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Under a cloudless blue sky, we departed from the Colca Lodge at 8 am for the drive to Puno. During the first half of the drive we retraced our drive thru Chivay and over the 16,100 Patapampa Pass, and then headed east toward Puno with its altitude of 12,566 ft. The highway was paved and well maintained. The landscape varied from dry and flat, to rocky and hilly. Mining was important in this area and many large trucks were on the highway. We stopped at a large lagoon and viewed flocks of Chilean flamingoes. We also passed thru the town of Jilicana that Carlos described as a large wealthy commercial area that dealt in much illegal activity (counterfeit products from Bolivia and drugs). The city appeared dirty and chaotic.
PUNO
Arriving from above the city and descending into Puno was an interesting sight. The center of the town was located near the port. Homes were nestled on hillsides above the city, all facing Lake Titicaca. Most of the downtown area was small and could be seen on foot. The main pedestrian thoroughfare was full of restaurants, shops, and bars, and connected the Plaza de Armas to Parque Pino. The Cathedral located on the Plaza was large but rather plain and dark.
We arrived in Puno at 3:30 pm. Our hotel room was large and comfortable with a television featuring an English news channel. We enjoyed an early dinner with Carlos, Sarah and Christopher. Dick and I both selected delicious grilled kingfish with sides of potatoes and quinoa. Later Dick and I explored the pedestrian thoroughfare, plaza and surrounding area before walking back to our hotel. The streets and sidewalks were very narrow. Three-wheeled taxis were everywhere. Again, stop signs or lights were nonexistent with vehicles announcing their presence at intersections by blowing horns. Again, we were sleeping shortly after 9 pm.
A Mind Blowing Adventure!
Adventure Life kept me well informed and up to date in the lead up to my trip and Albatros delivered a once in a lifetime adventure in full. A totally awesome experience from start to finish.
Jan Price
23 hours ago
Jane Packer helped us through the cancellation of our trip due to American Queen Voyages bankruptcy and then finding another cruise with American Cruise Lines.
Jane is very prompt in response, answers any questions, and makes good suggestions thereby making the process much easier!
Deb Donaldson
1 day ago
Adventure Life did an excellent job of planning, organizing and executing a great trip to Argentina. It was nice to have the trip with just the two of us which allowed for a more personable tour with excellent tour guides in all four locations visited. We learned lots of details of the beautiful sites in BA, Mendoza,Baliloche and Iguazu Falls. We want to do another trip with Adventure Life some day.
John WhartonMary Jo Catlett
2 days ago
Kassandra rocks! She had our trip planned and helped us arrange our air travel within the day we contacted her. She has helped us with our trips to Chile Argentina and Costa Rica, and she always finds us wonderful activities and accommodations. We’re looking forward to seeing what she’s planning for us this time when we go to Easter island