FuFu Travel - Exploring Peru I

FuFu at Tacna checkpoint. The officer (female) chatted with me for about 2minutes. Didnt know i could actually chat there. Sorry for those who had to wait behind me. lol

Tacna, Peru.

7:01am - 08/01/2011

FuFu Exploring Latin America
Peru - Part One | 8th - 28th Jan 2011

Money Changer at the bus station. lol

1USD : 2.75 Peru Soles.

Tacna Bus Terminal, Peru.

7:21am - 08/01/2011

Right after i had exchanged some Peru Soles, i bought the bus ticket to Puno. The bus left at 7:45am.

Tacna Bus Terminal, Peru.

7:23am - 08/01/2011

My luxurious breakfast. I bought this 2.5L mineral water at the bus terminal. Before buying it, i asked how much an Argentina girl bought it. She told me it is only Peru Soles 3, but the guy sold me 3.5 Soles, then i told him isnt it only 3Soles. He quickily took the 50cent and gave me 1Soles back.

From Tacna to Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

9:42am - 08/01/2011

Peru is very different. The scenery is uniquely beautiful. I was feeling extrmely dizzy in the bus. Had been taking bus from Santiago to Arica for like 30hrs, and then gotta take bus to Puno for another 12hrs. But the bus ride was awesome i must say - you should know it after seeing this picture.

From Tacna to Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

12:27pm - 08/01/2011

Lunch time. Basically, i was sleeping, waking up, eating, watching movie, sleeping again, waking up, eating biscuits, drinking juice and water, peeing.... that are all i could do in the bus, ops and also taking pictures once in a while.

From Tacna to Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

2:34pm - 08/01/2011

The driver stopped right in front of a restaurant. Everyone was rushing to get off the bus. Guys were all facing the wall to answer the call, including me, i was taking picture while peeing. LOL

From Tacna to Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

4:51pm - 08/01/2011

After walking around, i spotted a Peruian lady. She was looking at me. Must have found out i look very special and kept whispering to her husband. Once she had stop talking, i looked at her and smile. The next second, i spoke "foto juntos" (picture together) with body language. I showed her the picture of us once i had snapped it, and she laughed at the picture. LOL I then said "bonito" (beautiful). The bus was about to leave so i said goodbye to her.

A small town 3hrs away from Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

5:23pm - 08/01/2011

This guy sitting on the other side. A guy sitting next to him left and the lake can be seen nicely from his window. He offered me to sit there and take pictures of the popular Lake Titicaca. We chatted a bit, though we have language barrier, but who say we cant communicate? We still could enjoy our men´s talk. Luckily i have a pen and paper always with me. Thus we can write and draw to express ourselves. Took this picture before he got off the bus heading back his home.

From Tacna to Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

6:23pm - 08/01/2011

The guy was teaching me Spanish in the bus. Well, a different bus journey i have ever had. With the limited Spanish, i still can enjoy travelling here and there in Latin America.

From Tacna to Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

6:41pm - 08/01/2011

The view from my hostel. I can see the Lake Titicaca while lying down on my bed. NICE view.

The WalkOn Puno - Great Hostel, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

8:08pm - 09/01/2011 - 15°C

The hostel, dormitory with 4beds Peruian Soles 20 per night (RM24, USD7.50). They provide towel and bar of soap. It is not the peak season now, so i can enjoy using the whole room. Did the laundry myself and got them dried up overnight. It is cold and dry here.

p.s. : Picture taken the next morning. Ops i forgot to take my socks away.

The WalkOn Puno - Great Hostel, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

8:21am - 09/01/2011 - 15°C

The breakfast of the hostel. Sometime small and cheap hostel serves good breakfast. Peruian pan (bread) with strawberry jam and butter, cereal with milk, yogurt with fruits, fried egg. Yummy. I think i can skip lunch. LOL

The WalkOn Puno - Great Hostel, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

8:58am - 09/01/2011 - 15°C

Heading out from the hostel.

Centro, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

11:46am - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

It was raining since early morning. Was sitting in front of the computer after breakfast, uploading the album of Peru. After an hour, it had stopped raining. And when i was up to charge my camera, the sky was painted beautifully. Thus i quckily dressed up and got ready to start exploring the city.

Centro, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

11:11am - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

The Cathedral was my first destination. Well it is only located couple of minutes away from my hostel. lol It was closed.

Centro, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

11:52am - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Then i headed to Plaza de Armas, just opposite the Cathedral. Saw the Peruian flag.

Centro, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

11:58am - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Definitely cant skip talking the picture of the flag.

Plaza de Armas, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

12:03pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

At the square, you will see many kids sitting on the bench. Waiting customer who need their shoes to be polished.

Plaza de Armas, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

12:08pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Spotted a typical Peruian lady.

Plaza de Armas, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

12:13pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

After vsiting Plaza de Armas, i headed up Condor Hill.

Condor Hill, Puno (ASL : 4017 m), Peru.

12:37pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Condor Hill, Puno (ASL : 4017 m), Peru.

12:43pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Almost up to the hill.

Condor Hill, Puno (ASL : 4017 m), Peru.

12:58pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

This condor is majestically standing high at the peak of its hill. Ops need to mention, i was standing at a point that almost as high as Mount Kinabalu.

Condor Hill, Puno (ASL : 4017 m), Peru.

1:05pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Condor Hill, Puno (ASL : 4017 m), Peru.

1:09pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Welcome to Condor Hill at 4017m above the sea.

Condor Hill, Puno (ASL : 4017 m), Peru.

