We left the Nazca area and drove across more desolate mountain roads to the Altiplano or Pampas region. My GPS unit said we were over 15,000 feet and I believe it! It was cold and windy and very isolated. Our little car was running low on gas so we stopped on the top of the mountain at the only stores around. They sold basic staples, cheese, and gasoline poured from a drum into gallon cans. We also bought some cheese and bread for our lunch. After fueling up, we entered a protected area for Vicuna, the endangered relative of Alpacas and Llamas. There were plenty of them around but they were very shy and didn’t want to be photographed. We picked up a young Quechua boy and his mother who were out gathering firewood and gave them a ride into town. They spoke no English and very little Spanish but were very friendly and grateful for the ride. Clouds rolled in and we drove into the small mountain town of Puquio to find a place to stay for the night.
No comments:
Post a Comment