Catch up TV

Series 2: Episode 4

As the 25,000km race to Ushuaia approaches the halfway mark, the four teams compete, not just with each other, but with the extreme altitudes of Peru. \n \nAt the checkpoint in the Tatacoa Desert, leaders Emon and Jamiul are first to learn that the fourth checkpoint is Puno, a city in southern Peru sitting at 3,827m up on the edge of the highest and largest lake in South America, Lake Titicaca.\n \nThe first hurdle is leaving the Colombian Desert and bypassing the ongoing state of emergency in Ecuador. With vast swathes of Amazon jungle making a detour around Ecuador impossible, drastic measures have to be taken to ensure the teams’ safety.\n \nEmon and Jamiul – in the lead but hugely over budget - look for work with local fishermen in Huanchaco on Peru’s north west coast, who use small reed boats and traditional techniques that have been passed through generations. The boys’ endeavours lead to a renewed sense of family and purpose, inspiring an expedition up Rainbow Mountain, which, although risking their race lead, sees the uncle and nephew bond more than ever.\n \nJen is feeling braver in the race, and husband Rob is growing in confidence - so much so that he throws himself into new experiences, including trying the national delicacy of Peru - guinea pig. Working at a rescue sanctuary for the only species of bear native to South America - the spectacled bear – feeding and caring for the animals makes the couple reflect on their plans for the future.\n\nDom and Lizzie discover a connection to their grandmother in Peru’s capital, Lima, bringing them closer together and giving them an emotional boost in the race. Lizzie receives some sound advice from a bar owner in Cusco, which gives her pause for thought.\n \nJo and Sam share an adrenaline-fuelled adventure in the stunning sand dunes of the Atacama Desert. However, 19-year-old Sam is constantly hungry and struggling to stick to budget. His mum Jo hopes a visit to Lima’s central market will help tempt him away from expensive American snacks and onto more adventurous local delicacies in an attempt to curb their spending.\n \nNo-one escapes the effects of the altitude, making the sprint to the checkpoint Puno, at 3,800 metres above sea level, a dramatic foot race.

Source: BBC 2