Passing Through Peru

 

After Hitchhiking to the northern most city in Chile I couch-surfed for the night before continuing into Peru. To get across the border I hopped in an old station wagon with six other people and we headed into Peru. After a questionably relaxed border crossing we made it to Tacna famous for it’s cheap pirated clothing. With no room or need for clothes I caught the next bus headed to Cuzco. 20 some hours later we pulled into the City in the sky (elevation 10912 ft). In the following days I managed to meander around all of Cuzco, check out the Sacred Valley, and get my wallet stolen.

From Cuzco I signed up for a tour to Machu Picchu that was a 4 day 3 night trip that Incorporated biking, hiking, hot springs, and ruins. Unable to wait until late August to and book the Inca Trail this was a fun alternative. The fist day was 4 hours of downhill biking.  With the group of 10 we stayed in basic accommodation and ate normal, but delicious meals of soup, rice covered in french fries, onions, meat, and sauce, and drank the traditional coca tea. The second day was a long and beautiful hike. Excitement was added by the exposed trails, being able to eat numerous kinds of wild fruits (avocados, oranges, lemons, bananas, and a few delicious, but unidentified), and a cable car river crossing. The day ended with hot springs, a beer or two and stars. The next day we made it to Aguas Calientes after miles of walking one food in front of the other on train tracts. We began our hike the famous ruins at 4:30 and climbed over 1400 steps to arrive for a spectacular sunrise on top of an astounding Peruvian mountain, Machu Picchu! The Ruins were by all means impressive, but their location and surroundings were what made them one of our world's many wonders. It was easy to understand when the Inca Kings chose the spot. The trip ended with trains and buses back to Cuzco. The following day I sat back for another 20 plus hour bus ride to Lima.

Leaving Peru proved far harder than any country before. To go to Costa Rica I needed a Yellow Fever vaccination 10 days in advance, which I clearly did not have, and $31 dollars in cash for the exit tax, which was also missing because of my stolen wallet. I had my back up credit card, which didn’t work in any ATM. After forging my immunization document and buying 7 people lunch in exchange for cash I was able to make it my plane and head onto my last count on my trip around the world.