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The big one
  • Katarina Power

The big one

A 255-day adventure by Katarina Read more
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  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Death road

    March 23, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    After the training run on the new road we have arrived to the famous "Death road".
    It doesn't look as scary as I thought for now but will see once we get cracking.
    We got another safety instruction from our guides for the first part and set off.
    We have stopped quite few times to take photos and get more instructions about turns and twists awaiting us.
    It was very bumpy but with our guide very safe all the way.
    We have descended 3 500 metres and the environment changed from cold non-oxygen highlands to jungle in Yungas where we could finally feel our lungs filled with oxygen.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Arriving to Yungas

    March 23, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    After super bumpy road and one of the most beautiful views we have seen in Bolivia we have finally arrived to our final destination - the jungle!
    Last 500 metres were actually uphill and dressed in all gear it was the hardest part.
    But once we have entered the restaurant, lovely swimming pool with refreshing water was awaiting us before we had a very nice buffet dinner.
    The way back is through the new road so should be less bumpy and more comfortable.
    It was a very unique and amazing experience and we even got a t-shirt to remind us this adventure.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Linea Blanca Inaguracion

    March 24, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    A very special event in life of people in La Paz.
    New line of the Mi Teleferico had a grand opening today with the president Evo Morales present as well.
    We came a bit later but there was still few people and the weirdest performance took place. Group of dancers and singers in masks made their way to the stage and started dancing and singing and it was so random.
    As it was gratis all day, there has been quite few long waiting lines to take a ride but they were perfect for people watching.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Stop on a way to Chacaltaya

    March 25, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ 🌬 5 °C

    Our next day trip from La Paz took us to the highest altitude we have experienced.
    On a way we stopped to take few pictures of the Cordillera Real that started to show of its peaks.
    The weather wasn't the best one but the mountains looked spectacular anyway.
    We admired the Huyana Potosí and Illimani.
    Now we need to conquer another 1000 metres of elevation to get us only 100 metres from the peak of Chacaltaya mountain.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Chacaltaya

    March 25, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    Our personal highest peak has been conquered by climbing 100 metres from the highest ski resort in the world.
    As I was a little bit ill, every step was difficult but as the weather was getting better and the views improved.
    Once we got to the top, absolutely stunning views opened in front of us.
    We had about 15 minutes to get pictures and enjoy before we headed down and towards the Valle de la Luna.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Valle de la Luna

    March 25, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    After record breaking hike to the Chacaltaya peak we have travelled back to La Paz and further 10 km towards the Valle de la Luna. Moon like area isn't actually a valley but bizarre, eroded hillside maze of canyons and pinnacles.
    The main materials are clay and sand and therefore it changed with every rainfall.
    The area with couple of short trails has been much bigger but as La Paz got caught on urban growth, the area now is much smaller.
    As we have visited the canyons in Tupiza, it wasn't as impressive but we have enjoyed a short walk around before a threat of storm made us leave the place and take a ride back to the city.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Copacabana

    March 27, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Our introduction to Lake Titikaka started in a small fishing village close to the border with Peru.
    Unfortunately I am still ill so we can't enjoying to it's full potential and instead we used it as resting place before we head to Peru for Easter.
    The lake is absolutely stunning and the village is so peaceful.
    Our hostel is slightly on the hill and as we got a room on the top floor, we have beautiful view from our window.
    The lovely terrace was perfect hanging washing while enjoying the scenery.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Isla de la Luna

    March 28, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    Our first stop on our lake Titicaca adventure was a Isla de la Luna.
    According to legend it's the place where Viracocha commanded the moon to rise into the sky.
    It's much smaller then Isla de la Luna and it's main attraction is visiting Templo de las Vírgenes.
    We had an about hour to walk around and enjoy the views of the lake and the ruins.
    Next stop, Isla del Sol.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Isla de la Sol

    March 28, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ 🌧 7 °C

    An hour ride from the Isla de la Luna is the famous island Isla del Sol. Large island with several communities that is unfortunately torn by dispute between the northern and southern inhabitants.
    To start of we have visited ruins Pilko Kaina with its best known site Palacio del Inca.
    There is a possibility to walk from here to the village Yumani but as I still didn't feel too well we decided to take a short boat ride.
    We have been rewarded by being able to finally get pictures done with a llama that was waiting in the port and with traditional boat that we hope to see more of the Isla Uros in Peru.
    From port we climbed through the Escalera del Inca, beautifully kept gardens towards the village.
    Higher we got, better views we could enjoy. We walked along the old roads and only few things gave away the century we are in. The donkeys walked the stone pathed and not much have changed. The kids running around and asking if we would like to take a picture with alpaca and the WiFi sign gave away the progress the island made.
    At the end we shared a delicious mango from the Copacabana market and headed back to the shore to take bus to Peru.
    Our Bolivian adventure is coming to end.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Leaving Bolivia

