Salt-tolerant coastal vegetation in the Atacama Desert, the driest desert outside the polar regions.

My first stopover was in Paracas, where I stayed for a few days. I got off the bus early in the morning, where a friendly taxi driver greeted me directly. Actually, I wanted to walk, but the price was too cheap to say no. We drove along the paved road. I had no idea what kind of area my hostel was in. When we left the paved road and drove through a slum populated by stray dogs, I thought this was just the way to the hostel. But we stopped in the middle of it. I lit a cigarette and let the impression sink. After a few puffs Nicolas came out the door and greeted me warmly. I was 4 hours early but that wasn't a problem. His wife Mary immediately made me a fresh breakfast while Nicolas prepared my room. It was a very nice and maintained hostel. Not for high standards, but with a lot of love and attention. The first impression of Paracas immediately lost importance and I was glad to have such a nice accommodation. Tourism in Peru is just beginning to develop. But that's also its special charm.

Sometimes one flower needs another flower to remind that the sun will rise again.

Sand everywhere! Paved roads were rare, but boring anyway. ✌

I really let the sloth hang out. ✌ If you like fish, you'll love it in Paracas. 🐟😍 Delicious, with sea view!🏖

The stone sculptures in Aguas Calientes represent components of religion and culture of the Inca Empire.

The many street dogs in Peru aren't very interested in humans. They just do their own thing. This one stayed only for a short time to scratch itself behind the ear. Then he made himself comfy under my seat, while I waited for the train to Hidroeléctrica. I couldn't find any sick or otherwise conspicuous animals, but couldn't see people caring for the animals as well. With the exception of Paracas in the Atacama Desert, where the locals gave them water. That's actually a good thing, because otherwise the dogs would only multiply more and also lose their ignorance towards people. A pack of uneducated and hungry dogs, which associate people with food, can be dangerous. In addition, rabies is still a big issue in Peru.

The stone sculptures in Aguas Calientes represent components of religion and culture in the Inca Empire.

I spent a day more in Aguas Calientes than planned. I actually wanted to go to Santa Teresa first, but I fell asleep during the trip and when I was in Hidroeléctrica, I just hiked right over the tracks to Aguas Calientes. There is a small thermal bath, which did my sore muscles very well. It wasn't very crowded, so I had my peace. In Santa Teresa there is also a thermal bath, which is larger, but I didn't like it so much.

It often drizzled in Aguas Calientes, so I bought this hat. Best hat ever! Totally completed me! 😃