14-16 December, Vilcabamba

The trip to Vilcabamba was pretty spectacular descending a steep mountain range. The town itself is quite small but we stayed at a resort a few kilometres up the hillside which had a fantastic view over the valley. It was a bit more expensive than our previous accomodation but had a swimming pool and bar/games room with pool table, table-tennis and darts set in a pretty bush setting.

Matt, Harriet and I went for a 10km hike on the “Mandango Loop” which followed the road part way into town before a steep climb to the top of the ridge and following it back to the resort. The path was only 60cm wide in some parts with steep cliffs on both sides as it followed the very top of the ridgeline. Great views and a fun walk.

We also borrowed some bicycles and rode into town to a book exchange only to find it closed! The taxis in town are all utes though so we were able to avoid the ride home back up the hill.

Outside our room we had a nice view over the valley and watched fire-flies flitting about in the evening as well as seeing some very large and colourful caterpillars eating frangipani leaves.