Two hours after setting off from the wonderful Titilaka (read about it here), our very comfortable base on the shores of the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, we were at the border. Here, all that separated Peru from Bolivia was an archway and after a few stamps in our passports from surly looking men, we were in. Immediately the feeling was like we’d stepped back in time as a local peanut seller set up her stall next to me on the roadside.
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An alternative route to Machu Picchu
When you say you’re going trekking in Peru people immediately assume you’re doing the Inca Trail. But, with conveyor-belt overcrowding – 500 permitted trekkers embark on the Trail each day – Julian and I decided for a path less travelled to the Incan Citadel. Instead we took the gloriously scenic Salkantay trail which, over 6 days, saw us trek from flower filled meadows up to the chilly heights of the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range and then down through sub-tropical cloud forest to the steamy jungle; all with hardly another person in sight. We also shied away from ending each night in a freezing cold tent, opting instead for bricks and mortar in the form of four comfy lodges complete with huge squidgy beds (down quilts and hot water bottles as standard), scorching showers and good food.
Each day brought something new and exciting to experience and here’s our story:
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It's great in the Cape
Known as the Mother City, mother-nature certainly excelled herself when she created Cape Town. With the dramatic Table Mountain as its backdrop and bordering the rugged Atlantic Coast, Cape Town is certainly a stunner. But, it’s not just its in your face beauty that appeals. Cape Town offers South African charm in spades, successfully balanced with a cool and upbeat side; outstandingly good restaurants; hip boutique hotels; and a vibrant cultural scene. And it doesn’t stop there. What makes Cape Town so special is that within an hour’s drive of the famous Victoria and Albert Waterfront, you have access to shell strewn beaches, wildlife, adrenalin sports and the stunningly beautiful Winelands.
The only problem I find with Cape Town is that there’s so much to see and do, people often really don’t give the place enough time and leave wishing they’d stayed longer. Trust me, you’ll go to Cape Town once and will immediately start planning a return trip even before you’ve left.
Here are some of my suggestions of things to do and the best spots to explore:
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Picture Perfect Porto
It’s funny, Porto seldom figures on most people’s mental hit list of city breaks but it really should. To me it’s probably one of the most delighting cities in Europe with its friendly vibe and unique personality so often lacking in many of the more homogenised Euro-towns. And, with Easyjet starting new flights to the city from Manchester in May, there’s no better time to plan your visit.
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