycling the river road along the River Tablachaca
Jo cycling the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
Jo cycling the dirt road beside the River Tablachaca
Roadside shrine
When the road from Pallasca met our river track, we cycled onto bitumen. Although, we had enjoyed the dirt, we were happy for a break!
David was so happy, he kissed the ground!
Enjoying my first ever Oreo’s!
Cycling along the paved road beside the River Tablachaca
Cycling along the paved road beside the River Tablachaca
We loved the colour of the rocks – it reminded us of “Artist’s Palette” in Death Valley
On the way to Estacion Chuquicara
At Sacaycacha we were able to buy some water and the friendly shop keeper gave us some free maracuya (passion fruit)!
The sign to “Bolognesi” made us hungry!
We cycled past a mine on our way to Estacion Chuquicara
Huge sand dunes on the way to Estacion Chuquicara
Shepherdess on the way to Estacion Chuquicara
On the way to Estacion Chuquicara
On the way to Estacion Chuquicara
We passed through some tunnels on the way to Estacion Chuquicara
We passed through some tunnels on the way to Estacion Chuquicara
We passed through some tunnels on the way to Estacion Chuquicara
We also crossed a number of bridges
This tunnel was built in 1929!
Once in Estacion Chuquicara, we left the paved road behind and headed onto a well used “dirt” highway towards the Canon del Pato
Once in Estacion Chuquicara, we left the paved road behind and headed onto a well used “dirt” highway towards the Canon del Pato
The trucks created clouds of dust on the dirt highway – we missed our quiet river road!
Views on our way to the Canon del Pato
We passed through numerous tunnels on our way to the Canon del Pato
We found a safe campsite behind this group of trees
River views from our campsite
River views from our campsite
Our campsite beside the river
David carried our bikes to and from the campsite, as the ground was full of thorns
Lovely river views on the way to the Canon del Pato
On the way to the Canon del Pato
David and one of the many tunnels on the way to the Canon del Pato
David and one of the many tunnels on the way to the Canon del Pato
David and one of the many tunnels on the way to the Canon del Pato
Shower time!!! On a hot day, this little waterfall was too inviting to miss!
Shower time!!! On a hot day, this little waterfall was too inviting to miss!
Shower time!!! On a hot day, this little waterfall was too inviting to miss!
Not everyone makes it safely along this road ….
Lovely river views on the way to the Canon del Pato
Jo emerging from one of the long tunnels on the way to the Canon del Pato
Fruit stand in the middle of no where!
Break time, with some much needed shade cover.
On the way to the Canon del Pato
Lovely river views on the way to the Canon del Pato
Views on entering Yuramarca – a most depressing town
David’s impression of Yuramarca ….!
Our campsite by the river, 7kms from Yuramarca
Our campsite by the river, 7kms from Yuramarca
Our campsite by the river, 7kms from Yuramarca
Our campsite by the river, 7kms from Yuramarca
At the start of the Canon del Pato at Huallanca
Cycling up the many switchbacks after Huallanca to the Canon del Pato
The famous Canon del Pato (Duck Canyon) on the River Santa, which features 35 one-lane tunnels!
David cycling the “Canon del Pato”
Jo taking a break along the Canon del Pato
Canon del Pato selfie!
Jo emerging from one of the 35 tunnels on the Canon del Pato
The River Santa runs through the Canon del Pato. It isn’t always visible, but when it is, its pretty spectacular!
The River Santa runs through the Canon del Pato. It isn’t always visible, but when it is, its pretty spectacular!
Taking a break along the Canon del Pato
Canon del Pato selfie!
David trying guinea pig (cuy) at a restaurant near Caraz
David trying guinea pig (cuy) at a restaurant near Caraz
David trying guinea pig (cuy) at a restaurant near Caraz
David trying guinea pig (cuy) at a restaurant near Caraz
Church in Caraz
Religious procession in Caraz
Religious procession in Caraz
Religious procession in Caraz
The Cathedral and Plaza de Armas in Caraz
The Cathedral in Caraz
Church on the way to Huaraz
On the way to Huaraz we had lunch at La Choza restaurant
“Chocho” – like a vegetarian ceviche
Another guinea pig for David
Yummy Chicharon – pork
On the way to Huaraz we had lunch at La Choza restaurant
Huaraz
Enjoying the best pizza in Central and South America at Luigi’s Pizza, Huaraz!
