The Altiplano and the journey through it. 

Our journey from Cusco to Lake Titicaca was very long, but full of surprises.

We left Cusco shortly after 7 am, and through he mountains to our first stop at Andayhuaylillas. (I know! These Quechua/Spanish names are impossible!)

In Andanayhuaylillas, our route needed to divert because some eucalyptus trunks had been deployed to prop up a house that was in danger of tumbling into the street! The church in Anda... is spectacular! It's called the Sistine Chapel of Peru. No photos allowed. The interior is just dripping with baroque gold, statues, paintings (covering murals) and a ceiling that is completely covered in geometric based patterns.

 

 

The market square in front. 

 

Locals in a nearby street.

Our next stop was Racchi. Inca village with a mix of stone and adobe architecture.

Food storage was in circular huts, thatched and with widows strategically placed to catch the cool wind.

On 21st June the sunrise shines down this street.

 

The circular ruins on the left were pillars to support the roof.

 

I should probably write a separate post on these vehicles! 

 

A typical street in Racchi and other towns.

 

The local village, mostly farmers.

Planting is done by hand, with animals pulling ploughs. 

Next stop was for lunch... at 11.15 a.m!

After that we continued our journey climbing all the time, until we reached the Altiplano which is a huge plateau. At the horizon you can see some distant peaks, while all around you are seeing flat agricultural land.  It's hard to imagine how anyone could live here! The homes are basic, but I noticed a lot of similar outhouses beside all of them, painted blue and red; outdoor loos provided by the government. 

 

The train from Cusco to Puna (Lake Titicaca) passes through the Altiplano. 

 

The highest peak in the area,  with the inevitable stall of "handicrafts".

Crossing the Altiplano, you fell like you are in another world,  so far removed from the hussle of the cities... and then as if out of nowhere comes Juliaca! At first I thought "Oh, there's a lot of development going on, on the outskirts", but it soon became evident that the whole city is unfinished, not only buildings but roads too. It could be a way to avoid tax, not having a completed building?? We heard later that if you complete your house, it is taken as a sign that you are rich. Not only the taxman but the local mafia will be calling to ensure that your property is protected. Nuff said.

Avoiding tax is a way of life here, according to our guide; the main industry is counterfeit designer goods!

 Traffic chaos too! And jaywalking!

At the end of a very long day, we finally reached Puno, and our hotel is right on the shore of Lake Titicaca,  with a lake view room of course!

 

Sunset over Lake Titicaca.