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Peru - Girls on the Go 2022
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Peru - Girls on the Go 2022

Superexcited to meet Annette in Lima for an ADVENTURE!! En savoir plus
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  • Début du voyage
    13 mai 2022
    StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur

    Headed out- the journey begins!

    13 mai 2022, États Unis ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    How do I always forget just how crazy things get before a big trip. Tying up work loose end took WAY longer than expected, and of course we found stuff that I needed was up in MD and unaccessible. Reminded of the saying from the kid's Scout Leader: looks like you didn't need it after all! Thanks Kev for being so patient as I pretty much lost my mind the last few days.En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur

    Bye Kevin!! Thanks for the lift!

    13 mai 2022, États Unis ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    So...how did I miss that I needed to have a COVID Attestation form to enter Peru BEFORE I checked in? Oh, and that it needs to be electronic? And so ensued a frantic half hour with laptop and cell phone trying to submit a Peruvian form. I kept getting an error message in Spanish. My Spanish is pretty good, but this was a mystery. Tech-Speak in Spanish is every bit as mystifying as it is in English. NOW prepared to launch...En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    The Candelabra
    Breakfast of champions!Why hello there!Hey George, you think they might have fish?Yeah, yeah. I'm busy napping here!Yup- those crazy ladies at the back of the boat....Just a few jellies - lots of varietyThe view from our lunch tableA marvelous bird, the pelican...Because this was worth more than one picture!

    Paracas

    15 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    Stupid early start yesterday, but we had a pleasant bus ride down the coast from Lima to the town of Paracas. We had hoped to take a boat tour of Ballestas Island, which is billed as the Galapagos of Peru. Sadly, weather didn't cooperate and we ended up taking a shorter boat trip to go see our first geoglyph - the Candelabra. We were also visited by a group of friendly dolphins, lots of sea lions and saw many, many pelicans. A lovely lunch followed of local, Peruvian styled seafood and I got to introduce Annette to the ubiquitous Inca Kola. Then on to Huacacina!En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    11The cats of Peru have been universally friendly

    Huacachina Oasis

    15 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    We pulled into Huacachina in the early afternoon. It is an oasis in the desert, with a small lake surrounded by huge sand dunes. It is also a tourist magnet. Many hostels with lively parties; we found a sleepier place. THE thing to do is a sunset dune buggy ride and sandboarding...so we did! We had SO much fun!! Much more like sledding than snowboarding for all but the most intrepid. We were giggling like schoolgirls sledding down these enormous dunes. Bonus was as we were watching the gorgeous sunset from a high dune, we turned around and saw an equally gorgeous full moon rising over the dunes behind us. Just amazingly beautiful. This morning we enjoyed the quiet beauty of the area (for at least a few minutes) before heading out for Nazca.En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    From the air, on the Nazca lines flight the next day

    Acueductos de Cantalloc

    16 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    After driving through fertile fields of grapes, avocados, oranges, paprika and many other crops, our van climbed over a pass. In the process there was a narrow tunnel that looked like it was carved by hand through the mountain. Very narrow and claustrophobic, with rough hewn rock on either side. Half expected to see a dwarf. Then back into the valley and into Nazca proper. We hired a guide who took us to these aquaducts dating back to the Nazca people, roughly 2000 years ago. Although this area is fertile, it is arid and droughts have been problematic. These aqueducts have reportedly never run dry. Most of it is tunnelled underground, but there are 20 "ventanas" that were used to maintain the channels, with spirals for access. They were seriously cool, some as deep as 40'. And there was another geoglyph easily visible from there- "la felino"En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    La Agujas
    Cerro Blanco- the sand dune. And yes, it it starkly wjiter than everything around it.El Telar - the loom.And the spiral of yarn to go with it. The needle is the thick line to the left of it.

    El Telar

    16 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    We then drove to a geoglyph called Las Agujas de Cantallo (the Needles ). These look like lines to nearby mountains, like Cerro Blanco- the largest sand dune in the world. Then on to El Telar (the Loom), with a spiral (yarn) next to it and a knitting needle between.En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    The view from below
    Looking down into itOther outlying structures of the complex

    Paredones

    16 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    The Paredones was an early Incan expansion into the area. Stone is limited here, so it was used only at the bases of the most important structures, with adobe being used for most upper walls (which show the wear from the weather). This was interesting, but were flagging from the desert heat by then and we're happy to move on to an indoor museum.En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    Rope through the forehead to hang up for display
    The 2 skulls on the bottom left had been elongated, and the one on the right had been flattenedThe juxtaposition of tomb and BBQ...This one is a real mummy/siteThe detail was amazing on thisAnother aqueducts (there are many)

    Museo Arqueologico Antonini

    16 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    This was the last stop. Our guide, Julio, was in his element and enjoyed showing us colorfully painted cloth, pottery, slingshots woven with human hair, ceramic flutes, etc. of the Nazca culture. Most was about 2000 years old. As physicians, we found the mummification and skull modifications intriguing. We could still see the ocularis muscles and nose on a 2000 year old mummy! There were many styles of gravesites with mock sites showing different styles commonly used. I found the whole trophy head thing to be a little unsettling, but the detailed, polychromic textile and pottery- was incredible, often with animal themes. My pictures don't do it justice.En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    Our plane
    The flight plan with the geoglyphs we were looking forCan you say excited?3 geoglyphs and the viewing tower we were in the previous day

    Nazca Flight!!

