#peru hotels near machu picchu

[jayamachupicchuboutiquehotel]

Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel: Unveiling Luxury Amidst Ancient Wonders

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel invites you to experience unparalleled luxury at the doorstep of one of the world's most awe-inspiring destinations. As a luxury hotel in Machu Picchu, we offer an unforgettable escape, blending modern elegance with the rich cultural heritage of the Inca Empire.

Beyond Breathtaking Views: A Sanctuary of Luxury

Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel goes beyond simply offering stunning views of the ancient citadel. Here's what awaits you within our luxurious haven:

Intimate Tranquility: Unlike larger hotels, Jaya Machu Picchu provides an intimate atmosphere, ensuring personalized attention and a peaceful retreat. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Sacred Valley, a world away from the hustle and bustle.

Exquisite Design: Our guest rooms are havens of comfort and style, featuring plush furnishings, handcrafted décor inspired by Inca traditions, and private balconies overlooking the breathtaking landscape. Unwind in luxurious bathtrooms with spa-quality amenities.

Culinary Delights: Embark on a culinary journey at our gourmet restaurant, Killa Raymi. Savor innovative dishes prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, showcasing the rich flavors of Peru. Pair your meal with exquisite wines from our extensive cellar.

Impeccable Service: Our dedicated staff is committed to exceeding your expectations. From personalized assistance with planning your Machu Picchu visit to arranging rejuvenating spa treatments, we ensure every detail is flawlessly catered to.

Unforgettable Experiences Await

Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel offers more than just a luxurious stay. We provide unique experiences to enrich your journey:

Guided Tours: Explore the mysteries of Machu Picchu with our knowledgeable guides, unlocking the secrets of this ancient city. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Inca Empire.

Cultural Immersions: Delve deeper into the traditions of the Sacred Valley with personalized cultural experiences. Learn about local crafts, participate in cooking classes, or attend traditional ceremonies.

Rejuvenating Spa Rituals: Unwind after your Machu Picchu adventure at our tranquil spa. Indulge in traditional Inca massage therapies or rejuvenating treatments inspired by the natural wonders of the region.

Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel: Your Gateway to Luxury in Machu Picchu

Whether you're seeking a romantic escape, an adventure-filled getaway, or a cultural immersion, Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel is your perfect sanctuary. We offer an unparalleled level of luxury and personalized service, ensuring your stay in Machu Picchu is truly unforgettable.

Book your stay today and experience the magic of the Sacred Valley at Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel, your luxury hotel in Machu Picchu.

#JayaMachuPicchu #LuxuryHotelMachuPicchu #SacredValley #Peru #UnforgettableExperiences #LuxuryTravel

[lantur]

I got back from Peru this morning after an overnight flight from Lima. :) It's been wonderful to be with Derek and Westin again, and to nap and relax after a 10-day trip!

Unorganized thoughts,

The Inca Trail was the most intense, demanding physical experience of my life. The group my friend and I were with hiked 26 miles/41 kilometers over 4 days, in rough terrain including the highlands of the Andes, the Amazon, and the cloud forests of Peru. The hike was at altitude, at an elevation nearing 13,828 feet/4,215 meters - which I struggled with, coming from living at sea level. I learned that I'm fit on sea level, but NOT at altitude. I also caught a pretty bad cold from another group member overnight on Day 3, which made Day 3 and Day 4's hikes extra challenging.

We were up at 4:30 AM every morning (3:30 AM on our final day to reach Machu Picchu), and due to my slower pace/altitude struggles, I usually had ~10-12 hours of hiking steep inclines and inclines. It was really so hard and I had to be very careful on the steep, rocky steps. The hiking poles saved me! We had to ascend and descend four mountains over the course of our hike. Ascents were really challenging for me due to shortness of breath at altitude. Descents were easier on my cardiovascular system, but required a lot of concentration to make sure I didn't miss my footing and fall down steep, uneven stone steps. Each step was about 12 to 18 inches high, which is significant for my friend and I, who are under five feet tall.

We also camped every night for 3 nights, in tents, which I've never done before. Our group bonded over the struggles of surviving the hideous campsite bathrooms, not being able to shower for four days, finding safe and private places to use the bathroom in the wild, staying warm at night, staying dry in the constant rain on day 2, and our feet and legs killing us at the end of the day. We ate every breakfast, lunch, dinner, and teatime together, and I liked everyone in the group. :) We enjoyed our time together and talked a lot.

We got to explore several Inca ruins on the way to Machu Picchu, and Machu Picchu itself was incredible. The scenery and views along the hike - the mountains, the jungle, the cloud forest - made it worth it, despite how physically difficult it was. I've never seen anything like it before. The sound of the birds singing in the jungle, the llamas and alpacas in the mountains, the butterflies, the rainforest flora... That was amazing.

One of my favorite memories was Thursday morning, when we all woke up at 3:30 AM and hiked in the dark to be among the first at the checkpoint to enter. We all brushed our teeth in the forest around the trail and hung out until the sun rose at 5:30 AM and we could enter the park. :)

My friend and I spent Friday chilling out in Cusco and recovering from our hike. We were SO tired when we got back to our hotel on Thursday night, and so relieved to finally shower and sleep in a real bed. We traveled from Cusco to Lima to Atlanta/Miami to Minneapolis. I got home this morning around 10:45 and I've literally just been sitting on the sofa or napping. Doing post-trip laundry was the big accomplishment of the day, lmao.

This was such an adventure. I'm so glad I could do it, and return safe. It was wonderful to experience South America for the first time, and I hope to go back many times. It was wonderful to completely disconnect with no phone/internet while I was in the mountains. The whole experience was a test of my physical and mental endurance, and my ability to be out of my comfort zone - but as I told my friend when we got back, while I was on the trail, simply focusing on nature and getting through each ascent and descent safely, it let me forget about the things I've experienced this year. My dad dying, estrangement from my mom, the ongoing interpersonal stresses at work. It was a great way to close out my 30th year, which has also been my hardest year.

My 31st birthday is tomorrow. :)

[jsbsam]

Onwards and Upwards

Yesterday we said goodbye to Lima, which we have really enjoyed, and headed for the airport to catch our flight up to Cusco at 11,150ft. The receptionist at the hotel very kindly called a "taxi" for us on what I think was Peruvian Uber. To be fair the taxi arrived quite quickly, but when it did I was somewhat taken aback. It was battered to bits with smashed windows and radio and a boot so full of breakdown stuff I could only get one of our back packs in there. Most of you know that MM has a few airs and graces and refers to herself as "the Queen" due to her mother's maiden name being Sultana - which means queen in certain languages - so you can imagine her horror and the ear bashing I got as I held the door for her to climb in! Speaking of MM and her royal aspirations, as we're in Peru, she has been making marmalade sandwiches, putting them in her handbag and stopping poor, unsuspecting locals saying "donde eres mi amigo Paddington?". To say they look perplexed is an understatement.

Anyway, back to our taxi. For a while I thought we were being kidnapped, the episode was so similar to our taxi ride from Delhi airport to Karol Bagh - terrifying. I kept looking for landmarks and airport signs, but no luck. After 40 minutes he pulled up next to a little hut and said "el aeropeuto es aqui". It certainly didn't look like an airport to me, but he gently shuffled us and our bags out of the car and cleared off. It transpired that this was a back entrance to the airport where dodgy drivers could let passengers off as they weren't allowed anywhere near the terminal. We had no option then but to walk from the back entrance to the terminal, good practice for our upcoming Machu Picchu trek.

Before leaving the UK we'd done a bit of research on how to prepare for altitude to reduce the risk of getting it when we arrived in Cusco. It can be very unpleasant and debilitating apparently. Key things are to drink plenty of water, little or no alcohol, rest a lot, and make sure you eat plenty of light food. We'd also got some tablets to take that should help.

As soon as we got out of the plane and into the airport terminal at Cusco you could feel the difference. We both, along with many others, felt light headed and slightly breathless immediately. We slowed down our walking and tried to take deeper breaths, which certainly helped. When we got to the hotel we dropped our bags and took a short walk to stock up with water and snicker bars (supposed to be very good altitude food fortunately!). When we got back to the hotel I got into terrible trouble for trying to look after MM and make sure she followed all the recommended steps. "I'm fine, leave me alone" was the cry from her Majesty, she even decided to order a bottle of wine with our evening meal while little goody two shoes (me!) stuck to water.

After a good night's sleep and me wandering into a strange woman's room instead of ours (I claimed altitude sickness as an excuse) we decided to take a slow walk into the centre of Cusco this morning to see what was going on. The place was heaving. It appears that they'd heard that we were coming and had set up a Civic Reception. I think it was for us as the army were there to ensure MM followed the altitude rules. My only doubt arises because Paddington wasn't there.!

Cusco is a really interesting little town and seemingly full of honest people fortunately. On our way back to the hotel I decided that I needed some more Soles so I called in at a cash machine. Here you get your money before your card is returned. I was so busy counting my cash and squirreling it away I forgot all about my card. I was about 30m down the road when someone came chasing after me. I thought he was trying to sell me something so I turned semi aggressively until I saw my credit card in his hand. Phew, MM would never let me forget that, in fact she's just reminded me about it as I type!

[chaletnz]

Machu Picchu Adventure: The Journey Back to Cusco

Once we’d finished our tour, Cherry and I walked down the mountain back to Aguas Calientes town where her friend Florence was waiting. The downhill descent was very steep, and Cherry seemed to be having an easier time than me with my bad knee and lack of general fitness! Her and Florence are working as nurses near Manchester which I had kind of expected actually, she said they’d lived there for about 18 years but got funny looks on other tours when they said they’re from the UK so they just say Philippines. We took a couple of breaks when we started sweating a lot but were careful not to sit for too long and have our legs turn to jelly when standing back up. Cherry was really going for it but I was having trouble keeping up so by the end I was a tired mess but she was fine. Luckily there was a water vending machine for just one sol, however unluckily it shut off after pouring only about 150ml of the 500ml I’d ordered! Once we’d reunited Cherry with Florence, I told them I was heading off for some shopping and then went straight to Coffee Trotter for a flat white and phone recharge. It was so nice to sit down in the shade with a coffee and relax for about an hour. A sad street dog wandered in at one point to try his luck but was sprayed at and shooed back out. I walked around the Aguas Calientes market a bit and bought a few little souvenirs and then stamped my passport with the Machu Picchu stamp because I’m such a tourist. I figured that I should get some lunch so I stopped in at Infinity near the train station for a cheese empanada and lemonade which hit the spot nicely. When I got back to the train station I saw Leo and Giada sitting in there so I went over to say hi and they invited me for dinner with some French people they’d met a couple days earlier. The journey back was tiring and I could barely keep my eyes open. Once we finally arrived in Ollantaytambo, the Filipino ladies and I found our names on a sign with loads of other names including loads of Israelis and the South African family. Everyone else arrived except for the family so I tried to explain to the lady to look for parents with a small child and once we were waiting in the van they finally joined us and he was asleep in his mothers arms. It was a long drive back to Cusco with a crazy driver that didn’t stop at stop signs, overtook a police checkpoint, and almost rear ended some standstill traffic. The Israelis in the front asked to get out on a tight side street and the driver let them out thinking it was just the two but no of course there were another 5 or 6 in the back who got out too and left the door wide open so the driver had to get out and close it. Once I got back to the hostel I rearranged all my bags and then took advantage of the wifi to figure out what happened to my Revolut card. Of course, it was not enough to trap all my money on there but now it had a fraudulent transaction on it which meant I had to cancel the card and order a new one after using it for literally two transactions in Peru. I decided to get it sent to my hotel in La Paz and hopefully be there at the same time it would arrive. Although I was exhausted I went out for dinner as agreed with Leo and Giada and met their friends, a French couple named Ines and Jean-Baptiste. I’d waited almost 15 minutes for Leo and Giada to show up and was minutes away from bailing and going to McDonald’s but they showed up and we all went to Limo together in the central Plaza de Armas. It was a Japanese Peruvian fusion restaurant but we all went for the Thai style food - I chose the Arroz Thai with beef which was a delicious stir fry of vegetables, rice and beef. It was a more upscale restaurant for Peru but still didn’t cost too much once the bill arrived for my meal and a passionfruit mocktail, about 70 soles or $20.

