As mentioned previously, I'm going to Peru for vacation in three weeks! I will be going with the boy and two other couples, so it'll be like an extended triple date. One that involves not showering for several days - aww yeah. *cue sexy mood music*
The itinerary is, as it always is, jam-packed, likely stupidly so. We start off the adventure in Lima (the capital of Peru) and spend one night there, fly to Cuzco and spend two days there, embark on the hike upon the Incan trail to Machu Picchu for two days and two nights, try to refrain from developing altitude sickness, spend one more night in Cuzco, fly to out Puerto Monaldo, explore the Amazon for two nights, and fly back to Lima for one night in a beach town before heading back to the States. Just typing that out made my head spin.
This trip will be my first time in South America and I have little to no idea what to expect other than buying an inordinate amount of wool sweaters. Although we've spent a lot of time planning and making reservations for big activities within the vacation, like the trail and the jungle tour, I find myself most excited just to do some random and unguided exploring/walking around the different areas we'll be in - I think that's the best way to experience the tastes, the sounds, and the feel of a foreign country. Random-ass walking for the win.
We're staying mostly in airbnbs and hostels that are run by locals. I'm convinced that airbnbs are wholly fantastic and are infinitely more interesting to stay in than hotels, especially if you're feeling adventurous, not too picky about where you stay, and are traveling with like-minded company. This time we're staying at these two: Lima, first night and Lima, last night. Ones I've stayed in in the past and have loved include Michael & Hugo the Mastiff's lovely apartment in Vancouver and this insane startup/incubator in SF. I think my rampant adoration for airbnb just might justify a future post dedicated to this topic.
But back to thoughts on Peru. I'm a tad nervous about the hiking we'll be doing in Cuzco at elevations upwards of 12,000 feet. We will have a bit of time to acclimate to the higher altitudes but I've never been up that high before and everybody's body reacts differently to the altitude change, regardless of health, age, lung capacity, horoscope, etc. I keep picturing myself getting all excited and prepared in my hiking boots and pants and dorky explorer's hat and then ending up barfing my brains out all the way across the Incan trail, which might temporarily be renamed to "Remnants of Rose's breakfast" trail.
I can't think of a clever and fitting way to end thisentry post ramble about Peru, so I leave you with this completely unrelated prank video that I spent way too much time laughing at over the weekend:
The itinerary is, as it always is, jam-packed, likely stupidly so. We start off the adventure in Lima (the capital of Peru) and spend one night there, fly to Cuzco and spend two days there, embark on the hike upon the Incan trail to Machu Picchu for two days and two nights, try to refrain from developing altitude sickness, spend one more night in Cuzco, fly to out Puerto Monaldo, explore the Amazon for two nights, and fly back to Lima for one night in a beach town before heading back to the States. Just typing that out made my head spin.
This trip will be my first time in South America and I have little to no idea what to expect other than buying an inordinate amount of wool sweaters. Although we've spent a lot of time planning and making reservations for big activities within the vacation, like the trail and the jungle tour, I find myself most excited just to do some random and unguided exploring/walking around the different areas we'll be in - I think that's the best way to experience the tastes, the sounds, and the feel of a foreign country. Random-ass walking for the win.
We're staying mostly in airbnbs and hostels that are run by locals. I'm convinced that airbnbs are wholly fantastic and are infinitely more interesting to stay in than hotels, especially if you're feeling adventurous, not too picky about where you stay, and are traveling with like-minded company. This time we're staying at these two: Lima, first night and Lima, last night. Ones I've stayed in in the past and have loved include Michael & Hugo the Mastiff's lovely apartment in Vancouver and this insane startup/incubator in SF. I think my rampant adoration for airbnb just might justify a future post dedicated to this topic.
But back to thoughts on Peru. I'm a tad nervous about the hiking we'll be doing in Cuzco at elevations upwards of 12,000 feet. We will have a bit of time to acclimate to the higher altitudes but I've never been up that high before and everybody's body reacts differently to the altitude change, regardless of health, age, lung capacity, horoscope, etc. I keep picturing myself getting all excited and prepared in my hiking boots and pants and dorky explorer's hat and then ending up barfing my brains out all the way across the Incan trail, which might temporarily be renamed to "Remnants of Rose's breakfast" trail.
I can't think of a clever and fitting way to end this
There is nothing you can do about altitude sickness. Oh wait, there is something you can do: drink a lot of water. And when I say a lot, I mean A HELL OF A LOT! At least 4L a day, more if you can. Mix in some gatorade once in a while to restore your electrolytes. You'll end up peeing every 10 minutes and that's fine. Keep drinking.
ReplyDeleteThis is not a joke, I have done hiking in the craziest places, including tibet, and this pro-tip saved my life (or at least my vacation) many times.
Enjoy the andes!
thanks for the pro tip, stephane! i will definitely keep up my h2o intake. my doc prescribed me altitude sickness pills as well, just in case... we'll see how they work out.
ReplyDelete