Seriously yummy Thai Green Chicken curry at Chilli Heaven in Huaraz!
Beautiful Laguna Querococha
Beautiful Laguna Querococha
The impressive archaeological site at Chavín de Huántar – more than 3000 years old!
The impressive archaeological site at Chavín de Huántar – more than 3000 years old!
The impressive archaeological site at Chavín de Huántar – more than 3000 years old!
The impressive archaeological site at Chavín de Huántar – more than 3000 years old!
The impressive archaeological site at Chavín de Huántar – more than 3000 years old!
The Lanzón Stela at Chavín de Huántar – more than 3000 years old!
Underground tunnels at Chavín de Huántar – more than 3000 years old!
Underground tunnels at Chavín de Huántar – more than 3000 years old!
Underground tunnels at Chavín de Huántar – more than 3000 years old!
Jo and the stone mask, Chavín de Huántar
The village behind Chavín de Huántar
Beautiful statue on Highway 110 to Chavín de Huántar
Lovely church at Recuay
The main plaza at Recuay
The main plaza at Recuay
La Gruta, Recuay
Mine on the way to the Pastoruri Highway
Market day in one of the villages on the way to the Pastoruri Highway
Market day in one of the villages on the way to the Pastoruri Highway
Advertisement for the Pastoruri area!
Jo on the way to the Pastoruri Highway
Yeah – we reached the start of the Pastoruri Highway!
The turn off to the Pastoruri Highway
Welcome to Pastoruri!
The locals were back burning when we started climbing on the Pastoruri Highway
The locals were back burning when we started climbing on the Pastoruri Highway
Cycling the beautiful Pastoruri “Highway”
Cycling the beautiful Pastoruri “Highway”
Our campsite on the first night along the Pastoruri Highway
Sunset at our first campsite along the Pastoruri Highway
Jo taking a break from cycling along the Pastoruri Highway
Jo taking a break from cycling along the Pastoruri Highway
Welcome to the Huascaran National Park!
Stunning views along the Pastoruri “Highway”
David cycling the Pastoruri “Highway”
Stunning views along the Pastoruri “Highway”
Agua Gasificada
Agua Gasificada
We came across these cute alpacas shortly after entering the park!
Three little alpacas!
David and the alpaca
Jo and the alpacas!
Cute little lamb!
Endangered Puja de Raymondii (also known as the “Queen of the Andes”) with flower stalks
Endangered Puja de Raymondii (also known as the “Queen of the Andes”) with flower stalks
Endangered Puja de Raymondii (also known as the “Queen of the Andes”) with flower stalks
Cycling the beautiful Pastoruri “Highway”
The gorgrous “Ojo de agua de Pumapashimin”
The gorgrous “Ojo de agua de Pumapashimin”
The gorgrous “Ojo de agua de Pumapashimin”
A flowering Puja de Raymondii
Endangered Puja de Raymondii (also known as the “Queen of the Andes”) with flower stalks
Cattle crossing!
Cycling the beautiful dirt Pastoruri “Highway”
Jo and the Puya Raimondii
Cycling the beautiful dirt Pastoruri “Highway”
Stunning views along the Pastoruri “Highway”
Cycling the beautiful Pastoruri “Highway”
Cycling the beautiful Pastoruri “Highway”
Switchbacks – one of the steeper uphill sections on the Pastoruri “Highway”
Switchbacks – one of the steeper uphill sections on the Pastoruri “Highway”
Switchbacks – one of the steeper uphill sections on the Pastoruri “Highway”
Rock paintings along the Pastoruri “Highway”
Rock paintings along the Pastoruri “Highway”
Cute local girl and lamb
Stunning views along the Pastoruri Highway
David cycling along the Pastoruri “Highway”
David cycling along the Pastoruri “Highway”
David cycling along the Pastoruri “Highway”
Yeah – we made it to the turn off to the Pastoruri Glacier … we’re almost at the top of the first pass!
The shrinking Pastoruri Glacier
Woo hoo! We made it to the top of the first pass!
Stormy views before the hail storm began …
We got caught in a hail storm – it hurts!
Yep – its definitely hail!
David cycling through the hail storm desperately looking for a campsite
Pretty alpine laguna seen through the hail!
Hail stones!
We took shelter from the hail storm under our tarpaulin!
We took shelter from the hail storm under our tarpaulin!