[odilletours]

Servicios turísticos de un día en Puerto Plata

Experience the Dominican Republic Like Never Before with Odille Services Tours

Looking for the perfect way to explore the stunning Dominican Republic? Odille Services Tours is your gateway to an unforgettable adventure. As a premier travel agency and tour operator, we specialize in delivering seamless transfers and extraordinary excursions that showcase the best of this tropical paradise.

From the moment you arrive, Odille Services Tours ensures a smooth journey with our reliable transfer services. We connect major airports and hotels across the Dominican Republic, providing comfortable and stress-free transportation so you can focus on the beauty and excitement of your destination.

But our services extend beyond just transfers. We take pride in crafting personalized experiences tailored to your interests. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping ATV ride, a peaceful horseback tour, or a refreshing swim in the blue lagoons near Puerto Plata, our custom tour packages cater to all your desires. Choose from half-day or full-day tours and explore exclusiv destinations like Saona Island or embark on a whale-watching adventure in Samana.

Cruise passengers will find our shore excursions perfectly aligned with their schedules. From Taino Bay and Amber Cove to San Felipe, our expertly timed tours ensure you make the most of every stop and create lasting memories.

Odille Services Tours goes beyond local expertise with our international tours and services. Whether your dream is to wander through the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru or experience the vibrant culture of Cartagena, we have you covered. We also offer comprehensive travel insurance, immigration consulting, and passport services, making us your all-in-one travel partner.

Let Odille Services Tours transform your Dominican Republic trip into an extraordinary adventure. Contact us today to start planning your perfect getaway and let us take care of the rest. Your dream vacation awaits!

[roomchailimited]

From the Andes to the Amazon: South American Adventures

Journey from the majestic Andes Mountains to the lush Amazon rainforest, exploring South America's diverse landscapes, cultures, and adventures. This guide, tailored for Bangladeshi travelers, offers insights into planning, must-see destinations, and practical tips for an unforgettable trip.

1. Introduction

South America captivates with its contrasts and richness, from the towering peaks of the Andes to the dense, vibrant Amazon rainforest. For travelers from Dhaka, this adventure promises an immersive experience in nature and culture, showcasing the continent's beauty and diversity.

2. Planning Your Journey

Choosing the Right Travel Agency

Selecting a reliable travel agency like Roomchai Limited, Obokash, or ShareTrip ensures a smooth and well-organized trip. These agencies offer customized packages that include flights, accommodations, and guided tours.

Booking Flights

Opt for flights from Dhaka to major South American cities such as Lima (Peru), Quito (Ecuador), or Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines provide convenient connections.

Accommodation Options

From luxury hotels in bustling cities to eco-lodges in the heart of the rainforest, South America offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences.

Visa Requirements and Assistance

Ensure all necessary visas are obtained before departure. Travel agencies can assist with the application process and provide updated information on entry requirements for each country.

3. Discovering the Andes

Machu Picchu and Cusco (Peru)

Start your adventure in Peru with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. Explore Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, and delve into the rich heritage and stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

Quito and the Andean Highlands (Ecuador)

Quito, Ecuador’s high-altitude capital, offers a blend of colonial charm and Andean culture. The nearby Andean Highlands provide opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and exploring indigenous markets.

La Paz and the Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia)

Experience the unique city of La Paz, set in a deep valley surrounded by mountains. A journey to the Uyuni Salt Flats offers surreal landscapes and unforgettable photo opportunities.

4. Exploring the Amazon Rainforest

Iquitos and the Peruvian Amazon

Iquitos is a gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Take a river cruise, visit indigenous communities, and encounter diverse wildlife in this vast and vibrant rainforest.

Manaus and the Brazilian Amazon

Manaus, located at the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, is a starting point for exploring the world’s largest rainforest. The Meeting of Waters and guided jungle tours are highlights of this region.

Puerto Maldonado and the Tambopata Reserve (Peru)

Discover the Tambopata National Reserve near Puerto Maldonado. This area is renowned for its biodiversity, offering eco-lodges and guided tours to explore the rich flora and fauna.

5. Cultural Experiences

Indigenous Traditions in the Andes

Engage with local communities in the Andes. Learn about traditional crafts, participate in cultural ceremonies, and gain insights into the history and lifestyle of indigenous peoples.

Quito’s Colonial Heritage

Explore Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit its beautifully preserved churches, museums, and plazas, reflecting the city’s rich colonial heritage.

Amazonian Culture and Traditions

Immerse yourself in the cultures of the Amazon. Meet indigenous tribes, learn about their sustainable practices, and experience their traditional music, dance, and cuisine.

6. Adventure Activities

Hiking and Trekking

South America is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails like the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador, and the Huayna Potosí climb in Bolivia.

Wildlife Safaris

Join guided wildlife safaris in the Amazon to spot exotic animals like jaguars, pink river dolphins, and various bird species. Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with their expertise.

Water Adventures

Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in the Amazon’s rivers. River cruises provide a serene way to explore the waterways and observe the rich biodiversity.

7. Culinary Delights

Peruvian Cuisine

Delight in Peru’s famous cuisine, including dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa. Try traditional Andean foods such as quinoa and choclo (corn).

Ecuadorian Specialties

Savor Ecuadorian dishes like ceviche, llapingachos (potato cakes), and hornado (roast pork). Enjoy fresh seafood along the coast and hearty meals in the highlands.

Amazonian Flavors

Experience the unique flavors of the Amazon, featuring ingredients like açaí, cupuaçu, and exotic fish. Indigenous dishes provide a true taste of the rainforest’s bounty.

8. Practical Tips for Travelers

Currency and Money Matters

Be aware of the different currencies used (e.g., Peruvian Sol, Ecuadorian Dollar, Brazilian Real). Carry cash for rural areas and small purchases, and use credit cards where accepted.

Language and Communication

Spanish and Portuguese are the main languages spoken. Learning basic phrases and using translation apps can enhance your travel experience.

Safety and Health Tips

Stay hydrated, use insect repellent, and follow health guidelines. Be cautious of altitude sickness in the Andes and take necessary precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses in the Amazon.

9. Conclusion

From the breathtaking Andes to the vibrant Amazon rainforest, South America offers a wealth of experiences for Bangladeshi travelers. With the support of travel agencies like Roomchai Limited, planning this journey becomes hassle-free. Embrace the adventure, immerse in diverse cultures, and discover the natural wonders of this captivating continent.

[peru-perusals]

Day 10 - Part 1 - Machu Picchu

Photo by Austyn

Friday was the big day! Machu Picchu! We had breakfast on the 7th floor of the hotel with beautiful panoramic views, where I recorded the first of many vlogs for the George Fox Study Abroad Instagram page.

We headed down to the lobby where we met Mario and he gave us our bus tickets and our entrance tickets for circuit 4 and Waynapicchu. Due to overcrowding, Machu Picchu has moved to a circuit model, with different groups having access to different parts of the ruins. We got on a bus which took us down past the butterfly sanctuary and up the mountain to Machu Picchu. We got off and waited in the queue for our entrance time at 9:00.

We entered the site along the agricultural terraces and sat as Mario gave us a brief introduction to the importance of the site.

He also noted key things about the architecture like the aqueduct system and how the bricks were individually carved with bumps and holes on the tops and bottoms so they slotted into each other like Incan LEGO pieces.

Photo by Holly

Photo by Alyssa

We walked around the site to the entrance to Waynapicchu, the imposing mountain often seen behind Machu Picchu in photos. We checked in and begun our ascent!

It was essentially one long staircase!

We ran into a group of hikers from North Carolina that were familiar with Fox and knew someone that had graduated from their philosophy program. As we left that group, one of the men begun singing the American folk song “Simple Gifts” as a nod to our Quaker college. Near the top, we reached terraces that we had to climb on all fours like monkeys.

We paused at a landing here and took lots of photos, before climbing farther to the actual peak.

Photo by Alyssa

We took picture with the sign and group selfie over the edge. Bernadette recreated the 1818 painting “Wanderer over a sea of fog.”

Photo by Alyssa

Photo by Holly

We caught our breath and continued over the rocks at the very top, where we took more photos, of course.

Photo by Holly

Being the Chomp ambassador that I am, I took a photo with the Chomp that I shared with others at the peak!

Photo by Holly

We had to take a different route down for the first bit, which took us through a narrow tunnel before rejoining the initial path at the base of the terraces.

The way down was faster and we completed the whole trek in just over two hours. Henry led us through the rest of the site quickly as we rushed to our 1:00 lunch reservation.

As the reservation was not under Henry, Holly, Apus Peru, or George Fox, Henry had to make some phone calls before figuring out that our reservation was under G.F.U.

We were seated and enjoyed our pick of foods from a large buffet. My favorites were the Arabic rice and the ham pizza, along with the bread and salsa, of course.

Continued in Part 2!

