We have decided not to go into Bolivia. We were just going to ride around Lake Titicaca on the Bolivia side and then into Chile, but we just don t have enough time as the roads there are all dirt so it would take a long time and we want to go further south in Argentina. So visiting the lake from Puno, it is the largest high altitude body of water. Nice dirt roads in places around the lake and the views are amazing, I now understand the term 'big skies'!
Arrive in Arequipa, the local driving seems more mental than usual, traffic everywhere, I ve never seen anything like it, no one ever indicates, they just pull out in front of you, turn in front of you, stop in the middle of the road and beep horns constantly! Arequipa is supposed to be the 2nd most stunning city after Cuzco and doesnt disapoint, most of the arcitecture is made of a white volcanic stone, we also need to do some work to the bikes and we met a nice chap called Ceaser near Cuzco who has a garage here and speaks fab English, just incase we needed to order any parts.

A bit of Suzuki DRZ info for those that are interested. Neither of the DRZ s have had any serious problems (riden around 4000 miles so far) but they had both started to leak fuel from the over flow pipe when they were not running and sometimes when ticking over so we had to turn the petrol off all the time. We took the carb apart and a rubber seal on the valve seat looked worn on both bikes, (both 04 plates) We replaced them and it seems to have solved the problem. We reached 4450 mtrs riding to Arequipa, the high altitude definately effects the bikes (and our breathing and walking!) removing the air filter cover really helps but you need your earplugs in! They are really good on the dirt roads which are usually twisty with climbs and drops, so I would struggle with a bigger bike loaded up on these, could do with a slightly larger cc bike on the roads though. The weight on the back and rack on the front make the steering a little vague, but they seem to be a good all round bike. Most bikers we have met with larger bikes still have a problem with the altitude affecting the bike and usually say they wish they were on something smaller!
Anyway spending a few days in Arequipa (not to long as its expensive) and we ve also met up with Dan and Mirian on the KLR again. Then heading into the Colca Canyon its meant to be a stunning area witha lot of tracks to ride and I want to see the condors. You have to get up very early to see them but Im sure it will be worth it, we should also be able to camp there. Going to try and wake Tim up now, bit of a late night in the local bars and lots of dancing, I m blaming Ceaser and his mates!