In an effort to save $100 pp, we decided to not take the train but drive as far as possible to Machu Picchu. Our challenge was met with much doubt; we were told too many obstacles stood in the path, mountains, narrow train lines, streams, rocky roads and tunnels. Mainstream is for the lamestream; we wanted to be the first people to motorcycle to M.P. After turning off the main road the drive turned into a dirt road littered with fallen rocks. We wound our way slowly up the mountains for 90miles. This path was not for those scared of heights, each turn hugged the mountain tight while a river loomed below. It rained, we crossed waterfalls, drove through the clouds until finally we reached the hydroelectric plant, the end of the road. Mo wanted to drive the rest of the way, but the security wouldnt allow it. The last leg of the trip was a 2 hour 10k (6 miles) walk along rough train tracks. We made it and were proud!
((many photos to come of this adventure...slooooooow internet in this random small town (Mazo Cruz) in Peru))
Mendoza is an wasy town to get stuck in, Marie´s favorite so far. The regions wine HQ; plenty of cheap options. We´re glad to be out of Chile and somewere cheaper and more fun.
wierd looking moto
most of the streets and full of trees. Downtown has five large parks. 4 hour siesta is the norm.
Valpariso looks like a less afluent european city, but with japanese and korean cars. It´s known for its port, veladors (below) and politics. Chiles´ national congress is here.
The floating islands are made of large chunks of reed roots that rise off the lake bottom during the rainy season and are then cut into 20 by 60 foot pieces, towed many miles across the lake where they are sewn and anchored together. It take about 2 weeks for each piece.
Typical Uros home; the conal roof home is a kitchen during the rainy season and reed storage during the dry season.
The traditional reed boat; the Uros currently fill the boats with hundreds of plastic bottles left behind by tourists to help the boats float and last longer by resisting rot.
100 foot stream of ants crossed our path