[planetearthquest]

ENDLESS SUMMER SOUTH AMERICA 🇵🇦 🇵🇾 🇧🇷 🇦🇷 🇨🇱 🇵🇪 🇪🇨 🇨🇴 This satellite image is our exact track ON THE OCEAN SAND as a workaround to the protestors’ road blocks two days ago. Still problems around the country but we are safe and camped at a beach. Headed to Ecuador 🇪🇨 when things calm down for the border pass. Demonstration Alert: U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru    Location: Peru  Event:  Peruvian Government Sponsored Evacuation from Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu Village on December 17 (Issued December 16, 2022)  The Government of Peru is organizing an evacuation via four helicopters of the most vulnerable foreign tourists from Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu Village on December 17.  If affected U.S. citizens choose to participate, they will need to personally visit the “Casa de la Cultura” (House of Culture) in Aguas Calientes TODAY, December 16 and must present their passports.  Hotels in Aguas Calientes should be able to direct travelers to this location.  Less vulnerable travelers who will remain at Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu Village should follow instructions from local authorities whether they choose to remain in place for assistance with travel to Cusco, as well as any travelers who may choose to travel by foot.  Curfews are in place for the provinces of Virú, Andahuaylas, and Chincheros from 18:00 to 04:00; Ica, Pisco, Tayacaja, Angaraes, and Cangallo from 19:00 to 04:00; Arequipa, Cusco, La Convención, Chumbivilcas, Espinar, Carabaya, and San Román (Juliaca) from 20:00 to 04:00.  Please obey the curfews and follow instructions given by the Peruvian authorities. The Cusco Airport (CUZ) is open and flights are departing.  Travelers should not travel to the airport until they have a confirmed flight that indicates it will depart on time.  Airports in Ayacucho (AYP), Arequipa (AQP), Juliaca (near Puno) (JUL), and Andahuaylas (ANS) remain closed.  Local information indicates that the airport in Arequipa (AQP) may open for daytime flights only on December 19.  The U.S. Embassy will distribute further information as soon as it becomes available. (at Playa Lobitos - Talara) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmROjPJL0O_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[affordableworld]

HOW TO CLIMB MACHU PICCHU WITHOUT GETTING ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Because of its altitude, Machu Picchu is not always an easy trek to complete. The area was built at an elevation of 8,000 feet above sea level, which means that you’ll need to make sure you’re acclimated to the altitude before you begin hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and other surrounding destinations. If you’re planning on traveling to Machu Picchu, here are some tips on how to go about it so that you can get there with your health intact! 

High Altitude Tips for Cusco

Because of the high altitude, you will have to take a few precautions before heading out. You’ll want to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the excursion and during the hike. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. It may be tempting to have a glass of wine or a morning cup of coffee, but both beverages can lead to dehydration. Think twice before hanging out late the night before. Being well rested will give you the much needed boost of energy. Eat light meals and avoid overeating. Keep your head up as you walk around, but don't overexert yourself or climb too many stairs at once (rest frequently). 

The Best Places Near Machu Picchu

Cusco is the best place to start your journey. Not only is it the gateway to Machu Picchu, but it's also full of Incan history and culture. Plus, at 3,400 meters above sea level, it's a good acclimatization point. Arequipa is another great option. It's about 2,000 meters lower than Cusco, so you'll have an easier time adjusting. With its rich colonial past, this city has plenty of restaurants, bars, hotels and museums for those looking for more adventure. For travelers with less time in Peru or those who are sensitive to altitude sickness, choose one of these three cities as a stopping point before or after Machu Picchu: Huaraz (about 4 hours from Cusco), Puno (about 9 hours from Cusco) or Lima (about 10 hours from Cusco).

Inca Trail - Things To Know

If you're planning on doing the Inca Trail, there are a few things you should know before setting off. Firstly, the trail is at a high altitude, so it's important to be prepared for that. Secondly, the trail can be quite challenging, so make sure you're physically fit enough to take it on. Thirdly, the weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly. Fourthly, there are plenty of amazing sights to see along the way, so make sure you take your time to enjoy them.  Finally, this is not an easy hike and you should not attempt it if you have any type of medical condition or are under 16 years old.

Going from Machu Picchu Back Down

It is important to remember that when you are descending from Machu Picchu, you are still at a high altitude. Give yourself time to adjust by spending a day or two in Cusco before heading back down the mountain. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol while you are acclimatizing. Take it easy on your first day back down and listen to your body. If you feel ill, stop and rest immediately.

Don't worry - not all people get altitude sickness and even if they do, it usually only lasts one day or less! Seeing this area of Peru is an unforgettable experience. Charge your phones and have plenty of memory on your camera because you’ll want to take plenty of pictures and videos. 

[ironwoman18]

Garvez Moments part 10

I want to apologize for the long time. I had a writer block and the ideas were gone and I did not the best ideas.

Chapter 10: Honeymoon

The couple left to Peru - Lima. They took an airplane from Washington to the long travel to the south American country.

They arrived early the next day, and they were really tired and just check in and sleep a couple of hours.

Later that day they took a shower and after dinner they took a short walk just to see the hotel surrounded area.

"I never imagined to come here or even getting married" said Penelope smiling at him.

"I'm happy then.... because I want to do things we never thought we could do" He smiled and kissed her.

After that they returned to the hotel and up to their room where they slept all night long. Then at morning they got ready to the tour to Machu Picchu.

They woke up hugging each other in bed. Penelope checked her phone after removing her sleep mask "babe... it's time to get ready"

He kissed her cheek softly "I will take a quick shower and while you take yours I will go to get us breakfast"

After Luke did as he said, she got in the water and took a long shower and when he arrived she was putting on her shoes "I'm not use to wear sneakers but I don't want a broken ankle so..." she said putting on her shoes.

They ate a sandwich with coffee and later left to depart from Cusco, with pickup from your hotel and a transfer from the city center to your train station. They chose the Expedition train, the Vistadome, with glass on all sides for a better viewing.

Then they enjoyed a scenic train ride,  with stunning views of the mountainous terrain that makes up the area near Machu Picchu.

They arrived in Aguas Calientes, the small village located at the base of this famous Inca site, and board a bus for the short ride to this sacred citadel.

On their way the tour guy, with a thick accent, explained "Machu Picchu was completed around 1450, when the Inca Empire was at the peak of its power and influence, the site was left vacant within 100 years of its creation, thanks to the conquest of the Inca people by the Spanish. Though the site today remains abandoned, many believe Machu Picchu to be a key center of spiritual energy..."

"I'm sure Reid would be correcting this guy or even saying facts about how they sacrificed their children to a god" said Penelope in a whisper to her husband.

"Or telling us what the name means and everything about it" they laughed softly as they imagined boy genius voice talking.

They followed their guide through the main streets of the marvel of ancient engineering. Learning about the site’s history and design as they meandered and taking photos through the town square, key religious sites, an elaborate network of agricultural terraces, and intricately-designed stone staircases.

After spending a few hours at the site, they returned by bus to the train station in Aguas Calientes and then to their chosen train for the trip back to Cusco and their hotel.

Penelope felt tired but happy. The height did not bothered as much as she thought and spending some time with her handsome husband were worth the money and the long travel.

Fourteen hours later they couple were back resting in their hotel room. The helicopter tour will be in two days so they planned to walk around, try local food and buy presents.

They spent one of those days at the pool. It was summer season in the South so the heat was perfect for the pool.

The next day they left to the airport to get aboard the helicopter.

They arrived and there was a man with black hair and tanned skin. He was wearing a blue jacket and jeans with a hat.

"Welcome to the Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International airport. I'm Felipe Gomez and I guess you are Luke and Penelope Alvez?"

They both nod "nice to meet you Felipe, I guess you are Dave's friend right?" Said Luke smiling.

"Yeah I am" he smiled "he booked this flight for you as a present for you as a wedding gift. And I owned him a free flight" they looked at him with raised eyebrows "let's say he won a bet and one of the things included were a free flight" they laughed "today I will be your guide and Alex, my brother will the pilot. You will look Sacred Valley from up high in our helicopter" he led them to the helicopter "as FBI agents you must know the safety rules but as a law requirement I have to inform you" he took a moment to do it then they all got in and they took off.

Once in the air, they headed towards the Sacred Valley, specifically to two of the most magnificent Inca constructions: Maras and Moray.

"Ok let me tell you about the places we are going to. Maras is a salt extraction center that has been operating since the time of the Incas. It is made up of thousands of rectangular water deposits located on the side of a mountain, which together form an out-of-this-world landscape. And we will also pass over Moray, an enormous construction of concentric circles that worked as an agricultural laboratory"

The saw the Maras' white floor, there were some people walking on them and taking photos. Then the helicopter flew over Moray, a bunch of group of circles one inside the other like a football stadium.

The saw also the mountains around those two places and returned to the airport. The place was amazing and they enjoyed it.

The rest of the honeymoon was full of small tours around the city and watching more places in Cusco.

For their last night in Peru, they went to a restaurant to have dinner and the place had a dance floor so after dinner they dance some good Latin music and had fun.

"This was a lovely place and I hope we can come back because I think we missed some other historical places" she said as they walked to the hotel.

"I'm agree and spending this with you was the best" they smiled and kissed softly then arrived to the hotel to sleep and left for the airport to begin their journey back to the US.

OOooOOooOO

I hope you liked this. Next one will be the Garvez baby.

[aventurasdeunatortuga]

7/7 Machu Picchu

Today was the day: Machu Picchu.

This day kicked my butt.

We woke up at 3am in our hotel in Aguas Calientes. The system is that buses start running every 15 minutes at 5:30am to Machu Picchu. We had our tickets already. So did everyone else. People start lining up between 1-2am. We got in line at 4:30. We waited for probably an hour and a half, which was considered short. The bus ride was 15 minutes. Machu Picchu doesn’t open until 6:30. There was probably 1,000 people standing by the entrance when we got there. When they opened the door it was like a stampede. It was still dark out. After getting through the gate we hiked for 20 minutes through the forest up the hillside until reaching the viewpoint. From there we had to wait in line for a while to take a photo at the photo point. It was very stressful.

After that we hiked a little farther ahead and watched the sun rise over the mountains while Alvin and Silvana told us about Machu Picchu. During the height of the Inca empire in the 1500s Cusco (Qosqo) was the capital. When Cusco was threatened with invasion the then emperor ordered the construction of Machu Picchu, intimidatingly located in a very picturesque spot in difficult to get to mountains. They made it look very impressive and intimidating to scare off invaders, and it worked. Nobility and other privileged people lived at Machu Picchu. It was considered to be in a very good spot geographically and religiously so it was considered good luck to spend time there. They had amazing plumbing and impressive construction considering the location high in the mountains and the fact that they had neither the wheel nor any load bearing domesticated animals other than the not very strong llama.

When the Spaniards arrived in 1527 (I think?) the Incas had just finished a civil war and were vulnerable and fractured politically, which the Spaniards immediately detected. They invited the emperor and the nobility to a feast of friendship and there killed the nobility and kidnapped the emperor. They held him at a ransom for several rooms full of gold held in the great central temple of the sun (Qorikancha), the heart of the Inca empire, in Cusco. The people gave this gold to them, the Spaniards executed the emperor anyway. They then forced the people to destroy their own sacred temple and built a monastery on top of it using the very same stones. The had to melt down all of their artifacts and records and idols to make Christian images instead.

The people of Cusco saw this happening to their sacred places and sent runners to Machu Picchu (rumored to make the normally 4 day journey in under 5 hours). They told the people to evacuate Machu Picchu, destroy all records of it, and seal off all of the mountain passes leading to it. They did this to save their sacred place.

It worked. The Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu. It remains as it was in Inca times.

In 1909 an American professor from Yale, Hiram Bingham, was in Peru trying to find the fabled lost city of gold (El Dorado). He stumbled upon some smaller ruins near Cusco and heard from locals about another larger ruin. They refused on principle to show him where it was. He got them drunk and bribed them into agreeing to guiding him there. A small child was ultimately the one to show Bingham the ruins of Machu Picchu itself, untouched for 4 centuries.

