PERU

August 18-25

Covid rules in order to enter Peru is having a covid test 72 hours before departure, or a rapid test 24hrs before departure. You also have to fill out a health declaration form. The link for the form is https://e-notificacion.migraciones.gob.pe/dj-salud/. Nationality is written as EE.UU for the United States. I had to google that lol. I flew with American Airlines going to Peru with a layover in Miami, and my return flight was with Spirit Airlines with a layover in Fort Lauderdale. Once you get to the airport in Peru, you must wear two mask. If you’re taking the bus you must wear two mask and a shield. They were pretty strict with the face mask.

I am in a Facebook group called Black Travel Movement. This is where I saw Miles Stewart posted about his Peru trip. He seemed to have a wonderful time, and did things outside of Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain (top two tourist attractions). I reached out to him and he told me his cousin in Peru owns a tour guide company and booked all his excursions. He linked me with her (he was the middle man because his cousin doesn’t speak the best english), and I told Kimberly what I was interested in doing while I was in Peru. Her tour company is called Wiluki dreams. Her number is +51 990 928 979 and facebook link is http://www.facebook.com/wilukidreams. There was some unforeseen events, but Kimberly made sure I was good and straight. She booked all my tours, flights and bus tickets.

Day 1 Aug 18

I didn’t arrive to Lima airport till 1030pm. Peru time difference is one hour behind the USA. I also didn’t know that it was their winter in Peru. I did check the weather before I left and I thought I saw 85°. HA it was 50s 60s, and at night the temperature dropped even lower. I packed all summer clothes as well lol. I made it work though. My driver name was Wilfredo. The only driver name I remember out of the bunch. He was so sweet. I checked into Tierra Viva Miraflores Mendiburu Hotel. Tierra Viva is a chain hotel located all over Peru. It’s such a cute little hotel. Hand sanitize and temp check when you walk in. Check in was smooth. You sign some papers and fill out a breakfast form choosing what time and what foods you would like to have for breakfast. You also have the option to either have it in the dinning room or your room. I chose my room. The shower was very hot just how I like it and the wifi was strong.

Day 2 Aug 19

Breakfast came at 830a on the dot. The breakfast was yummy. I chose scrambled eggs, french toast, fruit salad, bread and jam, coffee and orange juice. I check out of the hotel and was picked up by Wilfredo to head to the bus station for a 4hr ride to Ica. I’m not a fan of bus rides but it was pretty comfortable. My bus departure time was 2pm. Please arrive 30mins before departure. I arrived in Ica around 645pm, met my driver and checked into my next hotel called Hotel Curasi Huaccachina Ica. It is located in the middle of the desert along with other hotels/hostels, and shops. I ended up eating at Banana’s Hostel for dinner. The esthetic at night is cute. You have to pay for food after you place your order in order for your food to be brought to you. They do take Visa cards which is great (actually most places take cards). The bartender kind of forced me to sit next to a fellow solo traveler named Gigi. We was both confused at first, but I’m glad he did such a thing. Gigi is very cool and has been to some amazing places. She also knows how to snag a deal on flights, and runs her own travel group called Unique Stays (you can find it on facebook and instagram @theuniquestays). My dinner I ordered 2 Huacachina sunrise, deep fried fish (mahi-mahi) with chips and a salad, along with a chocolate brownie with ice cream. I was so hungry I didn’t leave any crumbs.

Day 3 Aug 20

This day I was suppose to take a boat ride around Paracas (west coast of Peru) around Ballestas Island. They are known for sea lions, penguins, and guano birds. Due to unforeseen weather conditions, this tour did not happen due to high tides. I think they knew prior but didn’t want to give people money back. To me I wouldn’t want my money back. I would love my time to be utilized in other ways, example sleep in late (woke up at 4am to go to this excursion), or get a good breakfast (the hotel gave me a bagged breakfast which consist of a sippy juice, water, orange, and a plantain. So the new excursion was to drive around Paracas and take pics at the end point of the island.

