Peru IV (September 15th - September 20th)

It took only two more hours from the borders to reach Puno, tourist hub at Peruvian side of lake Titicaca. During the afternoon the adventurers managed to arrange a two-day boat trip to floating islands on lake Titicaca and even explore the city a little bit.

A sheep guarding private property in Puno

Although the boat trip looked quite overcrowded at the beginning as there was more than 20 people in the group, the explorers experienced pretty nice and relaxing moments in the upcoming two days. The first morning was spent on a boat visiting Uros floating islands - couple dozen of islands completely made of totora, straw-like plant growing abundantly around the lake. A few centuries ago, those islands were originally used by local people as a hideout from aggressive Inca expansion. Nowadays, they are mostly just a tourist attraction although they still have several hundred permanent inhabitants. It wasn't that much authentic experience, but it was still impressive and funny at the same time to walk on a soft surface knowing there is water just one meter below your feet.

Islas Flotantes de Uros

Local girl playing with a bucket

Nets for keeping caught fish fresh

Inhabitants of floating islands

Following several long hours of sailing were spent on the top of the boat sharing stories and insights with other travellers from the Czech Republic, Karel and Hanka. In the early afternoon, they finally reached Isla Amantaní, where local families were ready to provide them basic food and accommodation until the next morning. Walking around the island was quite peaceful, but the views including the sunset couldn't compare to the ones already seen on Isla del Sol on the Bolivian side of the lake. However, the real highlight of the day was an evening party in ponchos. It was theatrical, ridiculously touristic and too organized, but still funny to be forced to dance with old local ladies and trying to copy their furious rhythm.

Farmer coming back from work on Amantaní

Enjoying lunch in local village

Poncho party :)

El Fredovito and Miguel Hudeiro in a candlelight

There was just one more stop on the way back during the last day of the trip - Isla Taquile. Dwellings and overall level of development didn't look so ingenious as the previous day, but it was a dressing culture that made this community famous enough to become a UNESCO sight; namely their tradition to wear colorful hats and other clothing accessories to show whether you are single, married or belong to a local authority. And they really wear them publicly all the time! Check the picture to get a glimpse of how majestic the local authorities look like.

Guide showing a hat of political authority (on the left) and local authority (on the right)

Adventurers at famous stone arc at Isla Taquile

Fishing boat on lake Titicaca

Back in Puno, university celebrations filled the streets with music, colors and comical dresses. After enjoying the atmosphere and buying few more souvenirs, the adventurers soon went to bed to be ready for an early morning bus to Arequipa.

University celebrations in Puno

There were only a few hours available for sightseeing in Arequipa. This city made of white volcanic stone offered mainly beautiful architectural highlights. The expeditionists found enough time to admire the main cathedral from inside accompanied by an always giggling female teen guide and walk a little bit around plazas and white streets. Afterwards, they had to go to a bus station to catch an overnight bus to Lima.

Plaza de Bolivar in Arequipa

Inside the cathedral in Arequipa

The program in Peru's capital Lima was rather relaxed, including a walk around several plazas in colonial style, Museum of Inquisition, catacombs and a visit of local cinema, watching Resident Evil 4.

Vivid example of inquisition practises

The next day the slow relaxing pace continued. The expeditionists arranged a few urgent matters on the internet and then enjoyed long awaited KFC feast that consisted of 18 pieces of chicken, 12 chicken nuggets, 8 hot wings, 8 hot shots, 8 bags of french fries, 2 salads, 4 Pepsi Colas, 3 apple pies and 3 ice shakes in total! Although fighting bravely, the adventurers stomachs couldn't manage to process it all at one time, so they had to take a couple of wings as a snack to the airport, where they took a flight to Caracas, Venezuela with an overnight stop in Bogotá, Colombia. Only one last week until the end of the trip!

May the Maya be with you! :)

Don Madonarra and El Fredovito at KFC feast