Day 277 - Huancayo, Peru

Today is Sunday. The town of Huancayo seems like a magnet. Indios are pouring into the city from all over, carrying bundles of goods to sell. Busloads of visitors arrive from Lima. We already had everything we wanted but strolled through this vast and exciting market. We also compared prices, and Ursula was constantly checking if there was anything else she possibly couldn’t live without! Haha.

We realized with great satisfaction that we had done well acquiring things in Hualhuas. The prices at the Huancayo Market were more expensive, and secondly, we couldn’t have bartered here.

We splurged on more freshly squeezed juices, and Ursula purchased a lovely embroidered blouse. Then we tried in vain to find the village of Gachas, known for gourds and pumpkin carvings. After locals sent us in the wrong direction for the third time, we gave up the search and headed back toward Lima. In the evening, we stopped at a gas station in a small village.

The owner saw our sign “SE VENDEN COSAS.” He purchased old clothes, tools, a blanket, rubber boots, and shoes for his kids. He was friendly and let us stay on his property for the night, down by the river.

Stats: Miles drove 42, Expenses $14.10Read more