Firstly, yes... You´re not imagining it. It has been over 2 months since I last updated. There have been many reasons... Lack of internet connection in some places, hangovers in other, doing tours which took days, etc, etc. Apologies... But I´m here know so I may as well fill you in on the last 2 months.
So we went from Cusco down to Lake Titiçicaca.. Puno to be precise. We did a 2 day tour of the Lake which was really enjoyable. The highlights of the trip included introducing Rupert (our furry little mascot) to the world, staying with a local family on Amantani and having a fiesta whilst there, going to the floating reed islands and the beautiful scenery in general.
From Puno we went direct to La Paz in time for St Patricks Day. And my God was it worth it... Plenty of pints sunk during our stay there! We also did the must-do bike ride down death road... Absolutely unbelievable! One of the best adrenaline buzzes I´ve had in a long time. Everyone I´ve met who´s done it says that it´s a must do and I 100% agree... An amaziung experience. The scenery and the danger make for a perfect combo! While in La Paz we also went and explored the witches market, San Pedro prison (unfortunately not the inside though) and few other spots.
Recommendation....Star of Inida restaurant in La Paz. Lovely food, slightly expensive by Bolivian standards ($5 mains) but well worth it.
From La Paz we made the much talked about 22 hour bus trip to Rurrenabaque in the Amazon jungle. While I was of the opinion that the journey was nowhere near as bad as I had been made believe it would be I would also stress that it is not one for the fainted hearted... The lack of tarmac and humidity make it one to remember, that´s for sure! So when we eventually arrived in Rurre we went to find as hotel which had been recommended to us... Lobo´s. And it was well worth the trek with our bags... On the banks of the Rio Beni this place was perfect. The windows are non-existent which givbes the place a nice ´at one with nature´ feel. We booked a 3 day Pampas tour through Mogli agency... Highly recommended, again. The Pampas tour was one of the highlights of my tour so far.... We saw plenty of wildlife (monkeys, tucans, capybaras, snakes, lots of bird life, pink dolphins, alligators, piranhas, sloths... and a whole lot more). One morning we even woke up to find a 5 foot alligator having a rest under our hut! If I honestly think that the Pampas tour is something would consider as essential when in Bolivia, especially considering the price compared to similar tours in Brazil and Peru!
After the Pampas we went back to La Paz for a few days, then went to Uyuni to see the world famous Salt Flats. What can I say... A great experience. Have the obligatory funny photos and what not (to be uploaded!). Also ate one of the best pizzas I´ve ever had in my life at the Minuteman in Uyuni... Absolutely unbeliveable! After Uyuni we went to Potosi and did the tours of the mines. Jesus... Having seen the conditions which these guys work in I can never complain about going to work again. At the end of the tour I found out the true meaning of the expression "there´s light at the end of the tunnel"!!! Again, the mine tour is something I would highly recommend but only for those who are not afraid of small spaces, physical excerise and lack of oxygen!
From Potosi we went to Tupiza for some relaxation. Lovely town, very much a locals place. Not many tourists but enough accomodation to ctaer for them when they do come. Did some galloping through the canyons on rented horse... Very enjoyable. Basically we chilled out for a few days which was nice having been on the go for the previous 2 or 3 weeks non-stop. From Tupiza we headed in Argentina...
First stop in Argentina was Salta which is a beautiful city. The odd thing is that despite being a fully fledged city the entire place takes an afternoon siesta so it feels like a small town when it´s the compete opposite! Spent a few days enjoying the new-ness of Argentina having come from Bolivia. Managed to aquire a taste for vino tinto which was completely unexpected! That taste was continue developing when we hit up Mendoza, the home of Argentinian wine making! Did the obligatory vineyard tour on our bikes... Courtesy of Mr Hugo, probably the most famous Argentian since Maradona himself! Again, a great day and a muct do in my opinion.
After the wine tour and Mendoza we headed to Buenos Aires which is where I am updating from now... Done lots of stuff here and have become accustomed to the early morning style of wining and dining which the Argentinians are famous for! But I won´t spoill it all and I´ll save the BA stuff for my next update, which I promise will be in a hell of lot less that 2 months!
Until then folks...