Next tour was visiting two different wineries. One was called El Catador and the other was called Nietto. In both places I learned about different wines and liquors Peru has to offer. Their main alcoholic beverage is Pisco sour. It is really good. By the end of both tours I was tipsy. I had lunch located next to Nietto. I ordered a glass of wine, vegetable spaghetti, and ceviche. It was good.

After Nietto the next excursion was the 7 headed Palm Tree. I don’t know why this is important. I remember hearing something about a witch predicting Ica was destroyed by a flood and the palm would be born with the seventh head. Well the witch was right. Ica was flooded in January 1998, and the palm sprouted a seventh head. After visiting here, we headed over to a park that was dedicated to witches, parque de brujas.

Finally the part of the day I was excited for was saved for last, sand surfing! I changed my clothes in the car into something more comfortable and appropriate for the excursion. It was very fun. The buggy (I think that’s what its called), drove around pretty fast. Felt like a roller coaster. then we stopped to take pics and sand surf. I wasn’t going to do it but i watched everyone go ahead of me and I saw they were going pretty slow. Well my turn came along, and I flew 100MPH down. I tumbled off the board and has some scratches on my arm and leg lol. Only me! I’m proud of myself for doing it though.

For dinner I met with Gigi and another fellow traveler named Emily. We had dinner at Desert Nights rooftop. It was a dope vibe. The wait time to receive drinks is very long. I suggest if you’re going to order more than one drink, order the next drink after receiving the first one. I had a mojito and white rice with veggies. It was ok. I also ordered this signature drink that everyone seemed to be ordering to go. I wish I remember the name. It was amazing.

Day 4 Aug 21. Flight over Nazca Lines.

I checked out of my hotel to head to the bus station for a 7am departure time. I arrived in Nazca around 9am. The plane company used is called Aero Santos. You need your passport to check in, and they weigh you as well. Nazca Lines are mysterious traces made on the sand. There are about 300 different figures, but the common ones are the whale, trapezoids, the astronaut, monkey, spider, and a few more. The flight time is about 30mins, but for some reason my plane took a little longer. If you have a weak stomach, I don’t think this is for you. You’re in a little plane and the ride is different from a big plane. I can’t explain it, I just know the guy next to me didn’t take it too well. At the end of the ride you get this cute little certificate.

After my plane ride I head back to the bus station to head back to Lima. My bus ticket departure was 1230pm. I arrived in Lima after 815pm hungry out of my mind. My driver picking me up was late which I was a little upset about because I wanted to stop and get some food before the restaurants started to close being that it would be my first meal of the day. I called a few and they were closed, expect one, Jerónmo. Thankful. I ordered two drinks while I waited for my food to go to be made. I ordered sushi, salmon with fries and a salad. Besides the fries being too salty, everything was good.

Day 5 Aug 22. Head back to Cusco.

Fun facts:

• Cusco is pronounced Costco
• Earth is called mother
• The people believe in re-carnation
• They still have terrorist. They ran to the jungle to become narco-terrorist who now protect the narco people. A very small group of about 200ppl. This information is controversial.

My flight time was 545am. The flight to Cusco is about 2hrs. I checked into Tierra Viva Cusco Centro around 8am. I didn’t have any issues here besides the wifi acting up. I get picked up 845am for a City tour. I visited the 4 archaeological centers surrounding the city if Cusco.

• Tambomachay site was destined to the cult of water.
• Puca Pucara in ancient times functioned as a military and administrative construction. It is composed of large walls, terraces and stairways.
• Q’enqo is presumed to be the important sanctuaries of the incan due to its underground galleries.
• Saqsaywaman construction took more than 70 years and required the strength of 20,000 men.

Next I went to Factoria Paty’s to learn the difference between real and fake alpacas fiber. There are 4 different kind of alpacas: Huanaco, Alpaca, Vicuña (finest fiber. They are protected by the government), and Llama.

Next I went to a church. I forgot the name and the stories told here. My brain can not handle all this history. I am not a history buff person.