1:37pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Up at the hill, again, i was slowly observing the city. Deeply check out how the city was developed. Really amazed how the peope could survive up that height is more than 4000m. And the settlements at the surrounding mountains are all very densed. Mode of transport also very vary to what we used to see. Here, you can see many mini vans carrying people up and down, here and there at the city. Also tricycles and re-modified-motorised pedicabs snaking through the city.

Condor Hill, Puno (ASL : 4017 m), Peru.

2:24pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Also worth to mention that the lake behind me is Lake Titicaca. It sits 3,811 m (12,500 ft) above sea level, making it the highest commercially navigable lake in the world (Wikipedia).

Condor Hill, Puno (ASL : 4017 m), Peru.

2:48pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

The lake is awesomely nice.

Condor Hill, Puno (ASL : 4017 m), Peru.

3:02pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

It is time to get down and visit other attractions of the city.

Condor Hill, Puno (ASL : 4017 m), Peru.

3:02pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Oh, FuFu at Puno.

Condor Hill, Puno (ASL : 4017 m), Peru.

3:02pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Next, i gotta hike up a hill again. But relatively lower that Condor Hill. This is a famous statue of Cerro Huajsapata, from there you can see the panorama of the city of Puno and the Lake Titicaca. And my hostel is only two minute from there. What a strategic location ya my hostel, because after this i went back to answer the call and refill more water.

Cerro Huajsapata, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

3:37pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Here, the view of the city is closer to me. As usual, spent almost half an hour enjoying the sun with the pleasant breeze from the lake.

Cerro Huajsapata, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

3:51pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Here, the view of the city is closer to me. As usual, spent almost half an hour enjoying the sun with the pleasant breeze from the lake.

Cerro Huajsapata, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

3:51pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Playing with the sun again. lol

Cerro Huajsapata, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

4:12pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Before heading back to my hostel, little FuFu wanna have a picture with the statue.

Cerro Huajsapata, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

4:23pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Before heading back to my hostel, little FuFu wanna have a picture with the statue.

Cerro Huajsapata, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

4:23pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Also the lake. lol

Cerro Huajsapata, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

4:25pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

This lady kept talking to me in Spanish. I guess she must wanna my try her stuff. I saw the board, only Peruian Soles 1 (RM1.20, USD0.40). So i said yes to her.

Centro, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

4:51pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Rice with sugar, well in three colour. Gotta mix it and drink it while it is hot. Yeah, it is good to have something hot since it is cold.

Centro, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

4:53pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

It is always not easy to earn my money. hahaha Because i will request for a picture. Well she was creative enough, able to have such idea for the picture. Salute.

Centro, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

4:55pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Once i had finished the cup of sweet rice, i walked around the cty centre. Found some colourful, nice and neat buildings,

Centro, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

5:25pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

AT the pedestrian and shopping street, there was a band having their rehearsal for the coming festival in February. Nice to see how they perform with special music instruments.

Centro, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

5:54pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Definitely will not miss to visit any wet market. Why? Because i grew up from wet market.

Centro, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

6:02pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

Continued heading to the port.

Puno Port, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

6:17pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

The lake is dirty ya. The authority should clean up, because it really stink and made me not comfortable to be there.

Puno Port, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

6:20pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

I headed to the busus terminal, checking the bus ticket to Cuzco. The bus ticket is Peruian Soles 5 (RM6, USD1.80) cheaper than what was offered by the hostel. Guess i should walk to the bus terminal and save my Peruian Soles 5 for the dinner.

Puno Bus Terminal, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

6:35pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

It was getting dark. I quickily ran to the port because i didnt wanna miss taking picture with the lighthouse.

Puno Port, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

6:58pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

I was using special setting for the sunset.

Puno Port, Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

7:07pm - 09/01/2011 - 20°C

I asked the staff where to have local food, she told me to go to any restautant at Ave. Lima. I walked to that street and found out they are all expensive touristy restaurant. I really wanted to try some typical local dishes, thus i walked further down the street and i found a street closed for night market. I saw many local sat on the bench eating happily although it was freezing cold.

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

7:32pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

I followed the local, ordered a piece of empanadas and cup of local hot drink. It only cost me Peruian Soles 1 (RM1.20, USD 0.35).

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

7:32pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

This was the hot drink i mentioned. Will figure out what is that later. Anyway it was good to have cup of hot drink in this cold evening.

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

7:35pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

That definitely not enough for my stomach. I went to another stall. Saw the menu, everything was only Peruian Soles 1.50 (RM1.80, USD 0.55).

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

7:52pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

I ordered Caldo de Pollo (Chicken porridge). Only for Peruian Soles 1.50 (RM1.80, USD 0.50).

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

7:52pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

Yummy.

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

7:53pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

Still not enough. Hahahaha... because the food is so cheap, i got myself another Seco de Pollo (chicken stewed with potato, tomato and celery). Also only for Peruian Soles 1.50 (RM1.80, USD 0.50).

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

8:10pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

Delicious.

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

8:12pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

It was a cheap but great dinner, only Peruian Soles 4 (RM4.80, USD 1.40). After that, i walked around the shoppping street with my heavy stomach.

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

8:26pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

The city looks very different at night.

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

8:41pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

I came to a church. And it was packed with people. I wondered why so checked it out.

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

8:43pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

I had no idea what date was 9th Jan, because i am not a Christian. Stalls selling little dolls like this, people were busy choosing different kind of dolls (big, medium, small, etc) and also a lot of devotees holidng their own dolls walking into the church. *found out later it's the St. Nino day -the baby jesus day for Christian and Catholic

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

8:50pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C

It was none of my business and in fact it was freaking cold, so i headed back my hostel passing through Plaza de Armas.

Puno (ASL : 3860 m), Peru.

9:07pm - 09/01/2011 - 18°C