Cusco to Puno on the Andean Explorer

After a first class trip on the Andean Explorer train from Cusco to Puno, it was hard to imagine travelling any other way. We both agreed that we would probably never be on a swankier train again. The city of Puno is nothing to write home about, so it was a good thing we only had a couple of hours to walk around because we were up early the next morning to board the bus for La Paz.

Machu Picchu - Peru

Check.

Cusco - Peru

The centre of the Inca empire and the main battle ground for many Spanish colonial battles, Cusco has somehow retained it´s old beautful cobblestone streets with ancient Inca walls around every corner. Another pleasant oasis compared to the hussle of a big city (Lima). Although extremely toursity, there are still places to get lost. We only had the one day to explore and most of the time we looked for another restaurant serving Quinoa (for me) and Pisco Sours (for Ryan).

Lima - Peru

Flew into infamous Lima not knowing what to expect. Our Hostel was in the trendy Barranco neighbourhood notorious for surfers and hippies. We were met by 4 Aussies who were going to go to bed in ¨30 minutes¨. As we sat with them their street order came prowling through the bushes and we decided to take our leave. Good call considering we heard them turn in at sunrise and witnessed them spend the rest of the day lazing about various corners of the Hostel. As for the city, Ryan declared it ¨Shit Town¨while jaunting through the old part. However, after visiting Miraflores with it´s Alpaca sweaters sold next to the Starbucks we ended up having a great day. A walk along the sketchy beach to Barranco finished it off.

Cuenca - Ecuador

From peaceful, laid back Baños where the fattest of fat Ecudorian elite come to vacay, to the left-leaning University city of Cuenca was quite the change. Upon arrival we took a stroll along the meandering river and noted a youthful bunch gathering in a massive group. Huh! Why are they wearing bandanas over their faces? Why is there a city bus blocking the middle of the road? Why are they whipping rocks at that government building? Right, it´s cuz we are in the middle of a protest / riot (see photo above of students fleeing the Policia). The rest of our stay had us ¨checking in¨ on the protests while taking in the safer sites. Specifically, Cajas National Park which is pretty much out of a Lord of the Rings film (Ryan comment). Also, the colonial city itself is beautiful and we just happened upon some sort of school marching band competition. All in all, the the city was alive!

Baños - Ecuador

This touristy town was quite the escape from the craziness of Quito. It´s tough to find a vista that doesn´t have a waterfall in it. We rented a quad (AKA a suped up go cart) and explored the dramatic road that leads into the jungle. After that day we soaked our filthy bones in the baths (i.e. banos). The poo coloured water only bothered me a little once I was neck deep in it.

Quito - Ecuador

QUITO!!!!! We arrived in Latin America and there was a big celebration waiting for us. Antonio had a sign and a smile and he led us to his 1985 Astro Van and whisked us into the Old Town. This city is XXXX m above sea level (as in up in the clouds). Our technique was to see the city from as many high vantages as possible! First one, our Hostel terrace, unbelievable view. Then from mountain to mountain to mountain, it was an amazing day. Check the pic above of us at sunset in a park in the south end of the city!