Adios Peru

Having learned the hard way which bus companies to trust, we had a much more successful ride to Arequipa from Puno. In short, we toured Arequipa, trekked in Colca Canyon and returned to Lima via Cusco. Back in Lima, we began saying our goodbyes to Peru including dining on Lima´s finest culinary offerings. We actually enjoyed anticuchos - grilled cow hearts on a stick - as well as more ceviche and fish dishes at local joints. Accompanied by Paulo, one of the owners of our hostel, we got the local scoop on what to do and, most importantly, what to eat. To conclude our Peruvian adventure, we have compiled a ¨Best Of¨ list...

1. Best hostel: Hostel Kokopelli in Lima

2. Best restaurant: ceviche in Lima at a hole-in-the-wall market stand in Barranco neighborhood

3. Best new taste: the surprisingly delicious anticuchos

4. Best adventure: Machu Picchu trek, obviously

5. Best new friend/local resource: Paulo (our BFF from Hostel Kokopelli)

6. Location to return to: Cusco and the Inca trail

7. Best cultural experience: meals with our homestay family on Isla Amantani, Lago Titicaca

8. Best "we´re so American" experience: bus to Arequipa from Cabanaconde (Colca Canyon) - zero personal space, lots of jostling, and a rendition of "Happy Birthday" playing on the radio

9. Best bar: Kokopelli´s bar and Paulo´s spicy pisco cocktail

10. Best local fashion: Amantani ensemble complete with embroidered blouses, skirts, jackets, belts and shawls