I was glad of the opportunity to camp under a roof as early the next morning there was torrential rain. Once it had cleared up, I finished off the rest of the climb…
…and headed down the descent and long, hot climb to Limatambo. I must have been tired from the 104km effort as I then neglected to take another photo between there and my arrival in Cusco late the next day!
As when I visited Cusco previously, I headed straight for the great Hospedaje Estrellita, which is very popular among touring cyclists. Over the next few days, a plethora of cyclists arrived, both Southbound and Northbound, creating a really fun atmosphere, such that I find myself having continually delayed my departure on my final leg in Peru (towards Lake Titicaca and the border with Bolivia)! Tomorrow, however, I’m adamant that I will finally move on, no doubt to be caught at some point again by Thomas and Tina (who are heading on a similar route South on a tighter schedule, but who have just gone off to visit Machu Picchu) and perhaps some of the rest of the crowd here.
Next stop, La Paz!
Here’s a selection of Thomas’ excellent photos, kindly lifted from his great flickr feed…
Amazing!!! It looks like incredible scenery and an experience that only being on a bike could make even more unforgettable. Take care, Abby xx
Thanks Abby – yep, numerous Peruvians have asked me why I’m not using a motorbike! It’s actually tricky to answer that one! But there’s nothing like cycling for random encounters and to really ‘see’ the country…
I love the beer can stove – great to see a simple lightweight cheap solution, and an impeccable design. X
Yeah, it’s very satisfying! I’ve already given one to someone else. Was contemplating getting rid of my main stove and going super lightweight but apparently pure Alcohol can be a bit tricky to come by in some places so I’ll prob hang onto it! Cxxx
Really fantastic blog and great writing Campbell. Well done and great to see you with that big grin on your face too. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Thanks dude!
Just speechless with admiration at the sheer physical achievement of those rollercoaster rides, more great pics ( including Thomas’s – how very generous of him), and the ingenuity of that beer can stove (can’t stop smiling at that one!).
Thanks! Cxxx
Nice post Campbell. I’m in Huancavelica now. How many days cycling did it take you from here to Cusco?
Hey, I took the direct route on tarmac and it was 11 days. Could prob do it in 9 or 10 if in a hurry! First day out of Huancavelica wasn’t great with roadworks but the rest was all smooth sailing…
Thanks Campbell!
If you want my routes, feel free to follow me on Strava…
Thanks Campbell, will check them out. From the looks of it 11 days to Cusco sounds like a pretty reasonably speed looking at all the climbing. How many days did you take from Rio Blanco to Huancavelica? (Just to know roughly how fast you’re going).
(Feel free to email me directly if you prefer.)
I think I took 10, as I was taking it fairly easy and wasn’t acclimatised to begin with…
I’d say 10 is pretty reasonable with 43+kg and needing to acclimatise. Can’t imagine how biciclown did it with 60kg, must have been a tough!!
Hi Campbell, it was a real pleasure to meet you at the inofficial Casa de cyclista in Cusco and enjoy together great vegan food and all the talks, discussions and funny remarks! Best wishes and hope to see you again latest on the laguna route, Antonia
Hey,
Absolutely! I’m sure we’ll bump into each other sooner or later!
Safe travels…
Epic as always dude!! Love that black n white shot of you! Proper Adventurer!
Haha, thanks!
Oh yes totally agree on hat black and white pic of you, super rugged! Love the random classroom camping and all of your other tales, carry on the adventures for us XXx
Thanks Lorraine!