Hiram Bingham took that opportunity to ransack the ruins for millions of dollars worth of gold and artifacts which he smuggled back to the US and kept the gold for himself and gave the artifacts to Yale, where they remain to this day. He returned a few years later accompanied by National Geographic and Kodak and claimed that he was seeing the place for the first time and had discovered it by himself (locals had always known it was there). He is lauded as a hero in archeological discovery to this day.

Sigh.

Anyway, seeing the ruins themselves was really stressful. They had a specific path to walk on and you could only walk in one direction. They had designated spots to take pictures and if you stopped or held up the flow of people in any way officers would blow a loud shrill whistle on you until you continued walking. We spent over 4 hours in blazing heat doing this. It was incredibly stressful and overwhelming and I felt very on edge when we were finally able to leave.

Most people had just come to take pictures of themselves there. Endless endless selfies and poses made me wish we lived in a time without photography.

We fought through a crowd to get on another bus back to Aguas Calientes where we were able to have a brief respite in a cafe overlooking the river. The local people had an enormous parade to celebrate the anniversary of Machu Picchu being declared a wonder of the world and all had on an incredible variety of their traditional outfits which was so cool to see.

We walked about the town a bit, it looked completely different in daylight, and had a last lunch with our group before heading back to the train station to go back to Ollantaytambo.

There was a riot at the train station when we got there. The train itself was segregated by class in a way I can only compare to the Titanic. Tourists were given comfortable, spacious train cars with reserved reclining seats and generous snacks and beautiful windows ($60USD a person). Locals were crammed into standing room only train cars with no ventilation, faces pressed against the windows (4 soles, about $1usd per person). Many people had come in to town from the surrounding communities to participate in the parade today and the train was their only way home. The station sells limitless tickets so many people had been waiting for hours to get on. The tourists were courteously shown to their seats without incident and with zero wait time but locals were being held back by policeman and the crowd had started to riot and yell. We were caught in the middle of this.

At a certain point, the police started yelling EMERGENCIA EMERGENCIA and a man was brought through from town on a stretcher, gravely injured. Apparently he needed to get on the train to get to a hospital. They would not allow him on the tourist car so they pushed several people off of the locals car so that he would be able to go. The locals would not have it. There was screaming and yelling and it was close to physical violence by the time we were ushered to the platform away from the crowd by a security guard.

It was really scary and just sickening to see. There is so much money generated from over 7,000 people visiting Machu Picchu every day and almost none of it benefits the local people, it all goes into the pockets of a few wealthy foreign business owners and if anything it makes the lives of local people more difficult.

We got to Ollantaytambo at about 5pm, then rode in a van for 2.5 hours to get back to Cusco. We were so exhausted and rubbed raw by that point and due to bank issues while we were gone we had just a small amount of cash on hand for dinner.

We went to the bar inside the hostel and ordered dinner with our remaining money. They gave us the wrong order and refused to change it saying ‘what do you want us to do about it?’. They took 25 minutes to bring us drinks ( we were the only ones there) and when we asked about it they tried to charge us double for it. It was too much for me and I was so overwhelmed already I started yelling in Spanish and then burst into tears and left.

Not my proudest moment.

They gave us the drinks 15 minutes later (Abby had to ask about them again even after my blowout). We left heads hanging low and tried to go to bed. We laid down and then a girl came in upset saying “Hey!! You stole my bed!! Thats my bed!!” So exhausted, rubbed raw, and still sobbing uncontrollably I had to go ask the reception for help (they were very disturbed by me in my blubbering state) and moved our beds.

Longest day ever.

Also just goes to show, my instagram post from today standing triumphant at Machu Picchu with the sunrise in the background was VERY different from the true experiences of the day. People polish everything on social media and only show the highlights…it doesn’t reflect reality.

[odilletours]

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[themillsdaughter]

we saved a few things that were spared

you can also read this in AO3

Contrary to public believe, Kat does know how to focus on the present. She just doesn’t do it with people around.

The soft hum of the shower is what grounds her, what lets her feel the world around her. The strength of the ceramic beneath her feet, the honks of New York’s traffic coming from the window, the soap slipping through her skin, creating bubbles and sterility.

Kat likes becoming a physical being while she’s safe, while she has a plastic curtain surrounding her and warm, pressurised water pouring down. Adena had made her real with a simple smile and some well delivered words.

It’d been refreshing and terrifying.

“How many pairs of underwear do you think I should take?”

“How many times do you plan on having sex?” Sutton retorts, lying in the middle of Kat’s bed, surrounded by clothes.

“I might not have enough pairs.” She frowns and the double uhh makes her smirk.

“Standard plan, babe. One panty a day and a bra each two days.” Jane suggests. It’s a valid input, so she counts fourteen panties and throws them in her bag, grabbing a few extras for emergencies. “I still can’t believe you’re doing this.”

“Trust me, neither do I.” Kat mumbles.

She doesn’t believe it until a flight attendant is instructing people to buckle their seatbelts.

This is why a couple running towards each other became such a cliché in romances. This feeling right here, the weight and warmth and familiarity is why two people rush to clutch their significant others tightly.

Adena keeps going off in Farsi, eyes sparkling with confusion and happiness and endearment and that is the reason why she came. Why she dragged her ass bright and early and convinced her boss that she could maintain her most important duties halfway across the continent.

People are starting to stare at them, now. Curious, more than anything.

Kat is very good at Spanish, but she cannot speak Persian for shit, so she kisses the woman holding her face and stops the unknown words.

It’s fulfilling, having Adena against her.

(“How does it feel?”

“Uh empty?”)

“How long?” Adena asks in between kisses, a hand making its way up and up and up Kat’s leg.

“Fly back on,” A sigh, a soft bite on a lower lip, a moan as swift fingers hit her inner thigh. “the seventeenth.”

She’d bought the return ticket before anything else. She knew she’d consider staying forever, otherwise. She knew that with big smiles and huge eyes and that sharp tongue being near her and all around her, she knew she would not go back to the US if she wasn’t forced to.

“A vacation?”

Kat knows what Adena is referring to, knows she’s being asked how she approached Jacqueline on taking time off.

“An adventure.”

(I know that you said that you’re tired of adventure and everything, but I’ve never had one.)

A dream has her tossing and thrashing and choking on her own saliva. Kat wakes up to soothing words and soft touches.

“Breathe, my love.” Adena whispers, an arm around Kat’s shoulders as she coughs. “Breathe.”

It takes her lungs a minute to settle down, not to gulp for air desperately, ineffectively.

Her heart slams against her ribs, a car speeds by outside, reminding her that this is reality.

Jane and Sutton smiling and smiling and being ripped away suddenly. Crying for Kat, begging her for help and she not moving, she not running to them and she just wanting to help, to make it alright again. And Adena, looking at her from afar, tears streaming down her cheeks, ‘home’ echoing around and Kat not fucking moving. That had all been a nightmare. Of course it had.

“It’s gone, it’s gone.”

Real Adena caresses the back of her neck, leans a chin against her shoulder when she stays seated.

Just a nightmare. Nothing more.

She doesn’t mention it when Adena convinces her to lie back down, but Kat hasn’t had a nightmare since she was twelve.

“Not even over my dead, cold-ass body.”

“ Why?”  Jane and Sutton groan together. She rolls her eyes, hears Adena chuckling a few steps away.

(it is tucked somewhere around her stomach, the fear the dream seems to have left behind.)

“I am not going anywhere near a llama.”

“But it’s a classic!” Jane whines. A child, honestly.

“Can you really experience Peru if you don’t see a llama up close?” Sutton quirks an eyebrow.

“Yes, yes you can. There’s the Larco Museum here in Lima, Machu Picchu and Moray and Sak- Saks-”

“Saksaywaman.” Adena supplies, sitting on the couch, molding herself to Kat’s side.

“Yeah, and all of those in Cusco.”

“Whatever, have fun being like every other tourist.” Sutton moves out of frame, exasperated.

Correction: children.

“At least I get to be one.”

“Hey,” Sutton reappears, mouth dropped in pretend shock. “mean. Bye.”

The call ends and she shares a look with the woman leaning into her.

Her friends are fine. Assholes as usual, but fine. Adena is not crying and this hug they have going on feels like home.

It’s fascinating, watching as slick, brown hair slowly disappears in a wrap of silk and colors. She has the details down in four days. Adena likes to wear the knot on top of her head, instead of closer to her neck and favors bold, statement patterns.

The first step is pinning the hair in place. Kat likes to fumble with the little strands left behind, too short to pull up. She only does it when they are alone, but seeing shivers running down the woman’s spine makes her happier than she can explain.

“Oh, Steve and Rachel invited us to go hiking with them.” Adena says, voice stranded due to two pins she holds with the corner of her mouth.

“The couple from down the hall?”

“Yes.” A nod, a few silent moments of concentration as the last section of hair is secured into place. In comes the underscarf and Adena turns her attention back to Kat. “Do you want to go?”

“I’m not really into cardio.”

“I’m coming to believe you’re not very much into anything .”

“Except you.” She gets a smirk for that one. “But sure, new country, new me. Sort of.”

Kat pays attention as a yellow scarf is folded and wrapped around Adena’s head. Some twists here and pulls there and they are ready to leave the Airbnb apartment.

(five thousand percent less expensive than daily fees in a hotel)

She is pretty proud of how much she endures before the breaking point.

Bugs everywhere, slippery ground and an unforgiving sun.

Kat is not a nature person. It is just not in her. She’s never had a pet, missed it only for the lack of the distraction one would have given her.

She is not a nature person, nor a cardio person.

The view is beautiful and calming and it is not the same quiet as growing up. It is peaceful and filled with white noises. So she marches on.

Nine miles. Kat hikes Peruvian lands for nine (out of fifteen) miles. When she sees the snake, however, she’s fucking done.

Granted, she was the idiot who didn’t pay attention to her surroundings properly. But a snake ? No ma’am, thank you. In no shape or form will she put on a poker face with that on the equation.

She’d sat down for a moment to drink some water and catch her breath and the only reason she’d even noticed the snake when she did had been Adena’s nervous, paralyzed form looking somewhere over her shoulder.

When Kat followed the gaze and saw the reptile, her heart had exploded inside her. It’d taken every ounce of her being not to sprint out and away on that very second. The longass animal had already been tense and somewhere, some useful part of her brain had screamed SLOW MOVEMENTS YOU DUMB FUCK and she had listened because it sounded right.

“You know, Boa Constrictors are not really venomous to humans.” Steve comments, the road wide enough for the four of them to walk side by side.

“Still scary.” She sighs, flinches when Adena lays an unannounced hand on the small of her back.

Rachel carries on talking about animals and the beauty in their complexity.

Kat has no shits to give. She is adept to fluffy, domesticable beings. Dogs, if she were to be picky.

“The magazine ran an article on NYC rescue centers a few months back. Got a huge online flux.” It’s the best she can do at small talk. “We even set up a few online crash courses for young rescues.”

“I think I saw something about it,” Steve admits. He’s an easy dude. She has no idea how Adena finds these people. “A great initiative. If more people knew about how to properly care for them, maybe there wouldn’t be so many extreme rescue cases.”

The image of a cute, furry puppy gives her enough strength to finish their journey back.

Machu Picchu is interesting. Intricate and old and vibrating with energy.