    17 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    Edited to add: new photos from Annette!

    We started today with a flight over the Nazca and Palpa lines. It was AMAZING! We were also able to see all of yesterday's sights from above, which was neat. The difference in appearance from the shift in perspective is remarkable. Apparently, very few people choose to fly to the Palpas- it's a little further, and over some mountains which can make it turbulent. We had an early start, and it wasn't bad at all all- even for this nervous flyer. The geoglyphs were generally very clear- but my photos need some cropping/editing. I'll update when I can. In any case, definitely aliens. 👽En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur

    Cahuachi pyramids

    17 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    After the flight, we did a bit more touring around Nazca. To get to the Cahuachi pyramids, our guide put his car in jeopardy for miles down a remote, rough and unpaved road. There were only a few other people there (the road and remoteness no doubt being factors), but it was an impressive complex. We were stunned to see this emerge out of nowhere in the desert.En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    The basic tomb setup - mummies facing East, with possessions for the afterlife
    Families were often togetherAn undisturbed tombRemnants of grave robbersThe structures protecting these sites were very basicFruit tasting- prickly pear fruitThe fruit guy shows us how to eat it- and I've already forgotten the name

    Chaucilla cemetery

    17 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We stopped by a local fruit stand between the pyramid and this cemetery, where we tried prickly pear fruit and another lychee-type fruit. The cemetery itself was also remote, down another lengthy unpaved road. It was a major burial ground for the Nazca. Unfortunately, many, many of the tombs were destroyed by grave-robbers. Nonetheless, there are still undisturbed tombs and there were a dozen opened and on display- mummified remains and their possessions. The preservation of hair and even skin is remarkable, given they are ~2000 yrs old. Again, we were among very few visitors, and there were no access controls protecting the area.En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur

    Museo de la Catedral de Arequipa

    18 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    After a brutal all night bus trip further South, we pulled in to Arequipa at around 0500. It was dramatically colder, and higher- about 7,600 feet. Fortunately, Annette had arranged for a super early check in, and by 0600 we were in bed on sound out. Much later that morning, we ventured out to explore the Plaza de Armas, and this Museum known for housing "Juanita." She is the mummified remains of a 12 year old girl found atop Mount Ampato, a volcano nearby, in 1995. She had been buried in the ice for centuries, and was even more remarkably preserved than the other mummies we had seen. Physical evidence of trauma (and her placement on top of the mountain) suggest she was killed as a sacrifice. Alas, photos were not permitted, and it was a little creepy anyway. On a happier note, I found a coffee and chocolate house- 🤩 and got to try another new and tasty fruit ( the little orange guys).En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    The bells, hanging on wooden beamsThe spire that crashed through the roofThe organ. A few pipes were damaged, but most were surprisingly intactOne of the volcanoes surrounding the cityAlpaca- steaks...yum!

    Basilica Catedral de Arequipa

    18 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F

    After Juanita, we stopped at the cathedral that is the centerpiece of the Plaza. We got a tour of both the cathedral and the museum. The cathedral took major damage in the 2001 earthquake (8.4 on the Richter scale) which toppled a spire which crashed through the roof and barely missed the massive organ inside. It's all been well reconstructed, but wow. Anyway, the cathedral itself is gorgeous, and we were up on the roof by the bell towers just in time for sunset. Very nice indeed. The museum tour showed us many beautiful religious objects, but both Annette and I felt an uneasiness with what felt like an ostentatious display of wealth in an area with so much poverty. On a completely different note, we went to an AMAZING restaurant for dinner. Alpaca- cute, fluffy...and delicious.En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    Flamingos!
    2 of the 3 volcanoes surrounding Arequipa: Misti is still active, Chachani is tallest at >19,000'Crater of Pichu Pichu volcanoSalt crystalsThe first flamingo feather before we saw...Flamingos!Being sillyNew friends, Liz and Daisy from LimaVicunuasVicunuasSomething about the salt flats made us crave salt