For lunch I met Gigi at Carpe Diem. We both had pasta and a drink. My pasta had pieces of trout in it. It was good. After here we went to Indigo Bar for drinks. Their happy hour was lovely. Make sure you tell the waiter to not bring both your drinks out at the same time. They also has hookah. We ordered hookah and they gave us one mouthpiece to share. UMM it’s covid, absolutely not! Later on that evening I met Raven and Kimberly, other fellow solo travelers.

Day 6 Aug 23- Machu Picchu Day.

Things to remember before going to Machu Picchu

• Passport (you can get your passport stamped)
• Face shield is mandatory (for the bus ride)
• Mask
• Dress comfortably
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray
• Hat/cap

This tour was booked with @machupicchu_exploration (this is their instagram name). Their website is http://www.machupicchuexploration.com. My tour guide for the day name was Jimmy. I woke up around 430am because I had to be out the door by 545am to catch my 640am train. Arrive 30mins before departure. The train waits for NO ONE! The train company I used was PeruRail. The train ride to the hub where you’ll catch the bus to Machu Picchu is about 3hrs. I arrived early enough to get some breakfast. I don’t remember the name of the place but it is next door to a beautiful church. I asked Jimmy to take some pictures of me. I wanted to test his skills before getting to Machu Picchu lol. The bus ride up to Machu Picchu is about 25mins.

Do not be like me and wear a long train dress with their shoulders out. You must dress conservative or they will not let you in. The lady at the bus stop made a call to front desk at Machu Picchu letting them know about my outfit. Thank God Jimmy knew someone at the front desk! I had to wear my sweater and tie up the bottom of my dress in order to be let in. Before getting on the bus, I explained to Jimmy that I am not a history buff person. Tell me the important facts about Machu Picchu. I’m here to take my pictures and soak up the scenery. It is said that Machu Picchu will not be here in a few years. Let me tell you Jimmy understood the assignment! He took some great pictures and videos. He knew where to go in order to avoid the rangers. The rangers were blowing their whistles at people who took off their mask. Who wants a picture with their mask on? The anxiety of trying not to get caught was whew. Taking off my sweater, mask, and untying my dress was not easy to do within seconds, and it was hot that day. The end result was worth it! A lot of people asked if I was a celebrity, model, or shooting a commercial.

Machu Picchu is considered the most amazing creation of the Inca Empire. It is one of the 7 wonders of the world! They way it’s built is called Idquo Ashlar. It means the stones are cut to fit together without mortar. So cool. Each stone does not even look the same. Machu Picchu is such a beautiful site. I can not even describe the feeling. You just had to be there. The rumor is Machu Picchu will not be here in a few years. I encourage you to go before it’s gone!

I did the whole Machu Picchu in 2hrs. After Machu Picchu I had lunch at Full House. Very nice place with wonderful service. For my appetizer I had trout tiradito. It had raw trout, avocado slices, sweet potato gaze, and some yellow peppers. I was skeptical because of the raw trout, but it was delicious. For my main course I had Inka fragrance trout (but it was salmon). It came with a sweet potato puree and broccoli. When my food came, I had to order some fries because the portion was just too small. Dessert I ordered a chocolate brownie with a scoop of chocolate ice cream and another scoop of one of their signature ice creams. I forgot the name of it. I ordered a vegetarian pasta to go because I knew when I got back to my hotel restaurants wouldn’t be open. It was also delicious. Oh in total I had 3 glasses of white wine and a pisco sour. The pisco sour was good.