Our second campsite (around 4700m) covered in hail – it was freezing!
Our second campsite (around 4700m) covered in hail – it was freezing!
Jo leaving our 2nd campsite – it was very chilly!
David cycling away from our 2nd campsite – it was remote and secluded just the way we like it!
David cycling away from our 2nd campsite – it was remote and secluded just the way we like it!
David cycling away from our 2nd campsite – it was remote and secluded just the way we like it!
7.51am … 5 degrees at 4674m!
David cycling the dirt Pastoruri “Highway”
Hmmm … a red river?!
Jo cycling the Pastoruri “Highway” – it was freezing cold!
David cycling the dirt Pastoruri “Highway”
David cycling the dirt Pastoruri “Highway”
Horses grazing along the Pastoruri Highway
Horses grazing along the Pastoruri Highway
Stunning views along the Pastoruri Highway
David cycling the Pastoruri “Highway”
David cycling the Pastoruri “Highway”
Stunning views along the Pastoruri Highway
Jo cycling the Pastoruri “Highway”
David cycling the Pastoruri “Highway”
David cycling the Pastoruri “Highway”
David cycling the Pastoruri “Highway”
Cycling the beautiful Pastoruri “Highway” – on this day we had the road completely to ourselves!
Stunning views along the Pastoruri Highway
We are almost at the top of the second pass here at 4870m – we had stunning views of the Cordillera Blancas and very thin air!
We are almost at the top of the second pass here at 4870m – we had stunning views of the Cordillera Blancas and very thin air!
Stunning views along the Pastoruri Highway
Proof – we reached 4870m!!
We had some magic views of alpine lagunas!
The second pass at 4870m!
The second pass at 4870m!
We had some magic views of alpine lagunas!
Finally descending along the Pastoruri Highway
Jo descending along the Pastoruri Highway
Stunning views along the Pastoruri Highway
Stunning views along the Pastoruri Highway
Stunning views along the Pastoruri Highway
Stunning views along the Pastoruri Highway
Stunning views along the Pastoruri Highway
Stunning views along the Pastoruri Highway
Leaving the Pastoruni Highway, we turned onto Highway 3N and enjoyed a lovely paved downhill!
Leaving the Pastoruni Highway, we turned onto Highway 3N and enjoyed a lovely paved downhill!
On the way to Huallanca, we passed the Huanzala Mine
On the way to Huallanca, we passed the Huanzala Mine
Bull fighting ring in Huallanca
Lovely shrine near Huallanca
On the way to Huanuco
Church near La Union
Church in Huanuco
Trying something a bit different … Quinoa beer! Pretty good actually
David’s birthday spread – red wine, Serrano Ham, Gouda Cheese and spicy olives!
Aggressive dogs!!! Not wrong!!
On the way to Cerro de Pasco
Outside our hotel in Huariaca
Our hotel in Huariaca
The town of Huariaca
Lucky us … only 4 aggressive dogs this time!
Street musicians on the way to Cerro de Pasco
Street musicians on the way to Cerro de Pasco
Meat drying – “Peru style”
On our way to Cerro de Pasco
It must be washing day!
On our way to Cerro de Pasco
We are suckers for good advertising! Cheese, bread and cheese, milk and coffee!
We are suckers for good advertising! Cheese, bread and cheese, milk and coffee!
Cow crossing!
We are suckers for good advertising! Yum – fresh cheese!
Jo on the climb towards Cerro de Pasco
Yeah – we reached the turn off to Cerro de Pasco!!!
Our very average hotel in Colquijirca
Our very average hotel in Colquijirca
Our very average hotel in Colquijirca
On our way to Junin
On our way to Junin
Llamas on our way to Junin
Sheep on our way to Junin
On our way to Junin
Old woman on our way to Junin
Coffee stop at Janet’s
Coffee stop at Janet’s
Interesting sign about the importance of Lake Junin
Views of Lake Junin in the distance
Views of Lake Junin in the distance
The bizzare Park of Maca, Huayre
The bizzare Park of Maca, Huayre
Views on the way to Junin
Views on the way to Junin
Yeah – a decent coffee and pancakes in Huancayo!
