Introduction
Three countries, one continent, South America. Three countries whose cultural wealth is no longer to be defended, so rich is it. Peru, its great capital Lima, at the edge of the sea, contrasts with the mountains of the Andes Cordillera. La Paz, the capital of Bolivia is simply the highest city ever built. As for Ecuador, well named as it is built on the dividing line between the two hemispheres, it houses an urban landscape as much as a wild one, in its nearby jungle.
Lima
Lima, the capital of Peru, is a densely populated city with over 11,000 inhabitants/km2. The entire city has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1988. The architecture of the city shows its former Spanish affiliation. The inhabitants speak Spanish with a strange intonation, typical of Peru. The city was almost completely destroyed in 1746, during an earthquake.
Cuzco
Cuzco is the ancient capital of the Inca civilization. It is located at 3400m above sea level. To get there from Lima, you have to take a plane. Cuzco was declared a historical site by UNESCO in 1983.
Pisa’q (Pisac)
Pisa’q is a small ancient city 1 hour bus ride from Cuzco. It has some interesting archaeological ruins. It also offers a market. The immersion in the Andean landscape is total.
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is a hike starting from Cuzco. It takes place between 1 and 5 days. The guide is mandatory and it is necessary to buy a permit that includes the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. If you want to go during the low season, from November to March, you just have to register in one of the many local agencies in Cuzco. Everything is included, tent, food, guide. You have to carry your own bag and personal belongings. In the high season, from June to August, it is imperative to book your place several months in advance.
The adventure begins by train in Cuzco, which drops you off at km 82, for the 4-5 day trek, or km 104, for the 1-3 day trek. There are several formulas available, but all end up reaching Machu Picchu.
In February, the disadvantage is the fog and the rain. The site remains nevertheless extremely interesting. Everybody can imagine the Inca city at the time of its past glory.
Bolivian Copacabana
The bus takes us to Bolivia via Juliaca, Puno and finally Copacabana, right on the border. By the way, the bus lands us right in front of the guard post. We have to cross the border on foot, then take another bus to Copacabana. Nothing to do with the famous beach of Brazil, Copacabana is a small village on the edge of the lake Titicaca, in Bolivia. It is an ideal place to organize a trip to Isla del sol (Island of the Sun).
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is often called the highest navigable lake in the world. It is located at 3812m above sea level. The lake is shared between Peru and Bolivia.
Isla del Sol
Isla del Sol is located on the lake, about 30 minutes by boat from Copacabana. It is possible to walk around it. Its main interest is the ruins dedicated to the sun.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Bolivia. It is located at 3640m of altitude and 70km from Lake Titicaca. It is a city built by the Spaniards in the 16th century, to promote trade, in a canyon dug by the river Choqueyapu. Strange fact, the social classes do not mix. The richest live in the bottom of the valley, while the poorest live in the heights.
Chakaltaya ski resort
At the base of the La Paz valley, it can be very hot. But simply travel about 30 kilometers north to the ski resort of Chacaltaya to find coolness. The contrast is stark.
Tiwanaku
Tiwanaku is located 80km, west of La Paz. An archaeological site well known for its Kalasasaya Temple and Sun Gate.
Quito
This travel will end with Quito, the capital of Ecuador. It is located at 2850m above sea level. It is the second highest capital after La Paz. Quito has one of the best preserved downtown areas in all of South America. In the small village “La mitad del mundo”, located 35km north of Quito, you can visit the museum, as well as the monument indicating the equator line.
