30thSeptember – La Paz La Paz is the seat of government in Bolivia and is also known as the defacto capital as well. La Paz is built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River (now mostly built over), which runs northwest to southeast. The city's main thoroughfare, which roughly follows the river, changes names over its length, but the central tree-lined section running through the downtown core is called the Prado. The geography of La Paz (in particular the altitude) reflects society: the lower areas of the city are the more affluent areas. While many middle-class residents live in high-rise condos near the center, the houses of the truly affluent are located in the lower neighborhoods southwest of the Prado. And looking up from the center, the surrounding hills are plastered with makeshift brick houses ... read more

28th September – Copacabana, Bolivia We drove to Copacabana today. At the Peru/Bolivia border we had to change buses as the Peru bus drivers and guides aren’t allowed to go to Bolivia. We could change our money here to Bolivianos which was good. We then had to line up and get our Peru visa form stamped and then line up again and get our passport stamped with the exit date from Peru. After that we had to walk up a hill, cross the border and line up again,fill out another visa form and get our passport stamped with the entry date into Bolivia. Our guide for Bolivia was waiting for us – Larissa is her name. We then caught a mini bus the rest of the way to Copacabana. The bus ride was different – apparently ... read more

26thSeptember Caught the train to Puno today. Today is quite cool and is raining. Didn't mind as it is a very long train trip – 10hrs. Great train, it is styled on the Orient Express trains with very comfy seats and great food. We were provided with musicians, a fashion show, 3 course lunch with wine and afternoon tea. Great food. The train attendants were excellent – so precise in handing out the food and getting you anything you want. The view was good, though it did start to get a bit the same after 5hrs. The train follows the valley floor where you can see the Andes and passes through Sicuani, La Raya (highest point at 4,330m above sea level). We stopped there for a 10min leg stretch, then the train stops at Juliaca before ... read more

25th September – Machu Pichu Caught a bus up to Machu Pichu around 7am. Turned out to be the perfect time as by the time we got there the cloud had just about lifted and the sun was shining. Bit of a hair raising bus ride, better if you shut your eyes until you get to the top. It’s true, words and pictures can’t describe this place. Absolutely unreal. Our guide took us on a tour for a couple of hours going from end of the site to the other and back pointing out lots of different things and the purpose of the buildings and everything. After that we had a few hours to just wander around. Pictures make this place look small but there is some serious step climbing to get from one point to ... read more

17th September Cusco is quite something. Lots of traffic and little streets all with cobble stones. Lots of street sellers and shops everywhere. Still feeling awful but will go on the tour today as it is mostly by bus. Visited the Convento De Santo Domingo and toured a number of sites but didn’t take many photos as stayed in the bus all the time and rested. We are coming back to Cusco after hike so will take lots of photos when we return. 18th September Left Cusco today and drove down to Chincero. Very nice place and great shopping. Very high at Chincero – higher than Cusco but feeling okay so happy to walk around and take photos. After this we drove down to the Mara Salt Pans. The road is like a fire trail but ... read more