How I Tested An Uncommon Mosquito Repellent in the Amazon Jungle
You might know this product, but how many people would run down and buy nutritional yeast flakes to take on their trip to the Amazon rainforest? But that's exactly what I did. I was kind of desperate. After multiple trips to…
Peru Maras Salt Ponds Closed to Pedestrians
Effective June 2019, visitors will not longer be permitted to walk among the Maras Terraced Salt Ponds. Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the historic canyon has a legacy of being part of the economy since…
My Trip to An Inca Rope Bridge: What I Learned About Community
In June 2019 I rode 4 hours by car from Cusco, Peru to a small community in the Andes Mountains called Q'eswachaka. Jorki was our driver, Hubert our guide, Beebe my gringa friend, and Mario, one of our company trail cooks. (Who…
Changes to Cost of Machu Picchu Entry Tickets in 2020
In case you have heard rumors about cost increases or wondered what the cost of Machu Picchu entry tickets will be in 2020, on December 9, 2019, the Peru government released tickets for entry from January 1-5, 2020 and the rates…
Don't Flip Your Lid Over Missing Toilet Seats in Peru
In 2007 when I began traveling in Peru and South America, I noticed that many toilets outside the hotels, did not have seats. I found this to be pretty common all over Peru and other places. For women, especially older women,…
How to Powder Your Nose at Machu Picchu
It's the elephant in the room at Machu Picchu. The one with his legs crossed. The thing that no one dreams they have to add to their list of "essential things to plan when I go to Machu Picchu." Who could imagine that you need…
3 Tips For Finding Your Guide Upon Arrival in a Foreign Airport
It's common for people who book guided tours and trips abroad to make their own international flight arrangements to their destinations. Their first contact with the travel company could be at the airport when they arrive. Even…
How to Travel Plastic Free: Make your Own Kit
Single-use plastic water bottles are just the tip of the proverbial ice-berg of waste generated by humans all over the globe on a daily basis. Every time we consume foods and beverages inside and outside our homes we are making…
New Short Route from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
On the map it looks easy to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo on your way to Machu Picchu. For people who don't know why this is important, the main railway station for trains to Machu Picchu is in Ollantaytambo, which is a 2 hour…
Map of Sacred Valley Routes and 1 Day Inca Trail Hike
Map of Cusco, Sacred Valley Tours (2 options) Ollantaytambo and 1 Day Hike to Machu Picchu. Click on markers or zoom in or out to see different features. Includes the new shorter direct route between Cusco and Ollantaytambo.
