Peru – Day 8
(June 16)
Day 8 of our Itinerary:
Our adventure continues early in the morning. We continue into the jungle in search of animals and birds to see. We would come back to the lodge around midday and have lunch. Then it was back to trekking and we would stay overnight at this camouflaged lodging which overlooked this watering hole. The plan was to take turns watching the watering hole to see if animals would come by. We would wake those that were asleep if we spotted any.
Trekking
The Other Look Out Point
Evening
So after trekking for a couple hours we reached our shelter for the evening. About 2o minutes before reaching our destination, we had to strip down to our boxers and cross a river. Something that wasn’t in the brochure or something I expected. The rains from last night made the usual ankle height shallow river waist high. It wasn’t warm either. It was cool in temperature and all I could think of were leeches all over my legs when I got out. But all was good. No leeches.
Our shelter was about a couple storeys high above ground. It was primarily made of wood. Boris left the machete stuck in the ground by the stairs. He told us to take it when we went to the bathroom in case of jaguars (that’s a first).
We set up our thin mattresses that were provided there. And set up the mosquito nets. It didn’t take too long but I wish it took us longer. The rest of the night we would be on our stomachs and watch the watering hole that the shelter was above. We would hope that animals such a tapirs and jaguars would stop by and drink.
We had packed our dinners that was provided before we left. It was pasta and it was delicious and filling. I have to admit, that all our food that have been made for us these pass days have been absolutely delicious and amazing. I am so thankful for that.
The plan for the evening was that throughout the night we would take shifts of one hour each and be on flashlight animal watch. Once our one hour was done, we would wake the person next to us and have them take watch. If we did see an animal during our watch, then we would wake the group and let them know. Nobody ended up waking up the group during their watch. No significant animals were seen sadly.
I had second shift after Boris. It seemed like the longest hour because all I wanted to do was go back to sleep. I just feared that I would fall asleep on my watch and everyone would sleep through the night and just wake up in the morning. But I stayed up seeing nothing by the water. I believe there was a crocodile though because its eyes glimmered as the flashlight passed by. But we were more in search of tapirs or even a jaguar. Boris woke me up a couple times by flicking my forehead which I found annoying but hilarious as I look back. I think I was heavily snoring and because I was right next to him, he did it.
We went to bed “early” because around 4am we would need to get up. Since it was pitch dark, I went down one set of stairs to piss over to the ground. I didn’t want to walk all the way down, get the machete, and walk in pitch darkness into the jungle not knowing what was around me. There could have been anything just waiting. I believe all the guys did this and felt the same way. I don’t know how Estrella did it though.
I was tired from the long day and all the trekking. We didn’t see any new animals. I was glad though to have at least ventured this much.
Peru – Day 9
(June 17)
Day 9 of our Itinerary:
Early morning wake up. Crossing the cold river again. Trekking back to the main lodge. Eating and heading out. Boating and the bus ride back to Cusco. It will be a long day of traveling but I’ll be glad to get some “normal” lodging, sleeping and less trekking.
Once we get back to Cusco, we say our good byes to our group. We head back up to “El Mirador” about a 15-30 minute walk back after a long day. We pick up our luggage and check into “Hostal Inti Wasi Plaza De Armas” which had an amazing location in the square. Too bad we would only stay for the night and check out tomorrow. Then off to Lima.
Traveling Back to Cusco
Evening
We get back to Cusco around 7-9pm. I forget exactly what time it was but it’s been a long day of traveling. We walk back to hotel stopping first at a pizza place but decide to not eat there. We continue and grab our luggage and head down to our last hotel in Cusco for the evening. Then we would eat fast food just to fill our stomachs.
Peru – Day 10
(June 18)
Day 10 of our Itinerary:
I return the duffle bags we were given for our Amazon trip while Joe and Dylan continued packing. Cusco was still filled with people and celebrations. Everyone was getting ready. But we couldn’t stay. Our flight to Lima was soon enough.
Adios Cusco
Lima
Peru – Day 11
(June 19)
Day 11 of our Itinerary:
Exploring Lima. We wanted to go to a specific Museum in that part of Lima but our cab driver ended up taking us to Miraflores which we had booked hotels for tomorrow. So we were there earlier and explored that area
Peru – Day 12
(June 20)
Day 12 of our Itinerary:
Miraflores
Llaqta Hotel
Peru – Day 13
(June 21)
Day 13 of our Itinerary:
Peru – Day 14
(June 22)
Day 14 of our Itinerary:
Miraflores
Check in: Hotel Estelar Miraflores
Peru – Day 15
(June 23)
Day 15 of our Itinerary:
Breakfast and more Miraflores exploration. Then dinner at the restaurant on the pier. Sunset was beautiful too.
Peru – Day 16
(June 24)
Day 16 of our Itinerary:
Check out: Hotel Estelar Miraflores
Joe and I relax and just walk around Miraflores. Today’s our last day but our flight wouldn’t leave until later tonight (actually 1:10am on June 25th).
