After a week of hiking (what have we become), it’s back on the bikes and being human again.
Saw some strange sights like the float reed island, met some cool people on the road and rolled into another country - Bolivia.
Goneriden
27
3 May 2002 – 9 May 2002
Peru - Bolivia
Cuzco - Puno - Copacabana (Bolivia) - La Paz
Trip distance24,418 kmWeek 27 of 32
The modern week-by-week edition
Cuzco
to La Paz.
This week’s route
Cuzco - Puno - Copacabana (Bolivia) - La Paz
- 1Cuzco
- 2Puno
- 3Copacabana
- 4La Paz
Week 27 routePeru - BoliviaRegional context
Approximate route using modern roads · OpenStreetMap contributors · route via OSRM
Week 27 in the full journey
See this week in the complete 32-week route.
The preserved 2002 maps provide full-trip context while the modern interactive journey map is developed.
Memorable moment
Memorable moment.
Riding around the edge of the world’s highest navigable lake (3650m), we came to the local ferry crossing.
Here we ran into a Japanese guy, Yoshi, riding an XR 650 who had just successfully completed the crossing (along with successfully completing 40,000km from Canada to Argentina and was on his way north again). We were waved on to one of the barge-type boats behind a local bus, only to find that there seemed to be a lot of gaps in the floor planks and a considerable amount of water beneath.
As we set off across the lake, the bus started to sway from side to side and the whole boat started to twist and creak. Conversation between us questioned why all other passengers took real boats but we were left to hold our bikes. We decided that if we did sink, then motorbike boots, heavy jackets, helmets and gloves must surely be suitable buoyancy aids and we would be fine.
Original Week 27 accountPictures of the week
Three moments from the road
Quote of the week"I could eat the whole duck." – Our Israeli friend Ori’s response when asked if he was hungry. He had only recently been taught the phrase regarding eating the crutch out of a low flying duck.
"It’s the altitude!" – This phrase was used numerous times by numerous people for excuses ranging from gas, too much head on the beer, lack of fitness etc etc
CompetitionWe couldn’t think of a competition of the week, so we had a competition to think of a competition of the week.
Failing that, we decided to try and put ‘competition’ in this section as many times as competitively possible. Sorry.
HighlightUnlocking the bikes from their parking place in Cuzco after a 12-day rest period. No, we weren't partying all the time; we did a trek in there too.
Risk activityGiving Jamie a pack of matches on a floating reed island.Risk factor2/10
LowlightHaving a cold while riding your bike. The toilet paper stuffed up your nose only works well until you sneeze.
Road tallyThis week we had a bribe tally.
When crossing the border from Peru to Bolivia, we made donations on both sides to the Policemen's Ball Fund. Our negotiation skills, late in the day, left a bit to be desired.
Week 27 photo diary
The week, in event order
The mosaic follows the numbered sequence in date-and-time order. Select any image for its full-screen view and comment.