Chan Chan, Trujillo - Peru

23.12.12 

Built around AD 1300 this site once formed the largest pre-Colombian city in the Americas. At the height of the Chimu empire, Chan Chan contained over 10,000 structures. The Incas conquered the Chimu around 1460. 

The muddy walls cover approximately 20km, it´s incredible how well still intact they are. 

Huaraz, Lake 69 Trek - Peru

18.12.12 

My amigo Sam and I decided on trekking to ´Laguna 69´, set amongst the Cordillera Blanca over 4000m high. 

After we were given extremely basic directions we set out on our 3 hour trek to the lake. Luckily we spotted a tour group and followed them most of the way, otherwise we would have gotten completely lost! The trek was tough in this altitude and we also had to jump a few rivers along the way.

The lake was the most incredible colour but unfortunately far too cold to take a dip. After 20 minutes of so, the weather changed entirely and began hailing. I made a speedy, downhill escape  back to the trees. 

Huacahina, Ica, Peru

13.12.12

Miles of sandy dunes surround this small natural lake in ´Huacahina,´nick-named the ´Oasis of America´. It´s such a relaxing place, I could have stayed for days.

 A group of us hired a sand buggy along with a driver and sped over the dunes, which are around a hundred feet high. It was so much fun but unfortunately way to bumpy and sandy to bring the camera along. We also had a go at the sand boards, the baby slope was enough for me!

24th Nov Colca Caynon Trek

The Colca Canynon´s are 100 miles North West of Arequpia and twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the States. We started early at 3AM stopping at the first village ´Chivay´ for breakfast. We then drove to Cruz del Condor but unfortunately only saw a couple of Condors flying in the distance. Too many tourists! We then started our walk downwards crossing the river Colca. The slippery, dusty trail and sorching sun were totally different conditions to Machu Picchu. Overnight we stayed in bamboo bungalows and enjoyed a swim in our pool with stunning views. Bliss. 

Day 2 was a 5AM start and a 3 hour climb to the top of the mountain to the village of Cabanaconde. This was tough, especially on an empty stomach. The afternoon was spent at hot spring baths which were lush. Just what the body needed. 

17th Nov Machu Picchu 4 day trek

Day 1 of our trek started in Ollantaytambo having breakfast before passing the Vilcanota River. It was a relatively easy day of 12km of hiking. We spent the night at Wayllabamba. Day 2 was tough! Climbing from Wayllabamba to Pacamayo (12km) all up-hill. We passed steepening woods and spectacular views. The highest pass on the trail ´Dead Woman´s Pass´was 4,200m exposing us to sorching sun and freezing winds. 

Day 3 was the longest, hiking 16km from Pacamayo to Winay Wayna. Passing through cloud forests and inca ruins the views were incredible. My favorite day so far. 

Day 4 was an early start of 3.30AM trekking from Winay Wayna up to the sungate to see the first glimpse of Machu Picchu through the misty clouds. Finally, we made our decent down to Machu Picchu arriving around 7AM and almost collapsing with exhaustion! 

´Peru Treks´ were a fantastic company to trek with. Amazing food, wonderful guides and hats off to the porters who practically run the trail whilst carrying around 20kg on their backs. 

Sacsayhuaman aka Sexy Woman!

Inca fortress in Cuzco.