The weather at Machu Picchu is typical of mountainous regions: unpredictable. I have experienced everything from torrential rainstorms that I thought would wash the site away to perfect […]
Shamanic Ceremony in the Andes
I looked up startled by the sudden sound of an avalanche cascading down the slope of a distant mountain. The shaman smiled. Apparently, the avalanche was a sign […]
Should You Stay in the Sacred Valley or in Cusco?
Located at nearly 11,000 feet, a visit to the city of Cusco is likely to induce a physical response to the altitude in almost everyone. Those affected might […]
Shamanic Offerings in Peru
Shamanism goes back thousands of years in Peru. Shamans serve as mediators between the spiritual and material worlds. They use their abilities to predict the future, heal physical […]
Our Peru Adventure: Train Ride to Puno
We celebrated my birthday on the Andean Explorer train, a 10-hour ride through the high Andes (elevation 13,975 feet). This is a luxury train that looks like a living […]
How to Prepare for the 1-day Inca Trail
If you have limited time in Peru, the 1-day Inca Trail is a great alternative to the 4- or 5-day hike. The 1-day version gives you a taste […]
Spanish Immersion Trip to Peru
Several years ago in an attempt to improve my halting Spanish, I participated in a two-week immersion program in Costa Rica. I wrote on my program application that […]
Why a Self-Guided Tour Isn’t Worth It
On my last trip to Peru, the line snaking to the LAN counter to check in for my flight seemed endless. I found myself eavesdropping on my fellow […]
When to Book Your Machu Picchu Tour
I am currently organizing a trip to Peru for 10 people. They want to participate in the Inti Raymi celebration next June. It will be during the height […]
What to Do If You Lose Your ATM Card on Vacation in Peru
When I flew to Peru last February, I immediately lost my ATM card at the airport in Lima. I was so tired I forgot that the ATMs in […]