Vilcabamba

17.07.- 21.07.11

After a 9 hour night bus from Huaraz to Trujillo (Peru), then another bus from Trujillo to Chiclayo, Peru (4 hours), then another bus from Chiclayo to Piura, Peru (3hours), then the next night bus from Piura to Loja in ECUADOR and then another last bus at 7am in the morning for two hours, I finally arrived at 9am in VILCAMAMBA. Puuhhh what a ride….approx. 27 hours and no bed for 6 days as I was trekking and camping before in PERU.

So I spoiled myself with a single room at the beautiful Hostal "Rendez Vouz" where I first had a lovely breakfast with homemade bread and afterwards I went straight to bed.

VILCAMAMBA (1.500m) is a small village nestled in a lovely valley, surrounded by beautiful mountains. A lot of Americans and also Germans are living in Vilcabamba and either run a Hostal, a restaurant or café or just enjoying the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Backpackers stop here to get in on the mellowness and to hike, ride horses, enjoy the good food, get massages and chill out in one of the many Guesthouses.

My plan was to stay for 3 days but as I met some nice girls from Dublin and later two lovely girls from Berlin and as I loved the tranquillity I ended up staying in Vilcabamba for 4 days.

The first day, Sunday 17.07.11 I just slept, ate, checked out the town and walked up to the amazing "Guesthouse Izhcayluma" owned by two Germans. It was settled 2 km outside Vilcabama, on the top of a hill with a stunning view over the valley. After I had indulged a huge "crepe with fruits" on the terrace I took some nice photos of the sunset.

The second day, Monday 18.07.11 I walked up to the Guesthouse Izhcayluma where I met with Susan and Aishling from Dublin. I met the girls the day before and we decided to do a 4 - 5 hour day hike in the mountains. When we startet our trip at 11 am a few other travellers from Canada and the States joined us. We walked to the top of the "Izhcayluma Trail" (2.200m) from where we had an amazing 360 degree view. Even though it was a bit misty the photos turned out quite well. After 4 hours we returned at the guesthouse where I wanted to take a massage. But unfortunately all the Masseuses were booked out for the rest of the day and therefore I made an appointment for the next day.

So Tuesday, 19.07.11 I walked up to "Iahcayluma" at 10am. While I was waiting to get my 1 hour and 15 Min Massage for 18 USD I met April from Mexico. As we didn't have enough time to talk she asked me if I would like to come up for dinner. What a coincidence! I was planning to come up anyhow as I wanted to try the "Gulasch with Knoedel".

At 7am I was introduced to Thomas from Switzerland who then joined us for dinner. Thomas and I both ordered the "Gulasch" and agreed that it was the best meal we had for a long time…..and for me my first Gulasch in 9 ½ months.

Wednesday, 20.07.11 I stayed mainly in my Hostal "Rendez Vouz". I took out my laptop, placed myself in the beautiful garden, updated my travel blog and uploaded all my photos from the last three weeks. While I was sitting there for the whole afternoon I met Anna and Anja from Berlin. Two very sweet girls born in Sachsen. In the evening we went to the supermarket, bought some ingredients for guacamole, brown bread and had a yummy dinner on the terrace. And I was so lucky as Anna and Anja had been to the north of Ecuador, the coast and the Jungle and shared all their tips and infos with me.

On Thursday, 21.07.11 I wanted to take the bus to CUENCA right after breakfast. And again I was lucky as I met Michaela and Martin from Rosenheim at the breakfast table. The two hired a tiny car for their 10 day trip through Ecuador and offered me a lift to Cuenca. Fantastic….instead of two buses and 7 hours we reached CUENCA after 4.5 hours and it was much for fun!