Torrential rain before the power came on woke me miles before I wanted. I was happy to think this meant my purchase of a poncho yesterday wasn’t so stupid - but the rain died away and the poncho has been unnecessary so far. A talkative staff member slowed my breakfast consuming but good he was friendly and talking with me.

The dampness the humidity means clothes feel damp before you put them on. I did a few crosswords to while away the time before I was ferried back to Puerto Maldonado. I found myself in the baggage van while the others sped away in a separate bus. Being a solo traveller has disadvantages. I was worried as the queue to check in bags moved slowly but I got there and the plane was late arriving anyway! I had an unexpected upgrade to 3C from 9E and even had complimentary biscuits and crisps and bottle of water as a result!

My new guide Elvira met me surely at Cusco airport and she and driver Hermano (sp?) took me over the mountains (glorious views of the snow-capped Andes) along a very bumpy detour in Ollantaytambo to the very nice Hotel Pakaritampu. Saw a lot of people in traditional dress (we’re now in a Quechua area), and neatly dressed school-children some of whom had to walk long ways to school and back each day. My room 31 has a cold tiled floor I should have brought slippers too! It is colder here, a thicker pullover would have been a great idea.

Feeling tired I dined at the Hotel Pakaritampu. Feeling adventurous I had alpaca as a main course. My stomach made its feelings known afterwards. Perhaps the alpaca wasn’t as well done as I needed, or the broth I had to start with featured Incan vegetables that disagreed with me.