Today is a long driving day - we have about 400 kilometers to cover to Cusco. The roads can be bad, so we are up early and hot the road shortly after 7 AM. The drive is a beautiful one through the Andes. We spent most of the day driving up and through various valleys and passes. The views are stunning - but even here the various presidential candidates have managed to paint their slogans and names on whatever large bare rock they can find.
We stop for lunch by the side of the road. It is now hot and sunny and we relax while the cook group prepares the food. The football comes out and a few kick the ball around. Others lay in the sun and soak up some rays. Once we have finished eating, some of us walk ahead on the road and the truck picks us up when they reach us.
Most of the drive is on dirt roads and we make good progress as they are in better condition then expected. We hit the paved road in mid-afternoon and make very good time, reaching Cusco shortly after 5 PM. After checking into our hotel, we wander down into the main square. It is nicely lit up. After checking our emails, we have a quick bite to eat (this was not one of our better selections). We meet up with some other members of the group and have a drink at one of the popular bars on the main square. It is packed with overlanders.