So today we arrived in Pisco (yes 1 day off from initial schedule) as we ended up staying in Lima for an extra day as mike wanted to visit a second museum and hang out with 3 new couch surfers from France that had arrived the night prior. Things ended up going later than thought and we didn’t want to arrive in a town at night without a place to stay. So we arrived today and scheduled a tour for Isle of Ballestas (aka Poor man’s Galapagos). Bus ride was really cheap and pretty non-eventful.

Scenery along the way reminded me of places in Mexico. However, at some point s only saw sand dunes for miles and intermittent glimpses of the ocean. Today when arriving to the hostel I was able to get my first shower since leaving Portland. Don't do the math it is a long time but I don't know whether I mentioned this but the apt. we were staying in didn’t have a functioning shower and at night water would shut off (similar to our experience in Mexico- for the McCoy’s). Also did laundry for the first time today. Mike is VERY proud of the fact that he hasn’t changed his clothing in the last five days! days. Which, I don’t know if I mentioned, made me very happy that when sharing our single bed at night we were in separate sleeping bags.

Ate at a local restaurant and food was great but more expensive than normal for us (about 7 dollars for both) however this did include an appetizer and drinks. (came with the meal). While in the restraint we saw a funeral procession go by- not like ours. They were carrying the beautiful casket and playing instruments with everyone walking behind. Couldn’t’ get a really close look since in eating. Some observations about Peru. It is NOT like Mexico. People here are VERY pleasant. Everyone will say Buenos Dias to you as you walk by. Minimal people smoke here (of which we are happy). More police on the corners than dogs (makes us feel safe).

July 31st
Welcome to Peru!

August 2nd
Hello Pisco!

August 3rd
Islas de Ballestas

August 5th
Arequipa

August 6th - 8th
Cayon del Colca

August 10th
Puno

August 11th
Lake Titicaca

August 21st - 24th
Cusco and Pisac

August 25th - 30th
Hiking to Machu Picchu

Summary of Peru and Bolivia