April 4, 2016 We completed our ride to Arequipa, Peru after two weeks and 1200 km from Lima. It was a real challenge at times through the coastal desert. Founded in 1540 Arequipa is the colonial-era capital of Peru’s Arequipa Region. Framed by 3 volcanoes, it’s filled with baroque buildings constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone. One of the volcanoes currently has snow on it. Its historic center is anchored by the Plaza de Armas, a stately main square flanked on its north by the 17th-century neoclassical Basilica Cathedral, which houses a museum displaying religious objects and artwork. At 7,700 feet it was one of our easier climbs since it was over a three day period. We dropped down into many canyons several hundred feet deep then rode out on the other sides.
A month ago Jocelyn found a warmshowers.org host in Arequipa that we navigated to yesterday morning. The family will graciously store our bikes and gear for a few weeks while we travel to Hawaii for my niece’s wedding. Tonight we will bus to Cuzco then to Machu Picchu tomorrow. We fly from Cuzco to Hawaii next Monday. At 29 hours of flying and airport time it will be interesting.
Two weeks of desert riding.Some of it coastal.This kind trucker stopped and warned us of the upcoming high coastal road with no shoulders. He gave us a lift over that 40km area. The sand swept road was very dangerous with sometimes the heavy car carrying truck only a foot from a drop off to the ocean. A gust would have easily put us over the cliff. I was scared just sitting in the cab and looking down.
We passed many smokey areas where crops are burned.Bamboo a building staple in Peru.While cycling out of Camana to begin our climb to Arequipa we met Juan out for his daily ride. He took a few pictures of us.Jocelyn and Juan, a really nice guy.
Adios amigo.A typical toll booth station where bicycles and motorcycles go free.After the initial climb we cycled down into many deep canyons such as this one. Once crossed it was back up the other side.It was fun winding through the canyons.
Our town for the night.
It was a tough climb with convoys of trucks, buses, and cars. Fortunately the shoulder was wide and mostly clean.The canyon floors often had water.We visited Plaza de Armas, Arequipa on Sunday afternoon.Very beautiful architecture.Sunday afternoon in the park.The view of Basilica Cathedral from our lunch spot.
Over 500 years ago who would have thought that a McDonald’s would be across the street from this beautiful cathedral. I would have put it a few blocks away. Kind of sad.The plaza movie theater. What class.Next we are busing north to Cuzco to explore that ancient Incan civilization. Then flying to Hawaii, returning a week later to Cuzso, busing back to our bikes in Arequipa then bicycling to Bolivia. Whew…we will need a break after all this!
One thought on “We are in Arequipa, busing to Cuzco tonight then flying Hawaii next week”
I know you will be careful and I hope the travel days are full of easy steps. This is going to be a highlight of your 5 year journey. I look forward to your pictures and thank you for sharing these historical mysteries. Sleep when you can! Love you two!
I know you will be careful and I hope the travel days are full of easy steps. This is going to be a highlight of your 5 year journey. I look forward to your pictures and thank you for sharing these historical mysteries. Sleep when you can! Love you two!