“Can you imagine? Building something so complex all those years ago?”

The abandoned city itself is enchanting. Adena’s delighted smile is even more so.

A thousand pictures are taken. She serves as a model for most of them. The tour guide takes a few portraits of Adena and her and those are her favorites.

She buys a few souvenirs. Jane and Sutton would kill her at the spot otherwise. She sits in a low, living-being free (she checks) step, taking in the antique stores as she waits for Adena to come back with their icecreams.

She tips her head back, absorbs the warmth of the sunshine. There are kids laughing and speaking a few yards away. Kat focuses on the consistent hum of the fountain to her left, feeling the stone under her butt, under her palms. The straps of her backpack at her shoulders, the foreign scents and tongue, the stiff poke and drag under her leg, the-

Wait. What the-

Her eyelids snap open.

Not another snake.

Not another snake.

For fuck’s sake, not another sn-

A cat.

A kitten, actually.

A dirty, shaking and tiny kitten hiding under her legs.

A cat under Kat.

This trip was supposed to be fun and sexy and relaxing. Why does it have to be weird, too?

The kids from down the street are coming at full speed towards her. She sees the front runner’s look and it takes her an instant to make the decision.

Kat reaches down, wraps her fingers around the ridiculously small body. The animal meows and twists and tries with all its might to run from her. As she leans it in her lap, the children surround her.

A couple of shouts in Spanish. She makes out a few keywords before a beat cop comes closer and snaps something, making the kids shut up.

“ Estamos jugando con eso. ” A boy, no taller than her waist, points at the cat in her hands.

No wonder the kitten is shaking so bad. Half a dozen humans passing it around as a toy cannot be easy.

“ El gatito no es una cosa.”  The officer doesn’t take his eyes off the kids. “ ¿De quien es?”

“ Yo lo encontré.” The front runner speaks.

“ Y la mamá?”

“ No se. No creo que tengas una.”

She sighs, takes a glance at the cat and then at the woman coming in her direction, frown in place.

Crap.

“Did we really smuggle a cat into the city?” Adena’s voice is warm and amused.

“It was either bringing it with us or giving it back to the children.”

Kat pulls her hoodie open and takes out the kitten. It starts meowing louder as soon as she touches it. She thinks it’s a girl. They are calling it Pecky, for now, because it almost sounds like pequeña and the kitty is so fucking small.

“Yes, I know.” Adena continues, sitting on their bed as Kat kneels on the ground and tries to check if their guest has any injuries. “However, it still sounds crazy.”

“I’m pretty sure this is the most wild thing I’ve ever done.”

“Well, your friends will be dying to hear of your adventures when you get home.”

She furrows her brows. Her chest gets too tight when she thinks about leaving. About only one more morning waking up to soft skin and long lashes. Kat focuses back on Pecky.

“God, she’s full of fleas. Look.” She distances some fur for a clear view at the skin and sure enough four or five little black spots rush by in a few seconds.

The crash course flashes through her mind. Access health, keep hydrated, give wet food if big enough to fill your hand.

There were no pet shops open, so the canned tuna pasta from the convenience store will have to do.

Adena runs a tentative finger under Pecky’s chin. The cat meows, but allows the touch.

“Dish soap kills fleas.” The woman mumbles, starting to pull her hijab apart.

“How do you know that?”

“I got curious about Scarlet’s article.”

Kat smiles. Pecky meows and skips away on top of their comforter.

“Wanna give her a bath, then?”

“Nice try.” Adena flops down on her belly, watching as the kitten looks intrigued at her discarded scarf.

just let me go just let me go, I just want to help them

“kat!”

it’s sutton, desperate, in the dark, needing her. she just wants to help, just wants to make things better.

“home”

adena, beautiful, alone, an unwilling nomad.

“please!”

jane, tiny, amazing, loyal, unsure, scared.

she just wants to help she just wants to take them in she just-

Kat wakes up to a skinny tail resting on top of her nose. Pecky is half asleep, still, but when Kat looks down, the pet gazes back.

“Are you okay?”

She allows the voice to wash over her, inching closer to the body behind her.

“Yeah.”

She tells herself it is not a lie.

Saving a kitty is a welcome distraction to the heartache leaving Adena gives her. The initial plan had been to get to a vet first thing in the morning, find a no-kill shelter and try to make the most of the rest of the day.

A vet is found with no problem at all, the shelter, though, is a bit trickier.

“She won’t survive.” The secretary for the place says, an indifference Kat suspects is more for his own protection than lack of empathy.

“Wanna look at her and say that again, pal?”

The guy sighs and keeps his eyes on his notepad, ringing their expenses in.

“We get over doscientos a year. Not enough money.” He extends the receipt, waits for her to sign. “Maybe you take care of it?”

“We have a flight to take.” She scribbles her name on the thin paper, slides it back to the man over the counter and he finally takes a peek at the white ball of fluff inside the carrier she’d just bought.

“There are certificates.” He gives her a kind smile. Yeap, not that indifferent after all. Realistic, perhaps.

Kat crosses gazes with Adena. She is answered with a nod.

“Do you have international ones?” She gives in, reaching her finger to tease Pecky through the plastic screen.

“Maybe I can find someone to take her.” Kat tries.

She has her folded legs leaning over Adena’s as they wait in the lobby to be called for the flight.

Cusco to Lima, Lima to the USA. She’ll only have a human companion through half the trip.

“That’s possible.”

“And, you know, she’s pretty cute without those dirt-dreadlocks.”

“She’ll get adopted in no time.” Adena runs a thumb across Kat’s knee. She tries to memorize the feeling, the exact amount of heat and the mixture of scents coming off in waves from the woman’s perfume.

Pecky lies on the triangle between their mingled bodies and the back of the airport seat, playing with a balled up piece of paper. Kat gets pinned in place by a pair of blue feline eyes. She steals the makeshift ball and holds it slightly out of reach for the kitten. It stands on its back paws in a glance, using a firm clutch on the stollen toy as support.

Feisty little thing.

“I’m really going to miss you, Adena.”

She doesn’t have the slightest idea of where that comes from. All she knows, all she feels, is a squeeze in her calf where Adena’s hand now rests and her smell and her heat and her gorgeous, expressive eyes caressing her.

Pecky starts nibbling at the handle of her purse.

Kat learns to fully appreciate classical music in under an hour and a half.

She’d never been averse to it, simply more interested in other styles, but Adena loves it and insists on not only listening to it during their flight, but in having Kat pay attention too.

The multiple instruments give off an unique sound and they get even better, if she were to be honest, since they give her the opportunity to have a lovely head tucked in her neck.

One of her hands is clasped permanently inside the woman’s both and she uses her free palm to cradle a sleeping Pecky. The cat doesn’t like to be picked up, but she sure as hell enjoys going under leaning against someone.

One melody after the other, she lets her mind waver and travel. Her passport is still empty. Her thoughts go around the world.

Kat imagines Adena’s visa magically coming through before she leaves for the US. She imagines Central Park walks and Scarlet’s gala with a plus one invite which actually gets used.

Kat imagines movie nights with the girls, her and Adena sharing the floor and a throw blanket.

She imagines domesticity and happiness and continuity.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra stops playing through her headphones and the airplane starts to descent.

“You’re going to be safe, right? You’re going to look before you take a seat and you’re not going to get too close to wild animals and you’re going to be alright, right?”

“I’m going to be fine.” Not a promise. Not what she’d asked.

Adena frames her face (exactly, fucking exactly like she’d done when Kat had arrived ) and kisses her.

They do not cry.

“Until next time, love.”

Oh, Adena. Kind and thoughtful and holding Kat’s heart just as she holds her luggage.

( attention, this is the last call for flight number 34952 leaving for New York City,United States)

Maybe she leaves a piece of herself in Peru, just as she takes a bit of it in a paw-printed carrier.

“Any puns will be paid for.”

Jane and Sutton seem confused, welcoming her into a group hug all the same.

She’s tired and sore. Pecky can’t actually pee on her own yet, which meant Kat had to make her way into the bathroom every couple of hours and use a tissue to stimulate the kitten into relieving herself.

She’s tired and she misses Adena worse than she did when she’d been too foolish and afraid and the woman had moved to Paris.

“How was the trip?”

“Did you take pictures?”

Honestly, as much as she misses Adena, she’s missed these two.

“No turbulences and, uhm, Adena is still uploading stuff to the cloud.”

“And how are you?”

Something gives her away. Maybe the girls just know her too much. Maybe her metaphorical bucket is too full and it spills and leaks everywhere. Maybe her aura is black or some other color that means rotten.

Either way, Kat receives one more embrace.

“We have cheap wine and two new TV Shows in our queue.” Tiny Jane offers.

That’s good. That’s very good. She can’t have movie nights with her best friends and the woman who holds her heart. She can, however, get blissfully drunk and indulge herself in bad rom-com plots.

“You better take me home, then.” She forces a steady smile to counteract the bitterness in her stomach. “We just need to stock up on wet cat food, first.”

“Ah, what?”

“Why?”

No one said she couldn’t get a little amusement out of this. One hand brings up the pet-holder she holds and the other points at it.

“Surprise.”

“Kat, is that a….” Sutton frowns, matching Jane.

“Cat.” She nods, glares pointedly and the pun comment downs on them.

“How was the trip?” Jacqueline doesn’t stop the treadmill, but her smile seems genuine.

“It was good. Peru is gorgeous.”

“It is. We had a photoshoot there for,” Her boss looks away, thinking, and snaps her eyes back a second later. “Fall, two-thousand four. Absolutely spectacular.”

“The culture is very interesting. The ruins live up to their fame.” Kat nods politely. She has to be very careful with her request. Not everyone gets to take a two-week long leave with no forewarning.

“Well, it’s great to have you back. In time for the children’s day picnic, no less.”

Another nod. She’ll have to double check the celebs attending and confirm their snapchat-filter order.

“Jacqueline?”

The woman starts to gradually slow her steps, gives Kat a go ahead smirk.

“Do you mind making the pet-friendly office policy count?”

“How do you mean?” Her boss stops completely.

“We were always allowed to bring our pets with us, right? But since I got here it seemed a silent rule that no one actually brought them.”

“And you want to break that rule?” Jacqueline turns to her desk, flips through a couple of concepts a fashion assistant delivers.

Dennise, Kat thinks, not surprised by the lack of knocking nor the lack of any words from the short redhead.

“With your permission.”

She only gets a hum for a moment, Jacqueline scribing a few things over a sticky note before gluing it on the glossy photographs and handing it to Dennise.

The girl (younger than Kat herself) takes the pages and scurries out.

“What is it you have?”

“A cat.”

An amused look crosses the blonde’s face. She’s thankful no comment follows.

“She’s just a baby and it’d be just until I get her adopted.” Kat continues, tries to explain because she really can’t leave Pecky alone the whole day everyday. The kitten would be terrified, not to mention destroy the apartment.

“Fine.” Jacqueline shrugs. Kat smiles. “But make sure she’s trained. God help you if she uses any of Oliver’s things as a scratching post.”

When she leaves the glass office, she and Sutton exchange a discrete air-fistbump.

