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THE ROUTE
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Crossing the Peruvian sand desert
In the mountains, close to Canoas
Now that we are three people traveling, we have to be even more careful about water than before. So every day, we fill up our 7-gallon jerry can with tap water – which we use for cleaning dishes and ourselves – and our Coleman shower bag.
Dan takes a shower in the morning
In addition, we make sure to have at least three gallons of drinking water, especially when we are about to cross a desert.
After spending two days at the beach in the Zorritos vicinity, we went back on the road with some difficulties due to the heavy rain in the past days. We left around 2 p.m., after took care some minor fixing on the car, like reinforcing the exhaust pipe attachments, or the back drawers, tired of intensive use in the last three months.
I was now driving toward the Sechura Desert, and we intended to stick along the coast as much as possible in the meantime, to take advantage of beach camping.
Mountains, close to Canoas and Cabo Blanco
The first afternoon, around the town of Cabo Blanco, we crossed a region of small mountains and hills made of what appeared to be mud. Because we were told the surrounding could be somewhat dangerous, we camped behind a gas station close to Negritos few hours after we left.
The desert, close to Bayovar
The morning after, we went in town to shop for fish and vegetables, and resumed our trip toward Bayovar. In the afternoon, we arrived in the Sechuran Desert, where an infinite sea of sand awaited us.
Here and there, there were fishermen villages, where puzzled people watched us drive down the bumpy roads. Close to Bayovar, we stopped at a small town famous for their woodwork. We had late lunch there, ceviche as usual. Later in the day, in a fishing village called Playa Blanca (recommended, free camping anywhere), we parked for the night.
Our campsite, close to the cliff. A fisherman fixes his net
We were close to the cliff, and there cooked the swordfish steaks we bought at the market. Unfortunately, the wind was strong during the night, and as we could not find sleep, we moved the truck more inland around 2 a.m.
Fishermen get ready to go get the nets
We took off around 11 a.m. the following day, and continued in an even more arid landscape. There was barely anyone driving the road southeast that leads to the Pan-American. You can’t help but think that you would be in a difficult situation if your car breakdown in the middle of the 100-miles wide sandy patch.
The Sechuran Desert
But as always, everything went well for us, and two hours after departure, we were back in an irrigated area were crops such as rice were growing.
Back in a more hospitable area
At last, we arrived in Tucume, and visited the ruins of a huge adobe city built over 1,000 years ago.
Giant adobe pyramids in Tucume
After trying out some traditional food on the site, such as goat stew and corn beer, we drove toward the coast and the town of Pimente, close to Chiclayo. There, we found Playa Rochas, a surfing beach where we decided to spend the night.
Playa Rocha, close to Pimente, a surfer spot
14 Responses to “Crossing the Peruvian sand desert”
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maricusitin February 15th, 2010 at 9:49 am
Nick, I can’t see any of the pictures on your website.
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I’m not sure why, but I can’t see any of the pictures, and I’ve tried on multiple computers!
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Nicolas February 15th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
All, I’m still having some problem with internet censorship here, but Sergio in NY is working to get the pictures in.
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I can see all those beautiful pictures. I’m jealous! Noope. Keep us dreaming while reading your post. And just take care. Bises H
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Harvey (Naples, FL) February 16th, 2010 at 12:45 am
Pix are GREAT! Keep ‘um coming…
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Harvey (Naples, FL) February 16th, 2010 at 12:48 am
Nick…
What are the sleeping arrangements for the 3 of you? Is there enough room in the camper top for 3 people to sleep. How about getting up in the middle of the night for a leak? What are the mechanics? Curious….
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NYC Hombre February 16th, 2010 at 9:39 am
Nice to know everything is moving smoothly Nick. Those beaches in Peru look soooo inviting. I think I’m going to retire and become a beach bum.
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Loud and clear… man you are moving fast… We will be rebuilding our Land Cruiser in La Paz, Bolivia right now, so we might welcome you here as we are here for the coming 2 or 3 months… 🙂 Keep everything spinning and the rubber side down..
Adventurous greetings,
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i can see your pictures but when i click on them they dont get bigger anymore. i think you see so much more when you can click on them and they get bigger. they are sooo beautiful
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Haydee G. February 16th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Hi Nick,
So great to see the coastal part of Peru, my family is from Peru and I’ve been their so many times but never have had a chance to see much of the costal part. Most of my aunts, uncles and cousins live in Lima, Pucalpa and Tingo Maria. I have been to Cuzco & Machu Picchu, amazing place to visit. I truly hope you can get their, it would be worth your troubles. Safe journey to you and your friends and keep the pictures coming.
Haydee
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Marti-Nashville, TN February 16th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Nic, thanks for letting us know about your internet problems. Where is your destination for Dan to leave the group? (By the way, he’s a hottie, LOL). Guess you got that coleman stove fixed. I remember years ago using a stove like that for camping trips and the fuel line seemed to get clogged. Also remember those showers like you guys are taking, except we used liter bottles. I sure know that your butts have to be worn out with all the driving and sleeping in the tent. Love that you all are surviors and aren’t whining about conditions!
Thinkn of you all! Forge forward~!!
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Podgorsek Family February 17th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Hello Nicolas & friends
Well, you now have my husband thinking about traveling around the world looking at the churches and beautiful sights that are out there. LOL Maybe some day we may do it, just on a smaller scale. Reading of all your adventures and beautiful moments sure does give one the travel bug. Glad you have some more company and things are going your way. Enjoy the road & people you meet along the way. Take care, Dan, Lisa & Bryce
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best way to prevent the coleman stove from clogging is to add a little injector cleaner each time you fill up…
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I stumbled onto your blog and read a few post. I like your style of writing.
