From Cuzco to Arequipa, Colca, Nazca, Paracas and finally Lima

It has been a while since my last post because I have not been able to access sufficient internet connection. Anyway, here are the happenings in a nutshell:

We took a nightbus from Cuzco to Arequipa which was a totally different kind of city compared to Cuzco since the Gringos were playing only supporting role there. So, actually quite nice when everyone is not trying to sell you something you don't need. Nightbuses here have somewhat questionable security measures as passengers need to show their passports and additionally everyone is also photographed and fingerprinted. Of course it is nice to know that probably they will be able to identify you after an accident, but I'm not quite sure how this advances security overall.

From Arequipa we did a two day excursion to colca canyon which is said to be the deepest in South-America. Views were definitely nice and we even saw some Condors so Colca can be clasiified as success although the canyon itself is maybe not so great as you would expect - it is more like a big valley.

After Colca we returned to Arequipa to catch another nightbus to Nazca which is famous for its mysterious lines. Flyover with Cessna cost 95 USD and takes 30-40 minutes during which you will be able to see all the  figures. The lines are clearly visible from the plane but I have to say that it was more difficult to spot them than I expected.

Finally from Nazca we moved on to Lima via Ica, Pisco and Paracas.

In Ica we had lunch and tried sandbording which I can totally recommend - especially if you get motorised help to get you on those dunes like we did. In Pisco we had a short introduction to making Pisco which is the alcohol of choice in Peru.

At Paracas we did a boat trip to Ballestas Islands which can be described as poor man's Galapagos. I can totally recommend the trip as the price-quality ratio is quite good. We saw huge amount of different birds, hundreds of sealions, some penquins and also a few dolphins on our way back.

Yesterday afternoon we then arrived Lima, the metropolitan city of around 10 million people. We are staying in bohemian district of Barranco. Yesterday evening we had our last dinner at Miraflores district as some of our group members are ending their journey here at Lima. Today we went to see Lima old town and the interesting catacombs. In the evening we will have a meeting with the new group that is going all the way to Quito.