Peru

Hangovers at altitude are killers

Cuzco is the universally recognized party capital of Peru, and you can come, drink beer on the street, listen to good music then go back to the hostel with some stranger and get an STD. There are a wide variety of overpriced tourist bars filled with obnoxious Brits on break from ‘Uni’. Festivals in the city are common and live concerts shouldn’t be missed.

It’s generally a beautiful city, and the tourist development has had the positive effect of keeping mining interests at bay. Everyone in Cuzco is heading to Machu Picchu, the great ruins of the Inca Empire. Officially it is necessary to pay a travel agency lots and lots of money and book an organized trek 6 months ahead to arrive at the ruins, but ask around and you’ll find there are various other options. If you do eventually figure out a way there, smoking a joint at sunrise on one of the mountains overlooking the ruins isn’t a bad way to spend the morning… But don’t expect the guards to be hospitable if they find you there without a pass, and you could be sent to jail for a couple of days and still have to pay when it’s all over.

There are other beautiful trekking routes throughout the area that are at least as good as the Inca trail and should certainly be considered. The mountains around Cuzco are beautiful and only Huaraz boasts better trekking and climbing opportunities in Peru.

James ‘Tramplfoot’ was born and raised on a small farm in rural Ohio. At the age of 18 he hit the road to Alaska with a meager savings and no plan. Over the next 2 years he wandered in search of real answers and a livable life. The journey has taken him through three continents, various loves, battles with the loneliness and insanity of the road, and extreme poverty. Though the lessons haven’t been easy, he has learned much from the trail, and has reached a much happier and more peaceful understanding on the nature of his life.

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