More From the Honeymoon

We had our first taste of the natural wonder that is the Amazon with a trip to the Ecuadorian jungle. With the help of a local guide we trekked out to a beautiful waterfall with a fresh water pool for swimming, well off the beaten track. We later canoed down some rapids to a local village and hiked high up a mountain for an incredible view of the jungle and river. We saw plenty of wildlife however the most dangerous animals we encountered were the bull ants, much to Eben's disappointment and my relief. The trip was a great intro into the jungle but we can't wait to get deeper into it in Peru and Bolivia later on. Eben is keen to blend in to the surrounds for the best chance of seeing a jaguar and hasn't shaved since our wedding day. He doesn't plan to until we get home either so it's just as well I quite like his unkempt holiday look.
 
Our first stop in Peru was the capital Lima, where we met up with our friends and fellow newlyweds, Dave and Lauren. We had heard mixed reports on this gigantic city but were quite impressed with the picturesque coast line, bars in Barranco and the silver markets in Miraflores. Having left our wedding rings at home for safety, we purchased some holiday ones to remind ourselves of why we're here... for our honeymoon!
 
We welcomed in the new year in Cusco, the gateway to Macchu Picchu. Given the rain we booked a table on the balcony of a restaurant in the main plaza. By 9.30pm the rain had cleared and fireworks and crackers were going off in amongst the assembling crowd. We were very grateful for the protection of the glass we sat behind as it looked like a war zone below. The plaza looked beautiful with the historic buildings aglow and the cobblestone streets full of both locals and tourists of all ages. We enjoyed a Peruvian feast although chose to avoid the local specialty of guinea pig.
 
By 11pm the plaza was absolute chaos and our party was in full swing. As midnight struck it was tough to know which fireworks were official and which were from the crowd. All the people below us then began the traditional run around the plaza. This was without a doubt the most amazing new years experience ever...the first of many as a married couple.
 
The band cranked up and we hit the dance floor with Eben as always the life of the party. It was the first time we noticed the effects of being at 3000 metres altitude as we were quickly out of breath on the dance floor, dancing like maniacs.
 
We are now about to catch a train to Aguas Calientes and Macchu Picchu!! xo