La Joya lake

Arequipa to Mollendo

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November 26th 2013
First day of the bike tour. As with every day since I got to Arequipa, it was sunny and nearly cloudless, but a bit chilly as I set out at 7 am. I'd checked out the roads and got out of town via the most direct route, but still there were a few very short uphill climbs, the first I'd done with the bike fully loaded. I didn't have to get off and push so that was a good sign. Then it was ... read more

South America » Peru » Arequipa

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Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1... ... read more