Day 65 to Day 85 – Bolivia and Peru
This part of the route I very much looked forward, not that
others are less interesting, just many riders often talk about Bolivia and Peru,
countries that you must not miss when you travel in South
America. I cannot agree more.
During this time
frame of my ride, I covered the Andes range of Bolivia
(Potosi, Sucre, Potosi, Oruro, La Paz, Coroico, ) and Peru
(Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu
Pichu, Abancay, Nasca, Pisco, Lima, Huarmey, Trujillo, Chiclayo and Piura). On average I
traveled at height of 4000 metres above sea level where man and machine could
suffer high altitude effect.
April Fool! - Episode at Potosi's fuel station
On 1st
April 2012, in Potosi,
due to my own careless and that stupid pump girl, my bike took in diesel! Full
tank! I almost wanted to slap that idiot girl but I came to my sense and
composure quickly. Laugh at that episode and lost a day ride. Was it an April
Fool? You may think so.
La Paz - The highest city in the world
La Paz is recorded to be the highest city in
the world. From a distance of about 100 km I can see the mountain ranges
bordering La Paz.
The high clouds and cold temperature with regular frost and icy road towards
this city denote the high altitude that I am in.
Fuel is a control item in Bolivia. Fuel stations near the
borders are closely guarded by armed security forces. For foreigners, getting
fuel can be difficult but not impossible. The rate is 3 times higher than the
local. But I was lucky to paid the international price only twice; the trick
was fuel at some outskirt stations and never at big towns or near borders.
Yungus valley in Bolivia is
another interesting and breathtaking route to take. I cannot express enough how
hair rising experience when two vehicles pass each other at a narrow bend.
The town of Desaguadero is split into half; Desaguadero,
Bolivia and Desaguadero, Peru. The dividing line is marked
by a small river running across the town flows into the Lake
Titicaca. I took 2 hours to cross from Bolivia
into Peru
at this Border Cross. Not it was difficult, just that there are always many
traders crossing with their goods. I would imagine there are alots of smuggling
activities too. This important town is very dusty and small traders and market
places are everywhere. Bustling with trading.
Next town –
Desaguadero Bolivia/
Desaguadero Peru
This way to the Immigration
Welcome to Peru, Good bye Bolivia
Isla Urus, Lake Titicaca, Peru side is a man-made floating
island made of jute type plant (dry pulp). A sailing ride on one of the
Titicaca pulp boat was an experience.
 |
| Lake Titicaca, Peru side |
Isla Urus, Lake Titicaca, Peru
Machu Pichu is one of
my place to go list. I am so glad to see it myself. There are many tales and
stories about this Inca
City. What remain to be
true is that the stone ruins are still standing strong battling the weather all
these years. I agree with one opinion that Machu Pichu was not discovered by
the American Professor rather it was make known as the Inca City
was there all the time and one of the guide actually led the Professor to the
site. Don’t be mistaken with history.
One of the 7 Wonders
of the world
The ride Cusco – Abancay – Nasca some 500km route I considered as
another bikers paradise route. It is long, winding, up and down mountain, mix
tarmac and gravel, magnificient view and natural beauty of the Andes only to be experienced by two wheels. The sight, smell,
touch and hear the Andes are just worthwhile
hard long ride. This is what they called “Four wheels drive body, two wheels
drive soul”
The long and winding
road
Restricted visibility
as altitude catches up
Raging water cross
your road
Continuous climbing
and winding
That’s the way it is
along Cusco – Nazca, Peru route (The Inca route)
Peru and Bolivia
are the most historic countries in South Americas.
The fight for their Independence was last fought
in places like Pisco, Chiclayo and Guayaquil. Their heroes
like Simon Bolivar, Sucre
and San Martin are remembered, noticeable by streets and major roads bear their
names.
More ride report follows.