    March 28, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    After almost there weeks in Bolivia it was time for us to go. It is a beautiful country and we enjoyed it so much. The great food at the markets and stunning countryside.
    Our adventure here was full of adventure and we got to know it's people who are really nice bit love their drink bit too much!
    As a good-bey we got to witness another of Bolivian tradition and it created the perfect farewell.
    Several groups of drunk soldiers and generals were dancing around and playing flutes.
    It was just so weird but so Bolivian. We had a laugh and then headed for the border crossing to start a new, Peruvian adventure.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Puno - start of Peruvian adventure

    March 29, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Our adventure in Peru started in lovely town on the shore of the lake Titicaca.
    As the Easter approached, we have decided to spend here couple of days and enjoy everything this area has got to offer.
    We have started by wondering the streets around the square that we live so close to and walked along the shores of the lake so we could decide which tour to choose.
    Throughout the walks we have tried so much delicious food, from chicken skewers to pizza from a street vendor to churros with chocolate sauce and salchipapas.
    It's a great introduction to Peru and we can't wait to discover more.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Llama break

    March 31, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Our first stop was rather unexpected but once we have seen llamas outside of the houses, I was over the moon.
    The place was very picturesque with small houses arranged to a small farm.
    Firstly our tour guide talked to us about the different breeds of llamas and then gave us time to take pictures and cuddle those amazing animals.
    Afterwards we have been invited inside for explanation of the local agriculture.
    We have been shown different types of potatoes, quinoa and other crops. On the top of that we got to try local medicine for gastric problems, clay mixed with hot water and salt served with boiled potatoes.
    Petr had to try local cheese that was very tasty but none of us were brave enough to try alcohol with soaked snakes that supouse to be great for back pain and many other things.
    Overall it was one of the best stops we had on our tours and we really enjoyed.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Sillustani

    March 31, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    After very exciting llama visit, we have finally arrived to our destination.
    The place we have entered was so peaceful and tranquil. After short information from our tour guide, we set of to walk towards the towers.
    Sillustani is a place of final rest for generations, from pre-Inca to Inca's themselves and walking amongst the funeral towers we could explore all the different types.
    Our tour guide was absolutely excellent and told us about history of the place and legends that come with it.
    Once we got to the top of the peninsula, with the sun setting over the lake, I could understand why this place have been chosen. It felt very peaceful!    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Islas Los Uros

    April 1, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Absolutely unique experience waited for us on Easter Sunday. We have read about it in travel guide and seen pictures but nothing compares to the first sight of the floating islands.
    Passing by the football and volleyball pitch with a game in place is something we will never forget.
    Few more minutes of sailing and we have docked on island that we would spent next hour.
    Getting of the boat was rather strange, especually once you realized that underneath the floating island is 10 metres deep lake.
    We have said warm welcome to the families who live on this island and settled down in a circle for explanation how are islands made and about life of the people who live there.
    It was very interesting and the girl talking to us had a great sense of humour.
    After that we could take pictures, have a look inside of their houses and chat to them.
    Half an hour later we assembled together again for a singing performance. I must say, it felt very rehearsed and awkward.
    The local women started singing a song first in quechua and then aymara. Once they finished, our tour guide suggested singing in English, French and even German.
    Once they finished the performance, they invited us, again in slightly awkward way, to board their Mercedes Benz boat that is hand made by families living on this small island.
    As it was only 10 PEN (64 Kč) we decided to accept. It was nice ride and it have as perspective just how big is the area. In this Puno bay is up to 90 floating island. Some are dedicated to school, medical centre, restaurant or football pitch.
    Soon was time to leave behind floating island and their inhabitants. We took a boat ride back to Puno and headed for lunch.
    I think we can honestly say that this experience will stay with us for long and we will keep wondering if those people.really live there or take a boat back to shore every night.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Cusco