To be completely straight, Kat fully intends on giving Pecky away. It is a goal of hers. It is.

It doesn’t happen on the first month because her days can be summarized into waking up, working, facetiming Adena and having a drink with the girls. She’s simply too busy to go looking for a shelter to find willing adopters.

It has nothing to do with the cat being adorable and fitting into her hand and sleeping on her chest.

The adoption also doesn’t happen on the second month because that’s when Sidney comes to work with them and develops a crush on her. She’s flattered, really, but seriously she has a picture of Adena and her in Machu Picchu as her lockscreen and she lets him see it as much as possible. He cannot take a hint and she cannot simply drop my girlfriend in their conversation, since she isn’t sure she has one.

“Have you heard anything?” Kat should know better than to ask. She doesn’t and the need for expressive eyes and soft skin is too glaring inside of her.

“Not yet.” Adena sighs, pulls the sheets up, tighter around her chest. Lying like this, in the dark and both ready to sleep, they can almost fool themselves into believing they are in the same space.

“It’s going to be alright, right?” She feels pathetic, asking for reassurance when it isn’t about her.

“Yes, Kat. It’s going to be alright.”

Pecky stops fitting inside her hand and Jane stops sending her adoption web pages by month three.

By month four, she doesn’t quite remember the smell of Adena’s perfume.

“It’s going to be alright, right?” That’s always how it goes. Every week when they hear nothing about the visa. “It’s going to be alright.”

“Yes, Kat. It’s going to be alright.”

The perfume had been rich and citric. Kat can’t place how, exactly.

Sutton gets pregnant and Sidney kisses Kat by month five. She does not kiss him back and Sutton has a miscarriage three days later, after talking to Richard and deciding to have the baby.

“What are we, Adena?”

“How do you mean?”

She knows. By the slight waver of the voice coming through her phone that Adena understood what she meant fully well.

“Are we dating? Are we waiting on each other? Are we settling?”

“I’m four thousand miles away.”

It’s not an answer, so she doesn’t accept it. She cries into her pillow and Pecky sits on the armchair at the corner of the room, staring at her.

Adena, 7:33 AM:

I’m sorry about last night, call me when you have time .

Kat washes the sleep away and then, she calls.

“It’s going to be alright, right?”

“I don’t know, Kat. I don’t know, anymore.”

Jane and Pinstripe Guy break up and Jacqueline is getting a divorce, apparently. It feels weird, to drink alongside her boss in a poorly-lit, over-crowded bar down the street from where she works. Pecky is spending the night at the vet, though, getting spayed and Jane talks and Sutton drinks and Jacqueline stays for only half an hour.

Kat wants to call Adena as soon as she gets home. She’s drunk and confused and Adena does not have a home of her own to stumble into. She doesn’t call.

“I miss you.” It is whispered through the line as if they are conspiring. Kat smiles, feels her heart squeezing and jumping and melting away.

“I miss you too.”

“Will I still have you, if I come back?”

“Yeah, Adena. I’m gonna be here.”

Everything is messy and complicated and everyone around her seems somehow unhappy.

(except for Pecky, who plays in the corner with her rolling toy-mouse. Small blessings, she supposes)

Her Thanksgiving is long and lonely, but filled with wine.

Jane had gone to see her brothers, Sutton to see her mom and Kat had insisted she’d be fine. Her friends deserved a break, deserved some moments to heal.

She calls Adena by the end of the day, perhaps a glass away from way too many.

“I really really really like you, Adena.”

“I like you too, Kat.”

“I hate having to wait to be with you.”

“I’m sorry.”

The eyes looking at her through the screen move away, to somewhere she can’t see and can’t understand and is that sadness? Are those tears? Shit. Fuck. Goddamit.

“I’m going to, though.” She tries to make it reassuring. Tries to take it back to when Adena wasn’t so clearly torn, to when it was just unneasiness.

“I know.” Adena sighs, seems guilty now and Kat watches as a hand brushes the tears away. “I just don’t know if there’s any hope in that.”

“There is. Adena,” Her voice is firmer, now. She’s still pretty drunk, but this is important. “There is hope in it. You’re going to get your visa. Or you won’t. But either way, we’re going to work through it. The magazine is always planning events in other countries and I can start going with, instead of sending others and you can flight there and we can have a thousand and four new adventures, together.”

“A thousand and four? That’s an specific number.”

“Multiply it by five hundred and twenty seven.”

“You’re learning your numbers.”

That gorgeous, warm smile comes back. Her chest squeezes and her body grows hotter.

“Yes, thank you for noticing.”

Adena nods, cleans a few tears away.

Correction: Her Thanksgiving is lonely and long, but filled with wine and drunken conclusions.

The weirdness starts about a week after the 25th. Jane and Sutton start always being too tired for movie nights or shopping sprees or drinking games.

After, Adena breaks her iphone and decides to change brands, meaning their facetime calls are off. Skype is the next best thing, but the apartment the woman is now renting doesn’t have wifi, which automatically leads to them only having calls when Adena is in a café or some other public establishment.

A few days later, the girls start talking about spending New Year’s together in a little cottage in Jersey. She is down for whatever they plan on, but a cottage ? That is too out of the blue and too damn cold for this time of the year, even for Tiny Jane and her love for the wilderness.

Christmas comes and with it her parents traveling to visit. They’d always do the opposite, she’d catch a plane or a bus home and spend a couple of days there and Pecky and the cottage are the only reasons she doesn’t do exactly that. It’d be too much stress for the cat, to go through a five hour drive, get used to a new, foreign place just to come back a few days later and having to move yet again once she and the girls went to New Jersey.

So her parents come to her. They are sweet and her dad lets the pet sleep on his lap. Everything is a touch quieter. It twists her stomach, but it is good to have mom and pop with a New York drop scene.

They ask her about Adena, about Peru and if it was worth it.

“You know how I always wanted change in my life?”

Her parents nod, the nagging feeling she’s one of their patients can’t quite take away from the moment.

“I have that, with her. An exciting and really healing sort of change, you know?”

They smile. Her mom reminds her that the honeymoon phase eventually goes away and she should be sure they have a good foundation for when it does.

Kat doesn’t snap back. Maybe her mother is right. She just doesn’t want to live her life like a lab experiment or a sociology paper.

They go to the infamous cottage on December 28.  It’s a decent thing.

She’s got dibs on the bedroom with the view, since the ledge is perfectly sized for Pecky to watch the birds outside and has a little nook for the cat to sleep in as well.

The girls insisted on sharing the other bedroom, which leaves her feeling slightly left out.

“How long ‘til you start plotting to kill me, hm?” Kat runs her fingers behind the Pecky’s ear.

Blue eyes focus on a mosquito, flying around the room, and in a blink, her pet also abandons her.

She has no idea how they get service in the middle of the woods, but Sutton keeps checking her phone so much that she , Kat Edison, Social Media Director, has to threaten taking it away from her.

Jane backs Sutton up, tells Kat that there’s this important fashion thingy happening in Marrocos. She shrugs and goes back to brushing her hair. This place does have a very cozy tub, she’ll give them that much.

Kat really loses it, however, when Sutton claims to have forgotten the ingredients for the s'mores and rushes out in the middle of the day to get it. She really loses it when it is dinnertime and the blonde is still not back and Jane acts as if there’s nothing wrong.

“What the hell is going on with you two? Did I do something? Because there’s been this thing between us for a while and I somehow can’t be a part of it and it is freaking me out.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“For real? You don’t think I notice when you two stop talking as soon as I walk in? Or how you both are always too tired to hang out, but you both are also always online at two PM on that same day?”

“Kat, I don’t know what to tell you.”

Jane doesn’t deny it, then.

It hurts and it stings and she hasn’t talked to Adena since the day they came to this place and it is already the 30th.

She sits on the couch, back to the door, and she sulks. She’s allowed to. She will not cry out of frustration, but the trip is pretty much ruined for her and Sutton has disappeared with the only car they have.

Jane tries to make small talk, as if everything is perfect. Kat sends her glares and makes some supper.

(enough for the three of them, which makes her madder because she should let them fend for themselves if the two are such exclusive best friends now)

She is working, actually working on her holiday when she hears the cabin door opening. Her anger climbs back up and

“Oh, did you go make the chocolate from scratch or-”

Adena is standing there when she turns around. Adena with a bright blue hijab and soft grey sweater and old jeans and boots and Adena Adena Adena . Beaming at Kat. Being beautiful and glorious and present.

(she is totally not exaggerating when she thinks her heart actually stops)

“Adena.”

She lets it past her lips and it wakes her up. The most gorgeous human being she’s ever known is finally breathing the same air as her and she’s frozen five feet away.

Saying the name gets her into motion, gets her into the warm and strong and secure arms in a second, wrapped in the smell of citrus fruits and airplane.

“Your visa?” Kat whispers it against soft skin.

“It came through.”

“And- When-” She pulls away, meets those wonderful brown eyes.

“The girls helped speed things up with the legal department.”

“Incite has a lot of experience with it, surprisingly.”

Jane. Jane is speaking somewhere to their right. Kat had been stupid and mistrustful.

She looks at her friends, at their smiles. Looks at Tiny Jane, with a little smirk and Sutton, leaning against the now closed cabin door. She looks at Adena, an inch away from her.

“I love you guys.” She makes sure Sutton and Jane understand. They nod, love you too

Kat feels a warm body brushing against her leg.

“Pecky, were you in this too?”

The feline meows back at her, continuing to rub against them.

“I knew you were up to something.”

Another meow. She laughs. And buries her face against Adena’s neck.

(“But, you know, for me, I could just never get past this .”

“Well, for me, it’s never just been about this. It’s, uh, it’s more about this .” )

Adena lies her head against Kat’s shoulder, a hand on her ribs and hair muffling her nose.

It is bliss. The afterglow isn’t too bad, either, but the stillness of everything, the notion that they are not on borrowed time, is heavenly.

“I can’t believe it’s over.” Adena sighs and Kat hums in agreement. The body she holds against her own starts shaking. Her eyes pinch and she smiles. Smiles wide and big and pulls Adena closer, because she can . Because Adena is there and now they have thousands and thousands of possibilities.

“It’s over.” She smiles and she cries, but for the first time since Sutton miscarried, she lets out happy tears.

“I have something for you.” Adena leans over her, over the end of the bed and into the suit bag she’d brought with her. “Even though Islam doesn’t have a holy day similar to Christmas, I know it is a big part of your culture. So I got you this.”

Kat takes the wrapped box, doesn’t know if she should tear it open or kiss the woman first. She decides on the kiss.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I know. But I thought of you when I saw it.”

She smirks, her insides turning. This is happiness, this is a little taste of bliss in the middle of disaster.

Kat pulls away the bow tightened around the box, pulls up the lid and lets her mouth hang open for a moment.

A stuffed llama. A stuffed llama glares at her with black-bead eyes.

Adena starts chuckling, a hand covering her lips.

“At least this one doesn’t spit.” She shrugs. Adena laughs harder.

It’s a cute toy and it has a meaning behind it and is this their first inside joke?

“There’s something else.” Adena manages, calming down, smile in place.

