What a trip. The first-time solo traveling and it will not be the last. Highly suggest it at least once in your lifetime. It is very empowering. I traveled to Lima and Cusco, Peru in May 2018. It was a spontaneous trip. Booked just 5 days prior to wheels up. Little graduation present to myself. If you are someone who loves history, strongly ingrained cultures, and famous archaeological sites, this is the place for you. Lima offers a unique coastline with Huaca Huallamacra stepped pyramid and Mummy Museum just steps away. A quick flight over to Cusco and be prepared to be surrounded by history. The Inca Empire used unique landscapes to create masterpieces. These famous archaeological sites are world-renowned. Especially the famous Machu Picchu which still remains a world wonder. Situated in the longest mountain range in the world, The Andes. You will encounter various peaks at different altitudes and with different features. A great example is Winicunca, the rainbow mountains. Beyond the natural features and constructed sites, Cusco truly is a place to visit. It rests 3,300ms (11,000ft) above sea level. Making it and many other Peruvian cities some of the highest placed cities in the world.
The Trip:
May 7th – 17th, 2018
Halifax – Newark – Lima – Cusco – Lima – Newark – Halifax
2 h 8 h 1 h 1 h 8 h 2 h
May 7th – 9th, 2018 : Miraflores district, Lima, Peru
May 9th – 16th, 2018 : Cusco and Aquas Calientes, Peru
Sites Visited:
Huaca Haullamacra
Saqsayhuaman
Q’enqo
Puka Pukara
Tambomachay
Christo Blanco
Vinicunca
Machu Picchu
Sun Gate
Inca Bridge
Adventures:
Huaca Haullamacra:
I stayed in a hostel in the Miraflores district. Huaca Haullamacra was
located just minutes away. It is hard to miss and even harder not to visit
due to its size and location. It is very easy to walk to most places here.
Saqsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay:
This rotation of sites is part of Circuitos Turisticos circuit 1. Entrance
ticket can be purchased from Information Turistica Oficial in the heart of
Cusco. I chose to walk this circuit. It was approx 8kms and all uphill. The
sites are listed in order from bottom to top.
Christo Blanco:
Looking over the city of Cusco is this 8m high statue of Jesus Christ. Just
a short walk from any wheres in Cusco and close to Saqsayhuaman.
Winicunca:
The rainbow mountains. A must see. Located 3-hour bus ride away from Cusco. Ticket to be purchased. My hostel arranged everything for me. Pick up from the front door to drop off at the main square upon return. Food provided. The peak is situated at 5,200ms (17,000ft) which is the highest I have ever been to. It is nearly as high as Everest Base Camp. The view was incredible and the colors were very present. From the drop-off area, it is approx a 5km hike to the peak which is mainly uphill. The elevation makes breathing very difficult.
Machu Picchu, Sun Gate, Inca Bridge:
A world wonder. Located in the mountains is a strategically placed fortress.
Created by the Inca Empire. Machu Picchu is a must visit when travelling
to Peru. The Sun Gate and Inca Bridge are near by as they were both used as
entrances to the site by the Incas. I booked this trip at the Cusco Airport through Inversiones Peru Brasil. The route to Machu Picchu has many options. I choose to bus, hike, stay, hike. The bus from Cusco was approx 7 hrs to the drop off location at Hidroelectrica. From here I hiked along the tracks, through the jungle into the nighttime for approx 3 hrs. Arriving at Aquas Calientes for the night. This city is at the base of the mountain. Leaving from here, I walked to the base entrance gate which took no longer
than 20 minutes. The way up is steep and some areas are tricky but the path is clearly identifiable. It takes approx 1 hr from bottom to top. At the main entrance gate you will enter into the site. The tourism sector has the site laid out in a loop to follow around. Note that it is frowned upon to walk in the opposite direction or venture off the designed paths. Your ticket is valid for 2 entries thankfully as I walked the designed loop and ended back up at the entrance before getting to see everything. The site can be explored within an hour and the Inca Bridge will take about 20 minutes to reach. The Sun Gate takes about an hour to reach. Your time is limited at the site due to site restrictions and capacity regulations.
Must Read:
-Note that all of the sites above can be accessed in multiple ways
-Tickets are required for entrance
-Most locations are at high altitudes (altitude sickness is a thing)
-Coca leaves, Coca tea, Coca candies help
-Suggested Hostel in Lima (Kaclla The Healing Dog)
-Suggested Hostels in Cusco (Sunset House and Puriwasi)
-Hostels are very helpful for bookings, storage, and directions
-Book on the ground upon arrival to save money vs online pre-booking
-Bring plug adapters as the wattage is different for your devices
-Try the local drink called Pisco Sour
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