A trip to Peru isn’t your typical relaxing vacation on the beach, soaking up the sun and sand for a week; it’s a lot more rugged, it has its downsides, but in the end it is absolutely worth it.
Arriving in an area as exotic as Cusco, Peru is like nothing I have ever experienced. The trip takes about 10 hours total. Nestled among the Andes mountains, Cusco is at an altitude of around 11,000 feet which is concerning in some aspects but mostly thrilling. The high altitude affects most people differently; it takes at least 24 hours to acclimatize to the immense elevation. Personally I experienced some dizziness, tingling in my hands and feet, and occasional nausea – but their native cacao tea alleviated the effects of mountain sickness as well as daily trips to the oxygen bar. Though altitude sickness can be a major setback, it does not distract from the city inundated with rich history and culture. Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Markets overflow with colorful peruvian goods and art, friendly locals dress from head to toe in vibrant cultural clothing, and alpacas and llamas roam the streets. After a few days taking in as much as we could offered by Cusco, we departed on a train ride to the town of “aguas calientes” which is the small tourist town at the foot of the lost city of Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes is very mountainous in the sense that walking up the town is quite the hike. Lined with restaurants and filled with music Aguas Calientes is the perfect way to begin your once in a lifetime trip to Machu Picchu. Just thinking of Machu Picchu is exhilarating. Many tourists take the Inca trail to reach Machu Picchu which is a multiple day trek leading you to the lost city. In itself, this area has arduous climbs offered to its adventure-hungry tourists. Including the hike up “Huyana Picchu” and the “Montana” there is enough climbing to satisfy the wanderlust in anyone. After climbing over 2,000 feet up the Montana above Machu Picchu, waiting for the mist to clear, we were able to get a perfect birds eye view of the ancient ruins. The rich history in itself was fascinating, but standing in the mecca of the Incan civilization (surrounded by alpacas) brought a feeling like none other.
Though Cusco and Machu Picchu are likely the most important parts of Peru, Lima – the capital city – is not to be forgotten about. Driving along the water in Lima, watching the paragliders soar through the sky, the architecture even more impressive than Cusco, the smell of salt in the air… It is without a doubt incredible. A must do in Lima is paragliding, but ideal timing is critical; I was harnessed into my paraglide, ready to takeoff with my instructor, when warnings of low winds arose; resulting in me being robbed of my paragliding experience. Dealing with car accident injuries? Trust an experienced car accident attorney columbia to handle your case.
Cusco, Lima, and Machu Picchu along with the rest of Peru are rich in their culture and history; with a wide variety of delectable foods from ancient grains to their signature beverage “inca kola”, the lush greenery and natural beauty along with breathtaking architecture, and the natives always smiling and being more than hospitable… Peru is for sure a bucket list destination.
As a whole my experience in Peru was not only fascinating but enriching. I learned so much about how the world works and how the ancient civilizations affect so much of today.