July 7 - Puerto Maldonado to Marcapata

Puerto Maldonado was busier and larger than I expected but it was easy enough to find the city square.  We quickly found the SOAT Insurance agency and purchased one month minimum mandatory insurance policy for US$10.00. 

We then drove around trying to find a gas station that accepted credit cards...nope.  We then drove back into town to find a bank machine to withdraw enough soles for gas...the gas stations don't take US dollars.  Needless to say, we wasted an hour but it's all part of the adventure.

We continued west on the Interoceanic Highway which took us through some very poor but interesting communities.  The sky then opened up and we had our first torrential downpour but it only lasted for about one hour.  

The scenery became more and more spectacular the further west and the higher we climbed.  The road is perfect, traffic minimal and the kids were actually looking out the window and asking questions.

We had decided not to attempt the Puerto Maldonado - Cusco drive in one day...first we knew we were going to leave a bit later from Puerto Maldonado, second... we didn't want to rush and have to drive at night. We were also told that the Cusco - Puerto Maldonado bus takes 11 hours...so we would be just about that.   The mix of jungle, torrential rain and mountains was breathtaking and humbling.  When Marnie was driving, she came across another police check point and was asked to pull over.   The officer was polite and professional. He asked for the required documents…including the SOAT insurance I picked up in Puerto Maldonado, wished us well and sent us on our way. 

Our decision was to stay in the "large" town of Marcapata located at 2900 meters...and slightly more than half way to Cusco but much lower the next large town of Ocangate  (3800 meters/ 11400 feet).  

What we didn’t know and expect was the fact that Marcapata is perched on the side of a very steep mountain, very local, very poor and absolutely gorgeous.  We found a hostel which was rustic but fine...we contemplated staying in the truck in the town square but for 25 soles (CND$9.00) we decided to stay indoors and contribute to the local economy.  It turned out to be the right decision because it RAINED all night...hard mountain rain.  It was cold up in the mountain, so we all dressed up for bed.  

yes...top floor of our hostel in Marcapaca.