    April 3, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Our first full day in Cusco has been very busy. We got up at 6 a.m. and we started the day with lovely cake and coffee for breakfast.
    We wanted to do us much as we can in this day and see most of the sites so we decided to join free walking tour of the city centre.
    We got grabbed by a local to join their group at 10:30 and as they all seemed pretty.much the same, we have decided to go for it.
    We haven't done many of free walking tours so far in South America but I must say it was definitely the best one.
    To start of we headed for a small chocolate factory who manufactures organic chocolate products. One of the ladies there explained everything about their process and different types of chocolate they make. All of this was accompanied by tasting so we were definitely won over.
    After that we continued back to square for history information about Cusco that has been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
    Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and we have learned a lot about Inca culture, their language, music and drinks.
    We have finished the entire tour by tasting the famous Pisco Sour, Peruvian national drink.
    After so much walking we have decided to grab a lunch in all you can eat Indian buffet. The food was nice and we have sat in balcony with view of the square.
    After lunch we time to get organised for next couple of days. We booked our tour of Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and visited San Pedro market to get lots of fresh fruit.
    The weather was getting worser and right after we walked through the door of the hostel, a huge storm hit the town.
    We used the time to pack for next day trip and had a little nap.
    Once it stopped raining, I have been invited for a dinner so we tried a pizza place we walked around fee times.
    As our next couple of days will be an early mornings, we went to bed early with a day well spent.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Chinchero

    April 4, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Our first stop on our discovery of the Sacred Valley was an Inca ruin that was met with the colonial Spanish architecture after conquering of this area.
    As it's our first real introduction to Inca culture, we found it fascinating.
    The terraced fields that brought more crops and the spectacular views showed us what life used to be.
    The Spanish built on the Inca's temples their own places of worship. The church in this place has been preserved in a great shape and we have seen one of the most beautiful wooden painted ceilings.
    Our tour guide is quite strict with time so Soon after we were heading for bus and of to another interesting place.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Moray

    April 4, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Our next stop was rather fascinating. I have only seem pictures before we came here but had no idea what was it.
    Moray is a set of Inca "laboratories" that have been used for domestication, acclimatization and hybridization of plants.
    It is very impressive what techniques have been Inca's using in their time.
    We walked around the biggest one and admired this huge architectural engineering.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Salineras de Maras

    April 4, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    On our next stop we have come across another way of extracting salt in South America.
    This time is through evaporation and the scale of those mines are huge. Around 3 000 pools are spread across hillside with a saline water filling them up. The whole process takes about 30-40 days and can be done only throughout the dry season.
    The site did look impressive and we even tasted the stream of salty water.
    As our tour guide is very strict with timing, making sure we arrive to the last site on time, we had a quick walk around for picture taking before we headed for well deserved lunch in Urubamba.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Ollantaytambo

    April 4, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    After a quick buffer lunch we set of again and headed for our fourth stop.
    This is so far the biggest site we have seen. It's composed from several preserved terraces, ruins of houses and military bases and on opposite mountain a storage for crops that had natural ventilation thanks to their position.
    We walked all the way up for a beautiful view of the valley and along the mountain through terraces and remains of this great empire.
    I think it's great preparation for what is waiting for us at Machu Picchu. We can only hope for such a nice weather.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Pisaq

    April 4, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    By the time we have arrived to our final destination on our Sacred Valley tour, the weather caught up with us and it started raining.
    From beginning only a little bit but once we got to the top of the ruins, hail started to fall as well and we could enjoy much of exploring.
    The ruins are truly magnificent and remind a little bit of a fortress on the hill. The Inca terraces surrounded the place created more agricultural soul back in times and made us admire this civilization.
    We wondered around a bit and after we ran for the bus to get changed to dry clothes as we were soaking wet.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Cusco -> Aguas Calientes

    April 5, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Our journey to the famous Machu Picchu started with an very early morning.
    We packed our two small backpacks the night before and left our big ones in the room where we will return next day.
    As true tourists we were ready outside the agency office 10 minutes before should have been what allowed me to grab a lovely coffee from a very fancy hotel right o the square.
    Next we had to wait for about half an hour before guide grabbed us to rush towards the mini bus that was waiting round the corner as they can't enter the city centre.
    We crammed into the bus all the way at the back and our 6 hour journey could begin.
    We knew well the first part of the journey as it followed same route as we did the day before through the Sacred Valley. Once we left the small village of Ollantaytambo, the fun part began.
    The journey took us literally through the clouds and around mountains before we climbed down towards the jungle.
    The last part was very entertaining once our mini bus tried to navigate along the mountain with cliffs right next to us and mini buses coming opposite way.
    I was really glad that I sat part to the mountain and didn't have to watch the cliff getting really close to our wheels.
    Even though the journey was beautiful, we were really glad when it finally ended and we have arrived to Hidroelectrica.
    From here it's 10 km hike along the rails to the village of Machu Picchu.
    The clouds above us threatened us with rain but it actually didn't start raining and we could enjoy the hike along banana trees and stunning flowers in full bloom.
    Few times along the way we met slowly and loudly passing train that is the only public transport option to get to Machu Picchu (read ridiculously expensive).
    After around two hours we have arrived and started searching our hostel where we would wait for our tour guide to hand over entrance tickets and information for next day.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Machu Picchu

