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Central Highlands
Sondor
We
chose to return to Lima across the central highlands in order to see more
mountain scenery. The route had only recently been reopened after years
of guerilla activity, and most of the roads were dirt tracks. We still
managed to travel easily between major centres by daytime bus.
We
had time for a day trip to the reconstructed Chanka fortress at Sondor.
Very easy to get to - not so easy to get back!! Again beautiful scenery
set on a pass guarding 3 valleys - we could see for miles.
We
were approaching the country of an ethnic group called the Wanka's - honest!!
It seems that they are still blissfully unaware of the English meaning
of the word and happily plaster it all over shops, hotels, buses and even
fast food outets.
Ayacucho
More ruins
near Ayacucho at Wari. This time covered in exotic cacti forests.
The
train ride between Hauncavellica and Huancayo was superb. In true Peruvian
fashion every kilometer is full of hawkers trying to sell you mouth watering
snacks and meals. Add to that the pigs, chickens and snotty nosed kids
not to mention the truck full of llamas. The picture on the right shows
the railway staff trying to figure out how to keep the service running
when a coach full of llamas had derailed right on the points on the main
line. Credit where it's due - we were delayed by about an hour - take
note British railways, not a month!!
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