Yummy Tres Leches Cake in Huancayo
Huancayo Cathedral
Church in Huancayo
Potato sell at the Huancayo Market
Fish, Huancayo market
Meat aisle, Huancayo market
Meat aisle, Huancayo Market
Chicken feet! Huancayo Market
Cheese shop, Huancayo Market
Cuy, Huancayo Market
Cuy, Huancayo Market
Fish, Huancayo Market
Pig head, Huancayo Market
Cow feet, Huancayo Market
Maiz, Huancayo Market
Huancayo Market
Vegetable seller, Huancayo Market
Aji (chilli sauce), Huancayo Market
The taxis were decorated with purple and white balloons, Huancayo
The taxis were decorated with purple and white balloons, Huancayo
Little village outside of Huancayo
On the way to Izcuchaca
On the way to Izcuchaca
Traffic jam on the way to Izcuchaca
Traffic jam on the way to Izcuchaca
David got a piece of wire in his tyre …
David fixing his flat tyre … No. 3 for Peru
David fixing his flat tyre … No. 3 for Peru
David on the way to Izcuchaca
On the way to Izcuchaca
David descending on our way to Izcuchaca
On the way to Izcuchaca
Awesome downhill on the way to Izcuchaca
Overlooking the downhill on the way to Izcuchaca
Awesome downhill on the way to Izcuchaca
The amazing trout farm and restaurant La Cabana!
Lunch at La Cabana – so good!
Trout farm at La Cabana
David outside La Cabana
Beautiful views on the way to La Cabana
Beautiful views on the way to Izcuchaca
Beautiful views on the way to Izcuchaca
Beautiful views on the way to Izcuchaca
Beautiful views on the way to Izcuchaca
The road had a nice, wide shoulder!
Little waterfalls on the way to Izcuchaca
Beautiful views on the way to Izcuchaca
Jo collecting rubbish near the shrines
Jo collecting rubbish near the shrines
The little town of Izcuchaca
The old colonial bridge in Izcuchaca
Our Hostal at Izcuchaca
The view from our hotel room in Izcuchaca
Cuy (guinea pigs) behind our hostal
The view from our hotel room in Izcuchaca
Church in Izcuchaca
On the way to La Esmeralda
Rubbish on the way to La Esmeralda
Rubbish on the way to La Esmeralda
The incredibly tidy town of Mariscal Caceres
The incredibly tidy town of Mariscal Caceres
Street art, Mariscal Caceres
Street art, Mariscal Caceres
Street art, Mariscal Caceres
Rock art, Mariscal Caceres
Cute blue church, Mariscal Caceres
Street art, Mariscal Caceres
Tunnel time! On the way to La Esmeralda
Tunnel time! On the way to La Esmeralda
On the way to La Esmeralda
Tunnel time! On the way to La Esmeralda
Beautiful views on the way to La Esmeralda
Beautiful views on the way to La Esmeralda
Dam, on the way to La Esmeralda
Jo crossing one of the dodgy bridges on the way to La Esmeralda
The road became quite narrow!
David on the way to La Esmeralda
David on the way to La Esmeralda
Jo and Luis from Argentina
Luis’ bike – he has a grill and fishing rod in there!
Beautiful views on the way to La Esmeralda
Beautiful views on the way to La Esmeralda
More rubbish on the way to La Esmeralda
Jo collecting more roadside rubbish
On the way to La Esmeralda
Pink mountains on the way to La Esmeralda
Pink mountains and pink river on the way to La Esmeralda
Pink mountains and pink river on the way to La Esmeralda
Pink river on the way to La Esmeralda
Jo on the way to La Esmeralda
The road became quite narrow on the way to La Esmeralda
Our hostal in La Esmeralda
The cute little girl who followed us around calling “Gringos” in La Esmeralda
On the way to Huanta
Three little pigs!
Dogs on the way to Huanta … these ones weren’t too bad!
David on the way to Huanta
The stunning green river on the way to Huanta
On the way to Huanta
On the way to La Esmeralda
We felt like we were back in Mexico with all the cacti!
Wonderful new road on the way to Huanta
Jo crossing an old bridge
Yeah … we made it back onto pavement!
Local houses on the way to Huanta
Jo on the way to Huanta
Starting to rain on the way to Huanta
Storm above Huanta
The flower carpet outside the school in Huanta
Views on the way to Ayacucho
On the way to Ayacucho
On the way to Ayacucho
On the way to Ayacucho
Enjoying a beer at Via Via Cafe
My amazing lunch at Via Via Cafe – Quinoa and trout
Hostal Marcos
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