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My Favourite Destination

Aucapata and the ruins of Iskanwaya.

The Spanish town of Aucapata was founded because of the silver mines in the area. It is next to the pre-Inca ruins of Iskanwaya, built by the Mollo civilisation.

I first went there as part of a university trip whilst studying in La Paz, Bolivia, and I returned later by jeep.  It is at the end of the road, and hard to reach so has a very calm feel to it.  The shop stocks very little and there is no change for large notes. Everything has a timeless fell about it. You feel that nothing unexpected is ever going to happen.

The ruins must be approached by foot and cover a large area with other settlements up and down the valley. Unlike Machu Pichu it is un-reconstructed and virtually unvisited by tourists.

 

Favourite Accomodation

Hotel Esmeralda, Coroico, Bolivia.

With a sauna, swimming pool and stunning views of the Yungas, the Hotel Esmeralda is a great place to relax for a few days - and you may need to if you have cycled down the worlds most dangerous road to get there.

It is an easy walk into the town, where there are plenty of cafes and bars to eat and drink. The Yungas are semi tropical, so you can eat fresh fruit and drink locally grown coffee.

Peter Corkill

Peter

Latin America Specialist

+447968836057

Expertise:

Bolivia
Argentina
Chile
Peru

 

Biography

Peter spent a year living in Spain and 6 months in South America before going to University. His time in South America whetted his appetite for travel and he returned to study in La Paz, Bolivia as part of his degree in Hispanic Studies at King's College, London.

During this year he spent some of the time in the classroom, but also travelled to all parts of Bolivia, as well as to neighbouring Chile, Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Brazil and Ecuador. After graduating he returned to climb Illinami and also walk across the Atacama from the Bolivian border to the Chilean town of San Pedro. He later returned to Argentina where he covered the four points of the compass.

Returning to the UK he worked in a variety of jobs including a knitwear company, which required him to return to Bolivia twice a year. In his spare time he helped to run the Anglo-Bolivian Society organising events and talks about Bolivia. He is always keen to introduce people to this country he loves.

Most Memorable Experience

Sitting on top of Illimani (at 6,500 metres above sea level) in Bolivia watching the sun rise and staring out over the altiplano as far as Sajama near the border with Chile was spectacular.  Making the ascent over two days was hard work and being hauled out of a crevice I'd fallen into on the way made it all the more interesting.

I was travelling with a group of friends, and we also trekked to Coroico in the Yungas, visited the salt lake at Uyuni and walked from the border with Chile to the small town of San Pedro de Atacama. It was a tremendous trip.

I hope you have enjoyed exploring our website. Do get in touch if you want to talk more.