Main Squares and Market Madness

I guess no matter where you are, sometimes you just want a pint? Cusco was arguably the most touristy spot we made it to so far, and in addition to Paddy's, the main plaza also boasted a Starbucks and familiar clothing brands. All this surrounded by big, old buildings and mountains made for a pretty cool setting.

Now anyone who was traveled to countries that lack mega/super/one-stop markets surely takes the same pleasure that I did in the Mercado Central (central market) that each town had, where vendors in stalls sell everything from produce to small electronics to sewing services. The markets in South America had rows and rows of fresh juice stalls with stools to sit and sip your drink, and all sorts of different looking produce. Our favorite new fruit is called the chirimoya. Instead of trying to describe it, just plan on trying it if you ever get a chance.

Belatedly, distracted as I was by the deliciousness around me, I thought I 

sensed dozens of smiles aimed in my direction. Conjuring a cheek-stretcher myself, I prepared to greet these new friends...and almost peed my pants instead:

Good thing the next area was full of fresh flowers.

Breakin' the law (but not really)

Ahhh the advantages of traveling to countries that are friendly with the US's foes: Picking up a genuine Cuban cigar (known as a purro) for relatively cheap and savoring it out in the open. While no laws were broken (seeing as Peru and Cuba are simpatico), it still felt the tiniest bit like committing a crime.

Peru's capital city re-welcomed us to modernity of high-rises and supermalls, and after several days in the mountains we welcomed the bright lights and late nights. Not too many pictures of our time here, just a few from the shoreline of the very popular Miraflores neighborhood.

For the sake of science (in a moment of adolescent curiosity regarding elemental something-or-other, as he puts it) Andrew saved an empty water bottle last opened at the peak of our hike in Huaraz. Here is a picture of the effect of atmospheric pressure on a closed container. The bottle on the right came down from an elevation of ~4500 meters to sea level, and the bottle on the left is for enhancing dramatic effect (has undergone no known elevation change).

Huaraz & Cordillera Blanca

Huaraz

We stayed in Hauraz, Peru to hike the Santa Cruz Trek in the Cordillera Blanca. It is the tallest mountain range in the world after several ranges in the Himalayas.  Several of the mountains were visible from the roof of our hostel.

The tallest mountain in Peru, Huascaran, as seen from our hostel's roof.

Laguna 69

This was a short day-long excursion that we tried in order to test ourselves at 4600 meters (15,092 feet). It was a breathtaking (both figuratively and literally) glimpse of the beauty in store for us on the Santa Cruz Trek.

Santa Cruz Trek

Our trek ascended to as high as 4800 meters (15748 feet) but we were constantly surrounded by perennial peaks that towered over 6000 meters (19685 feet). The highest peak, Huascaran, reaches 6768 meters (22,205 feet) of elevation.