Peru XVI: Puno to Ilave

On the road again!

After so many days it felt great to be back on the bikes, as if we were finally true travelers just by changing our means of transport. We had to do about 180km to reach the Bolivian border, all around the Titicaca lake.

Since we are already in the altiplano, not much climbing was expected. The riding would not be easy though, cycling at 3800 mts.

Like with most cities, coming out of Puno was not easy or comfortable, but after a few km the traffic would be much lighter. The first highlight was Chucuito, where after a short climb we could visit the Inca Uyo, a fertility temple. Jose, the cyclist we met in the hostel, was coming with us.

After that, the ride got a big boring, just a straight and mostly flat road, often not that close to the lake, and with no hardshoulder to avoid the traffic.

At least we got to see plenty of llamas and alpacas.

On the positive side, there were many inca ruins along the road, although most required a small detour and we were just happy taking pictures from far away.

We stopped in Plateria for a short break and then again in Acora for lunch.

After another long and flat stretch later we arrived at Ilave, our objective for the day. We stoppend in the main square to contemplate our overnight options. The square was too exposed and busy to put the tent there. On the meantime, Susanne had seen a bakery on the way here so she went back to get a huge chocolate cake that we finished in seconds.

After getting a few tips from the locals we cycled towards the stadium, where we found another small square, far away from traffic and noise, and with a small roof that would protect us from the frost.

Unfortunately, an overly kind neighbour and his friend decided to have some drinks next to us while keeping the music on their car at full volume, late into the night. Finally, at around 23.00 they decided to leave.