She shuffles the flow of white tissue paper around and something black catches her attention. Another box, she notes, as she pulls it out. A jewelry box, at that.

Kat opens it slowly, runs a fingertip over the details of the piece.

“I thought you would wear it a bit more than a necklace.”

“Adena, this is beautiful.”

A wide oval shape. The stone in the background is of a stained and cracked red. A man’s face, in true Peruvian style, embossed front and center in the same silver which makes the structure of the rest of the ring.

A few outfits it’d go great with pop in her mind, get filed away into a corner.

“Thank you.” She sighs, frames Adena’s jaw with one of her hands. Kat leans in, drops a kiss on the corner of the woman’s mouth.

“I’m happy you like it.”

“I love it. I love both of them.”

She makes a point of bringing the stuffed animal further into her lap. It’ll be a full day, once Jane sees it, but it is from Adena . Thoughtful and sweet and teasing Adena, so Kat loves it, no doubt about it.

“How are we messing this up?” Sutton steps away from the stove, frustrated and glaring at the steaming and way too liquid mixture on the pan.

“Told you we should had just ordered it along with the turkey.”

“Kat, we’re not kids, we should be able to handle a simple dressing.”

Uh-uh, irritated Sutton is bad and can very quickly turn into Lash-out Sutton. Kat backs away into the other corner of the (small) kitchen.

“I can make a run to the store if you want.” Jane pops her head in.

“Didn’t you have an article to finish?” Sutton sighs, turning off the stove and throwing the napkin on the sink.

“Just finished it.” Jane steps into the room completely. “So I can go, if you want me to.”

“Nah, the stores are probably closed already, anyway.” Sutton scratches her neck, moves to start washing the cutlery she used on the recipe.

Kat exchanges a look with the other brunette, agreeing on leaving the situation be. It’s not about the dressing as it is about Richard’s call earlier in the day. Their friend will let it out when she feels ready, they just have to wait and tread carefully.

They take to the living room, checking if the few decorations they brought along are sticking.

“Pecky!” Kat stomps her foot and her pet runs a few feet away, tail straight up. “What were you doing?”

She inspects the ripped pieces of paper on the floor, getting on to collecting them.

“I swear to God, everything was in place a second ago.” Jane tries hanging the New Year’s sign back on the wall.

“Yeah, she’s fast. Knows when she’s doing something she isn’t supposed to.” She sighs, standing up with the torn cardboard flag in hand. “Yes, we’re talking about you.” Kat snaps when she notices Pecky lurking closer.

The feline takes the words as forgiveness, however, and trots over to her, rubbing against her calf as usual.

There’s something unique, about keeping a pet. Something inevitable on falling to their charms now and again.

She’d taken this cat, tiny and sick and scared senseless and now she is healthy and the right amount of fluffy, secure enough to run around and play and think everything is okay despite it all.

Kat is aware it is her logic that has her adoration for the animal swimming up, letting her scratch Pecky’s back. She knows, and she doesn’t care. Peru gave her beautiful sights, a face-to-face she hopes never to have again and it also gave her the little purring hurricane she pulls closer.

Kat looks up to see Adena, newly showered, stepping out of their bedroom at the same time a crash comes from the kitchen, followed by a few curse words.

“Ah, did I miss something?” Adena lifts an eyebrow.

A bliss in the midst of chaos, alright.

“Happy new year!” Jane pulls at the party popper’s string, smile wide and eyes glossy from the booze they’d been sipping away at for the past four hours.

She laughs and sees as a ball of moving fur ends up behind the bookcase.

“Good luck getting her from back there.” Kat gives her friend a thumbs up, not really worried about Pecky. The fireworks they hear in the distance would be worse, had they stayed in the city.

Jane groans.

“Happy new year.” Kat sighs, feeling Adena’s arm squeeze tighter around her waist.

“Happy new year.” Adena mumbles, lips against Kat’s hair. “May many more come our way.”

“I’m so glad you are celebrating it with us.”

“The rebirth of a year is worth celebrating, no matter in which calendar.”

She smirks, turns her head enough to peck the woman’s lips. As she turns back, she sees Jane coercing Pecky out of her hiding with the mouse toy the cat loves. By the brunette’s side is Sutton, her beautiful and healing friend, in desperate need of a new beginning.

Kat moves out of Adena’s hold, pulls Sutton into a hug. Strong and firm. “I love you, babe.”

“Love you too.”

“I can’t say this year will be better, but at least the last one is officially over.”

Sutton nods, wipes away a tear from her cheek.

“Thank God.”

“And tequila!” Jane squeals, sitting on the ground, waving the mouse around for Pecky.

“And tequila.” She and Sutton resonate. A weird analogy, but a true one, nonetheless.

However Adena manages to go through the emotional rollercoaster from hell they experienced without getting hammered here and now is an honest mystery to Kat.

It also makes her admire the woman a tad more.

(if that’s even possible)

She kinda hates her mom, a little bit, for being right. The honeymoon phase does pass. It passes quite quickly, to be honest.

Adena does not condone pets sleeping in the same bed as their owners. Kat loves lazy weekends and Adena seems to think New York has new mysteries to be uncovered every day, specially when it is extra early.

Adena gets moody when she thinks she hasn’t captured a good piece during a photoshoot and Kat does not always have the time nor the patience to explain why, when the girls text ‘ alcohol emergency’ , she has to scurry away, no matter what.

It is hard and they fight. It is hard and it is real and she can’t recall the last relationship she had where she didn’t feel the need to break things off at least twice a week.

But it is real and her heart skips a beat every time she sees Adena chewing on her bottom lip, trying to pass a hard phase on Candy Crush (in Kat’s phone because Adena doesn’t need shallow distractions) .

It is the most real she’s ever felt and it honestly amazes her, how fucking safe it is.

Oh, and having a beautiful woman playing and running around her apartment with her cat is not bad, either.

It is one of the hardest things she faces, being real and letting someone watch it happen , but it is one of her biggest accomplishments.

[catsworldlytravels]

Peru

This one was a long time ago – 5 years now, back in November 2015.

This was my first real solo foray into a non-western country, and one which I didn’t speak the language. I’d actually taken some informal Spanish lessons for a couple of months in the run up to this trip which proved invaluable, and useful for a few trips to Spain since then.

At the time I went, there were no direct flights between the UK and Peru. I had 2 viable options – via Madrid or via the US. I choose to go via the US to extend the amount of time on my trip that I could speak English, but having done this and transited through the US, I would not generally recommend this. Whilst I had booked connecting flights from London to Lima, via Dallas Forth Worth on the way out and via Miami on the way back, you always have to clear immigration in the US even when transitting which made for some slightly stressful connections and BA leaving my bag in Miami on the way back.

I don’t remember much about immigration into Peru – I didn’t need a visa, and I don’t remember it taking particularly long. I’d arrived early morning after an overnight leg from Dallas, the one thing I do remember is the hustle, bustle and chaos of the arrivals hall, finding my transfer (and another group member), and the traffic en route to the hotel being utterly insane.

This was my second trip with G Adventures. We were staying in a hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. Having arrived in the morning we weren’t yet able to check in. However, having arrived with someone else who was on my trip, we hatched a plan to go to the downtown area and got a taxi/paid a guy at the hotel to drive us. I’d read beforehand that whilst Miraflores was a relatively safe area, the centre of Lima was a little more dangerous and you needed to have your wits about you. I think it’s fair to say that I wouldn’t have ventured there on my own so was glad for the company. There is some amazing architecture in downtown Lima, and loads of churches and the cathedral with unbelievably ornate decoration.

Downtown Lima

In the evening we met up as a group – there were 8 of us and we became a really close group – and went for our first dinner together. It wasn’t a late one as most of us were jet-lagged from travelling and we had an early start the next day to catch a flight inland to Juliaca. We arrived in Juliaca at altitude and travelled towards Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at over 12,000 feet above sea level, and the start of our acclimatisation ahead of the Inca Trail hike which would start in a few days.

Lake Titicaca

This was the first time I’d ever been at real altitude. Living in the UK doesn’t expose you to these heights, and whilst I’d done some exercise and preparation at home ahead of a 4 day hike, there was no way I could replicate the altitude. I was even more worried when we arrived at our hotel for a couple of days in Puno and got absolutely knackered walking up one flight of stairs!

We had a brief walk around Puno before dinner and drinks – though at this stage I was avoiding alcohol (unusual for me on holiday!) in preparation for our hike in a few days.

The next day we had a boat trip on Lake Titicaca and visited the Floating Islands of Uros on the lake, made of reeds, and people live here year-round. We had lunch on Taquile Island (grilled trout according to my diary!), and then in the afternoon and evening we were introduced to our homestay families where we would spend the night with local families, learning about their way of life and being welcomed into their homes. This was where it was advantageous to have learned some Spanish, though my roommate was way more fluent than I was. After a delicious dinner of quinoa soup, rice and vegetables, we turned in for the night. The next morning we helped the family with their daily farm chores (taking the sheep out to graze) and watched on as the mother soaked and prepared the quinoa (now a western health food, but a staple in Peru).

Taquile Island, the floating islands of Uros, sailing on Lake Titicaca

In the afternoon we sailed back across the lake and back to Puno for a final night before heading to Cusco on a local bus the next day. I was very impressed with the local bus – it was a double decker and we had lots of legroom and reclining seats. It was pretty much an all-day ride to Cusco, but it was super-interesting to watch the scenery go by. I had no idea what to expect from the landscape beforehand.

On the bus between Puno and Cusco

When we arrived into Cusco, the first thing we did was head to G Adventures’ hiking depot to get kitted out with sleeping bags, hiking poles and other kit for the Inca Trail hike. We would be leaving our main bags in storage at the hotel in Cusco as we’d be returning here in a few days.

The next day on the way out of Cusco, we stopped at the Cristo Blanco statue high in the hills on the way out of Cusco. We were heading through the Sacred Valley and stopped off at various spots, including at a women’s weaving co-operative, at Pisac which has some great Incan terraces, and at a wonderful restaurant which is supported by G Adventures for some more delicious food.

Cristo Blanco outside Cusco; at the weaving co-operative; terraces as Pisac

We ended the day in Ollantaytambo where we hiked briefly into the ruins – a spectacular view over the town and mountains from the ruins. After carbing up with a pasta dinner, it was an early night and an early start the next day to Kilometre 82 and the start of our 4 day hike to Machu Picchu. We got all our gear, met our porters who would be carrying food, tents, most of our stuff. We were also given snack packs to sustain us through the hike.

Ollantaytambo

The first day of the hike is relatively gentle (certainly compared to what was to come on day 2), and it was absolutely beautiful. We also really lucked out with the weather. After a couple of hours we stopped for lunch. Again I had no real idea what to expect with the food but it was beyond anything I could have imagined – we had asparagus soup, fried trout, and jelly for dessert – all ideal for sustaining hiking, and the jelly was a very welcome surprise. At every meal stop we were also able to fill up with water which was obtained from nearby streams and boiled for sterilisation.