Day 7 Aug 24- Rainbow Mountain Day

Things to remember before going to Rainbow Mountain

• Passport (you can get your passport stamped)
• Face shield is optional
• Mask
• Warm clothing (jacket, gloves, scarves, hat)

I was picked up by 5am. It was so cold. We stopped for breakfast at some place in the middle of nowhere. I did not like this place much. I understand the concept about spreading the wealth, but this wasn’t it. Breakfast consisted of soup, bread with butter, fruits, and hot beverages. I did not want to eat too heavy because I was nervous about the altitude. I did start taking altitude pills before coming. The ride to Rainbow Mountain was about 2hrs. The hike is about 1hr 1/2-2hrs.If you use a horse, it will cut your hike in half. One way price is 60soles and round trip is 90soles. I picked the round trip option. It just made sense. The ride wasn’t bad at all. It was about 40mins to the point where the horses can not trek up. After that point it is a 10min walk to the top of the mountain. That walk was a little steep. There’s a rope you can use to help you get to the to top. This excursion is not for the weak. You must be in physical health for Rainbow mountain. They said coco leaves help with the altitude. Honestly it taste nasty. Taste like dirt. The Peruvian people on my bus stated the coco tea taste better. SIDE BAR: there is a hint of cocaine in the coco leaves. The altitude didn’t take me out thank God, but my legs were swollen after the excursion.

At the top it’s COLD. You can see snow at the top of the mountains. The weather was hot getting to the top, and once I got there it was COLD. It was packed with people. There is no certain time of the day that where there is less people. It is a top attraction Peru offers. If you do not want people in your pictures, I suggest to go all the way to the top and capture your pictures. Just make sure you don’t stay long because the altitude can get to you. I had so many people cheer me on while taking my pictures. I was freezing my butt off, shaking like a leaf. I feel as if these pictures aren’t my fav, but I made it work. Lunch was at the same place where breakfast was held. Not my favorite lunch experience. I barely ate and was happy to have left over veggie lasagna waiting for me. Across the street from Tierra Viva was a bakery shop. I love sweets, so I ordered a chocolate donut with had caramel inside, a churro that also had caramel inside, and a huge slice of chocolate cake (that I did not eat).

Day 8- Go back home day

My flight leaving Cusco was very early in the am. That’s the thing thing with Peru, the flights are so inconvenient lol. I forgot to mention Uber is allowed in Peru (Lima). Since my flight going back home was not until 11pm, I decided to check back into Tierra Viva Miraflores one last time. I am happy they allowed early check in. I checked in around 10am. I had breakfast at this cute little shop on the corner. It was blue and white. Once again I can not remember the name. Food was good.

I settle back into my hotel, relaxed and got ready for my last and final destination: Circuito Mágico del Agua. I wanted to go at 3pm while it opened that way I could beat the crowd, but that didn’t happen. I got there around 5pm. Remember I’m alone so I would’ve needed to use my tripod, which can be a hassel at times. So I asked my Uber driver if he wanted to take my pictures, of course for a fee, and he agreed. The American dollar rings bells ok. The entrance fee is 4soles and a car fee is 10soles. I’m glad I asked Christian to take my pictures. It was packed with people. They would have been annoyed with me and my tripod. This park is very family oriented. It was lovely seeing families just enjoying the day. The cold didn’t seem to stop their joy. There is a light show/lights come off at 6pm. By the time I was ready to go it was 530pm, and I did not feel like waiting 30mins for the light show.

The traffic in Lima is busy. Reminded me of NY traffic but on a worse scale. I also asked Christian if he wanted to get some food (the thing is everything is cheap in Peru so I didn’t mind treating him. Also he was a good sport about my pictures. I made him redo a few over and over again lol). He agreed but then the traffic started getting heavy so he asked if he should drop me at the hotel or the restaurant because he did not want to be late for his night job. Restaurant please. I have to eat before my flight back home. Very important. The restaurant he dropped me off at was called Rustica. It was by the water. I ordered the fish of the day which came with octopus and shrimp with a side of seafood rice. I also ordered a mango margarita. For dessert I had a tres leche cake. Oh my goodness it was rich. Yum. This restaurant was my favorite next to the Full House by Machu Picchu.

My overall thoughts of Peru: I really didn’t like it much. Maybe it’s because I used a tour company to book all my excursions. Maybe I spent too much time in Lima/Ica. The food was not to my liking. They cook a lot of foods with meats. I can’t put my finger on it but it wasn’t my favorite at all. Maybe because I’m so used to booking my own things, so moving forward that’s what I’m going to do.