    April 6, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ☀️ 4 °C

    After planning and trying to find the best (cheapest) way to get to Machu Picchu, the day when we can explore this world wonder has finally arrived.
    That meant an very early morning and getting up at 3:30 a.m. By 4 a.m. we have been our of the door in pitch black outside and started walking towards the majestic ruins.
    Unfortunately by 4:05 a.m. it started raining and by every step it was poring down more and more.
    We had to stop and hide for a while to reconsider our options.
    As it didn't seem like stopping, we made decision to go back to the village and take the super overpriced bus.
    After a little accident, it will make for a great story, Petr joined a massive que for the bus and I set off to buy tickets.
    It all took ages and after a lot of complaining about the bus price, we were finally on our way.
    The higher we got, more light was seen outside the windows and nicer views were offered.
    By the time we got up, it stopped raining and we could start searching for our tour guide between the masses of people pouring out of the buses and the hiking trail.
    Once we crossed the entrance we have entered the famous site with the guards watching every so for step we took.
    Once we all assembled we could start exploring what it has to offer. I must say that the tour guide wasn't the best one and my uncle Pišta would have done much much better job.
    We walked the main route unroll the exit and after short break entered the site again.
    Now we could explore it ourselves and with the weather getting better and better We could see the magic of this place.
    We have decided to walk towards the old Inca bridge and on a way take the iconic pictures.
    We loved the llamas that casually walked around us and enjoyed it as much as we did.
    We have spent almost five hours exploring and walking along the ruins unroll it was time to head down and walk back to Hidroelectrica to catch our bus.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Camino Principal Antisuyu

    April 16, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    What should have been a nice little walk turned out to be a great hike behind Cusco city.
    We started of walking through narrow streets of San Blast unroll we reached the edge of the town.
    From here it was slow uphill walk to the first Temple del Mono or Monkey Temple. From here we walked a bit further unroll we reached the Temple de la Luna (Moon temple) where we met few other tourists exploring the area.
    Once we climbed all the way to the top, we could see couple more paths leading inland.
    We decided to take one of them that took us first around few llamas enjoying lunch and then a man who decided to wash his hair in a stream running through the valley. I must say, I have never seen someone using that much shampoo! Now even hair saloon in central London uses that much shampoo. That resulted in a soapy bath I have never seen before.
    We left man to probably take full bath and continued up the hill.
    From here there was no more tourists and we have been let to admire stunning Peruvian countryside.
    As we decided to look for a ruin that was on a mapy.cz we left the paths behind and headed for rocks from where we could finally see our destination.
    Once we explored Inkilltanbo completely alone we headed towards couple more ruins on our way back to town.
    We have walked a lovely path with green hills all around us and watched the town getting closer and closer.
    For the rest of the journey we have met only couple of locals but no tourists.
    It has been a lovely trek and we ended up seeing ten different ruins, all completely free!    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Inkilltanbo

    April 16, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Once we left all the tourists behind and continued further inland, the only company we had was couple of sheep and goats and occasional dog laying around.
    After about half an hour we have finally spotted our next destination. The only tricky part was getting there from where we were.
    As there were no visible routes, we free-styled the way down until we reached a path that took us to the ruins.
    From the first sight it looked magnificent and completely empty.
    We started exploring different parts of this well maintained ruin and realized that we have it all to ourselves.
    That made it even better and we took a full advantage of it.
    We walked all the paths and discovered all the hidden corners.
    Once we decided to walk further, we have spotted a new explorer of this area and left him to enjoy it the way we did.    Read more

  • Katarina PowerThe big oneTraveler

    Arequipa

    April 20, 2018 in Peru ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    After such a long time in one place, we were really excited to continue our journey and get moving.
    Next place; Arequipa!
    We have arrived quite early in the morning and headed straight for our hostel. Thankfully the room was ready and we could get a shower and have breakfast before we went to city.
    The city centre is really beautiful with volcano Misti guarding every move. It's all crafted from a white volcanic rock that gives it a special appeal.
    Our first task was to research all tour agencies before we went to the local market, grabbed some ice-cream and just walked the streets.
    We had a very nice lunch at hipster place round the corner from our hostel.
    Once we got everything sorted and planned out, we could just enjoy the lovely place, discover it's famous food scene by popping to delicious local burger place, seriously, they were amazing!
    Once we have returned from Colca cañon, our stay was more about planning next steps And getting everything organised.    Read more

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