Reflections on our adventures in Peru
What an exciting, challenging and satisfying trip to Peru!
Of course we were looking forward to the Lares trek (with more than a little trepidation) and visiting Machu Picchu, but Peru was more pleasing than we anticipated. Once, Peru was the wealthiest country in South America, so we were impressed with the quality of the roads. That despite the ubiquitous speed bumps, and getting used to the timed pedestrian crossings.
However, the obvious poverty and the unfinished buildings outside Lima, were reminiscent of other mountainous countries we have visited, like Nepal, Sri Lanka and even India.
The people were very friendly. They live with a constant calendar of festivals. The food was varied, simple and nutritious at times, disappointing at others and superlative in the top class restaurants we ventured into. It was too easy to get lulled into forgetting food and drink precautions we would normally take. Lynne suffered the consequences of being a little lax.
We were glad that we had a full four days to acclimatise to the altitude in Cusco before joining the group. We enjoyed our excursions there, as well as just sauntering round the city, delighting in the hilly back streets, pretty houses, often decorated with flowers and the many squares.
The Lares trek and Machu Picchu played out over five mostly tough days. The excitement at completing the Lares trek, by hook or by crook, was tremendous. Machu Picchu was awe-inspiring. Lynne’s only regret was missing the Sun Gate (and consuming that ill-advised salad).
Peter revelled in travelling deep into the Amazonian jungle, reliving his boyhood dreams, not caring too much about the few exciting animal sightings. Lynne glad of her luxurious rest and recuperation in Cusco, to prepare her for the remaining challenges of the trip.
Lynne was thrilled that, despite limited use of her left hand, she managed to cycle and kayak, which hadn’t looked at all likely at the start of the trip.
Lake Titicaca was a jewel, one that is unlikely to resist future Disneyfication.
And Lima provided a surprisingly restful and enjoyable end to our holiday. The formal tour was challenging and ambitious, but a lovely, supportive group of fellow adventurers, together with the guides, made sure it was the best it could be. And Vivien, what a trouper; we were delighted you chose to explore Peru with us.
As for the two of us, we rose to the challenges individually and together as a team. All in all, Peru did not disappoint.
