Lima and more

How are you feeling today? I know yesterday was massive but don’t worry today will be quieter. Let’s talk about yesterday…it was a 5.20am start and a 3.5 hour bus trip but the Ballestas Island trip from Paracas to Isca was amazing.

The Ballestas Islands are a small group of islands that is a source of guano. This is a natural form of phosphate used for agriculture. Can you believe that the Incas knew and used it ? For Peru it was a source of wealth and they supplied the world for many years. Now it is still a valuable commodity. Peruvians are proud that they got wealthy on bird poo. Today it is still gathered but tourism provides income to the locals. Sea lions, penguins and birds are all found here .

You got wet? Yes I know, me too but the speed boat ride was fun and the other side got wet on the way back. Next stop an oasis…… yes a real oasis.

Peru is a desert country. Water is supplied by rivers but like Australia , they experience droughts and floods. Agriculture and fishing are the main industries.

Now in the middle of the desert, there is an oasis. It is called Huacachina.

The story is that a princess came to the area and was crying at the death of her husband. She heard a man coming and hid in the water. When she went to leave the lagoon, she found she was a mermaid.

We didn’t come here to look at just the oasis did we…..no we are here for dune buggy riding to see the dunes.

Racing on the dunes is exhilarating! A bit like a roller coaster! I loved it but skipped the sand boarding.

And then sunset..

Arriving home at 11.45pm was a bit tiring wasn’t it?

Today is just a walk in Miraflores. This is on the coast. On the cliff is a beautiful garden. People used to go there to enjoy just a few romantic moments. It is called the Lovers Park. It has a mosaic wall and statue of lovers.

Do you remember a Peruvian bear?

Bears are found in the mountains. They are vegetarians so you don’t have to worry about meeting them. Ps. I don’t think they will be wearing clothes and carrying a coat.

Some statues and other sights.

Dinner tonight and then we fly to our next location in Peru , Puerto Maldonado. This is in the Amazon so expect lots of photos of animals in a few days. Don’t forget the bug spray and long sleeved shirts.