    Salinas and Aguada Blanca Nat'l Reserve

    19 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ⛅ 43 °F

    We took a day trip up (literally - it was at >14k feet!) To Salinas and Aguada Blanca Nat'l Reserve. Very international group, and we became friends with a guy from Paris who spoke great English and virtually no Spanish, and a couple of young ladies from Lima- one spoke pretty good English, one none. The day was fun: we stopped at Mirador viewpoint to see the 3 volcanoes surrounding Arequipa: the iconic and still active Misti, the 19,000 feet tall Chachani and Pichu Pichu, followed by a simple breakfast at a small local place en route (where the guide was strongly recommending coca leaf tea ( the leaves were on the table) to combat the effects of altitude. Then UP! The Reserve itself was stunningly beautiful...and I got to see flamingos!! 🦩Most have migrated, but there were still quite a few stragglers. We also saw 3 types of camelids: vicunuas (wild), alpaca and llama (domesticated). The site was gorgeous.En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    1Going native- but in all fairness, my skin was REALLY soft afterward3We're kayaking on a lake in the Andes...how cool is that?!Having a bit of fun!Mt Ubinas in the background1

    Lojen Hot Springs & Lake Ubinas

    19 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    After Salinas, we got wet. First we went to a Hot Springs, which should really be called a lukewarm springs. Still at high altitude, and cold. But it was fun to splash around and the mud was said to be good for the skin- much smearing occurred! Then we went to Ubinas reservoir in the shadow of Ubinas volcano (another active one). There we took a quick spin on a kayak, just for fun. At the end of all this we headed back toward Arequipa and stopped at a place renowned for it's traditional food. My favorite by far was a rocoto relleno: a stuffed pepper with an intriguing filling with meat, raisin and a bit of cheese on top. Annette is enjoying the variety of potatoes (over 1000 types here!). After the tour, our friends from Lima invited us to go with the to Mirador- a church plaza that looks out over the city for a lovely view. All in all, a long but fun day.En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    Nice view while awaiting transport
    Lovely breakfast overlooking the Plaza de ArmasAt the river!Selfie...with a few friends from the UK, Belgium, Chile, France and Peru!!Yup... that's a river, all rightGorgeous sceneryWILD ride!Yes, I'm that crazy!Annette embracing the crazy!!And about to get COLD... but so worth it!

    Rafting the Chili River

    20 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    After a lovely breakfast on the terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, we took off for a river rafting trip down the Chili river. The group was once again extremely international and a lot of fun. When we tried to take a selfie, the whole vanload got in on the game! The canyon was gorgeous, and the river was mostly class II and I think one (possibly 2) class III, which is more intense than I've ever done. It was AMAZING. And it just might have included a ~25' jump from a rock...En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    1Individual residences were common until 1871.Washing areaIngenious process for filtering water through porous stone1

    Monesterio de Santa Catalina

    20 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    After a quick shower and change, we changed gears completely and toured a 16th century monastary that is actually a UNESCO world heritage site. We had a fantastic guide, which really helped it come to life. It is a beautiful place, with each area named after a different region of Spain. We only wished we had a bit more time to enjoy the ambience!En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    A mimic of the architecture of the cathedral, with what they describe as Andean-Baroque
    The blocks are sized so that a donkey can transport one on either sideRandom animal carvingsMaybe some wisdom will rub off...1Or maybe not! 😉

    Anashuaco Quarry

    20 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    We toured a quarry where the white stone made from the ash of volcanic eruptions was hardened. This material is used in the construction of the Basilica and many other structures in Arequipa. The next layer is pink, and came from a different eruption. There are statues of each color throughout the city.En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    A very cold Annette...Take a good look at the tiny puff of smoke over the middle volcanoAnd that little puff of smoke growsClearly bigger than before1So yeah - that was a small eruption. How cool is that?!

    Viewpoint of the Volcanoes

    21 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ⛅ 43 °F

    The highest place I've ever been outside of an airplane at 16,100 ft. From this viewpoint we could see essentially a ring of about 10 volcanoes. And one erupted while we watched!! Super cool...and, yes, I also mean that literally - windy and cold!!En savoir plus

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  • StrangeNewWorldsPeru - Girls on the Go 2022Voyageur
    Gorgeous but super steep canyon that we had to cross repeatedly.The 3 wheeled critters are all over town and decorated like crazy.Hot springs!! And actually hot this time instead of lukewarm! Yay!The view from breakfast, overlooking the PlazaCool statue, with an important meaning that I'm completely oblivious to

    Chivay

    22 mai 2022, Pérou ⋅ ⛅ 30 °F

    Hot Springs, sleeping at 11,600 ft, and a super cute little town. Mostly a stopover on the way to Colca Canyon, which is a bit of a haul, but cute nonetheless. Best part- hot springs and a drink called a Colca Sour. Kind of like a Pisco Sour, but made with cactus fruit instead of Pisco grapes.En savoir plus

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