Hiking and our food tent

After lunch we headed off hiking again. You have to have a permit to hike the Inca Trail, which manages the numbers of people on there at any one time. This was arranged for me with the trip I’d booked. As you can imagine, this is a very popular hike so you would need to book well in advance. I’d booked this trip in February 2015 for a late November departure. We arrived into our first camp in the late afternoon. Our tents had already been set up by the porters so I took off my hiking boots and relaxed for a while before dinner.

Day 2 involved walking up hill for about 5 hours as we reached the highest point of the hike at Dead Woman’s Pass (13,800 feet above sea level). There were times during the hike uphill where I could only make it literally 10 steps before needing a break due to the thin air. And whilst munching on coca leaves helped slightly, it was still very hard, but very rewarding work.

Looking back down the valley that we’d hiked up; exhausted at the top of Dead Woman’s Pass; hiking amongst the clouds

After a 3 hour walk downhill we arrived at the campsite for the second night where again our tents had already been erected and we were able to relax before another delicious and nourishing dinner. In the evenings we would sit out chatting and stargazing. It was approaching a full moon whilst we were there, you do get amazing views of the night sky here.

Day 3 was a long day of hiking – around 9 hours in total, but not quite as steep as day 2. We passed several Incan ruins which we were able to explore. We were also walking above the clouds at several points which was really awesome.

At lunch on day 3, our chefs had prepared a cake for us which was a huge surprise. the porters are truly amazing people who do this trip several times a month.

After an early night on day 3, it was an early morning for the final 5km into Machu Picchu. We were woken at 3.30am and headed out in the dark at around 5.30am. After climbing up a near-vertical wall, we arrived at the Sun Gate at around 7am and after getting down to the main citadel, we almost had the place to ourselves as only the early day-trippers from Aguas Calientes were arriving.

A cake for lunch; first view from the Sun Gate; Machu Picchu

After reuniting with others in the group who didn’t do the Inca Trail hike, we briefly freshened up in the bathrooms (actual flushing toilets after a couple of days of squats and holes in the ground) and then had a guided tour of Machu Picchu. It’s so awesome to walk amongst the ruins, and large parts of it are very well preserved.

After the tour, we took the bus down the winding road to the town of Aguas Calientes where we had lunch, wifi and a well-deserved beer before heading on the panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo, and then a bus back to Cusco.

Back in Cusco I had the longest shower I was able to take in the intermittently hot/cold/dribble/gush of the shower head, as is usual in Peru. We then headed out for a celebratory dinner and Pisco Sours in Cusco. Definitely a night to let your hair down and celebrate a great hike.

The final part of the trip had meant to be a trip into the rainforest. However at the time of our trip there was some unrest in Puerto Maldonado and so we ended up staying in Cusco for a couple of extra days. Cusco has a lot of history, a lovely cathedral, and we enjoyed a cooking class including sampling the Peruvian delicacy of ceviche (cured raw fish).

Sights of Cusco and Pisco Sours

We flew back to Lima for a final night before I flew home to a rainy UK (sans my bag which eventually made it a couple of days later). This was one of my favourite trips for many reasons. My first real time in a different culture, the food was so delicious (I think Peru and Vietnam are tied first in my favourite food experiences), the scenery was epic, the people on my trip were so lovely and to have the opportunity to hike the Inca Trail is something I will never forget.

from WordPress https://catsgreatadventure.com/2020/12/05/peru/

[canadiantravelwarrior-blog]

In Nice, France we ended up going to the Hard Rock Cafe that was near our hotel. We spoke to the bartender (Riky Add) about the area and how tourism negatively and positively affects the local people. He himself was from Rome, Italy and travels a lot himself. He told us about his recent travels to Machu Picchu, Peru and how amazing it was. We asked him if it would be worth it to take the train to Saint Tropez and Cannes but he explained that because of the current low season much of the area will be closed and it wouldn’t be worth the time. So thanks to him we spend more time visiting Monaco instead. 

[cuscoandeantours]

INFORMACION OF INCA TRAIL TO  MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO - PERU

La red de caminos incas – Qhapaq Ñan

La impresionante red de caminos de los incas tuvo una longitud inicial de 60,000 km y unió territorios de las actuales naciones de Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, Chile y Argentina. 39,000 kilómetros sobreviven al día de hoy. El camino inca a Machu Picchu es una de las mejores obras de ingeniería, hecha completamente a mano, sin saber de la existencia de la rueda o el hierro. Irónicamente, es posible que también acelerara el proceso de invasión; los españoles pudieron llegar a todos los rincones del imperio.

Los incas sabían una o dos cosas acerca del agua

Machu Picchu es la asombrosa ciudad inca de Machu Picchu que es visitada por alrededor de 3,000 personas por día, está construida en medio de dos montañas y es uno de los lugares más energéticos del planeta, pero hay algo que la mayoría de personas no sabe; la maravilla no termina con construcciones como el templo del sol o el templo del Cóndor, la maravilla continúa debajo. Machu Picchu fue construida sobre complejos sistemas de canales, drenaje e irrigación subterránea, impidiendo que las intensas lluvias de ceja de selva amazónica dañen sus más de 150 estructuras, sus terrazas agrícolas en las laderas de la montaña, o la red de caminos que llegaban a ella.

INCA TRAIL SHORT 2 DAYS

DAY 01: CUSCO - KM 104 - WIÑAY WAYNA - AGUAS CALIENTES.

Early in the morning at 4 am we will pick up all passengers from their hotels. We will go to Ollantaytambo, where we take the train to 104km (1 hour 20 minutes). When we arrive at 104km we will start the trek, climbing around 3 hours and half to Wiñayhuayna. As we ascend you will be able to take pictures of beautiful landscapes y views into the sacred Wilkanota River. In the archeological site of Wiñaywayna your tour guide will explain about function of this place. After enjoying a delicious box lunch we will continue along the classic Inka Trail to arrive at the Sun Gate(Inti Punku). From this place we will have very beautiful and unforgettable views of Machu Picchu Citadel. Then after enjoying the views. We go down the Trail around 1 hour to Machu Picchu and enjoy the next part of the tour. From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes village we take the bus (30 min.) and you will be taken the Hotel. In the evening you will have a delicious dinner with the tour guide, who will explain you about the second day.

DURING THE TREK:

Meals: lunch, dinner.

Accommodations: Aguas Calientes Hotel.

Maximum Altitude: 2850 metres

Minimum Altitude: 2200 metres.

Temperature during day: 17ºC - 25ºC

Temperature during night: 13ºC – 14ºC

Day 2: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICHU - CUSCO

In the morning after breakfast at the Hotel, we will go up to Machu Picchu by bus. In Machu Picchu you will have 2 hours private introductory tour. In this time you will learn about types of amazing constructions, the engineering and the terraces, the most important places in Machu Picchu Archaeological site and how they were used.

Afterward you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu, take pictures and explore more by yourself. If you booked climb to Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you will enjoy a dramatically different view of Machu Picchu Citadel.

When you finish your visit you’ll return to Aguas Calientes by bus. In the village there are a lots to discover. Shops, crafts, Art. Enjoy the hot springs, buy memories, try new foods.

Later we will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. (1 ¾ hours.) When you arrive at Ollantaytambo you will meet with our driver to come back by car to your hotel in Cusco (1 ½ hours.)

DURING THE TREK:

Meals: Breakfast.

Maximum Altitude: 2850 metres.

Minimum Altitude: 2200 metres.

Temperature during day: 17ºC - 25ºC

Temperature during night: 13ºC – 14ºC

INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS 

DAY 01: CUSCO - WAYLLABAMBA

We will start the day by collecting you from your hotel for the 1½ hour drive to Ollantaytambo where we will stop for approximately 30 minutes in a local restaurant. You can use toilets, buy water, snacks, chocolates and get the last things you may have forgotten to buy in Cusco. To reach the trail head we drive one more hour after Ollantaytambo to km 82. Before starting our trek we will organize our backpacks and make sure we have all that we need for the first day trek. After crossing the Urubamba River, we walk 3 hours through farmland along the Urubamba river until our first stop and lunch near the first archeological site called Llactapata. After a delicious meal prepared by our chef and porters, we will continue for another 3 hours to reach our campsite in Wayllabamba where we will have dinner and then relax in preparation for the next day.

DAY 02: WAYLLABAMBA - PACAYMAYOEarly morning we have to wake-up call, 5:00 a.m. or 5:30 a.m. depending of your tour guide. Warm wash water and a high energy breakfast will be waiting for you. Also you will have some time to refill your water bottle and be given some snacks for the day to help you get over the pass. Wayllabamba campsite to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman Pass) is an uphill climb of approx. 7 km. This is considered the hardest part of the Trail. However the changes in the vegetation and landscape as you climb through different climatic zones will keep you involved with the hike and focussed on discovering more as you climb.

At the top of the pass you will be greeted with panoramic views to distant mountains. Looking back into the valley you have just climbed out of, congratulate yourself for your accomplishment. Looking ahead you will see your way on toward Machu Picchu. After the Pass we have approximately 3 km going downhill to reach Pacaymayo campsite. Our team will be waiting for you there with food warm wash water and with your tent already set up. For the rest of the afternoon you will be able to rest and enjoy before happy hour and dinner at the end of the day.

DAY 03: PACAYMAYO - WIÑAYWAYNA

We begin this new day with breakfast. Then, after a short climb you will reach a remarkable Inka lookout called Runcurakay. Your tour guide will describe the importance of this place. Then after 1½ hours more to reach the second pass you’ll be able to enjoy the view from the second highest spot on the trail. There are 1½ hours of stairs down to a dramatic Inka site, Sayacmarca perched high on the ridge. Learn what is known of this place take pictures and learn of the historical background from your guide . Lunch will be near to our next archeological site Puyupatamarca, a spectacular tumble of buildings where you will have a view of all the mountains around Machu Picchu far below. Then we start our descent, going into rainforest with a beautiful cover of vegetation with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and many other native plants. Also if we are lucky we can see and hear some of the hundreds of birds in the area. Our three hours down hill to Wiñayhuayna will be our last challenge before we finish the day and enjoy tea time, a delicious dinner, take a nap and prepare for the next best day: Machu Picchu.

DAY 04: WIÑAYWAYNA - MACHU PICCHU

Last day, we wake up early and commence the walk to Machu Picchu (2 hours.) We will mark our arrival when we pass through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) From this spot, if weather is good, you will have an unforgettable panoramic views of Machu Picchu. After just one more hour downhill you will enter the iconic Inka Citadel. Your tour guide will take you inside Machu Picchu with his knowledge, telling you all about this majestic city for around 2 hours. After this tour, you will have free time to take pictures, feel energies and discover more of Machu Picchu by yourself. Also if you registered to hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain this is the time you will do that. Once you feel you are complete in the Citadel, it will be time to go down to Aguas Calientes. You will take the bus for 25 minutes. In Aguas Calientes you can enjoy your last lunch with the group. Then decide to relax in the hot springs (10 soles) or explore the shops and craft stalls in the Village. Later in the afternoon you will catch the train to Ollantaytambo (1 hour 50 minutes). In Ollantaytambo you need to get out of the train station and transfer to a bus where the driver will be waiting to take you from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (1½ hours.)