Day 1 Cuzco to Limatambo

Our start was delayed by mechanical chaos, a long wait for the police escort, and then the realisation that helmets are legally required.

Having spent the previous two days battling to get our steed ready for the trip, it seemed the rear wheel had seized overnight, stoppping it rotating. Even I, as a novice mechanic, know that no wheel rotation = no movement (unless we carry). So more last gasp repairs were done; and the trip seemed ever more daunting, with exiting the compund seeming like a major goal, let alone traversing the entire country.

But, at 3pm we got away, ensuring that we'd be night driving from day one! After a ludicrous exit through the hills of Cuzco, including smoking engine, stalls, pushing up inclines, and much hilarity, we finally got clear of the city limits, in searing heat.

We blasted across good roads, already plunged in darkness (immmediately clarifying that we would indeed be night-driving, contrary to all advice, from the off) and progressed to the town of Limatambo, where we found the first of an infinite stream of Pollerias (chickeneries) had beer, chicken and a sleep. Four of us crammed into a twin room, guaranteeing an early bout of sleeping on the floor.