Peru
I was so excited at the prospect of visiting South America, that I completely ignored the fact that I was a lone woman traveller and that this may not have been the safest of countries to visit all by my lonesome self.. however.. I live to tell the tale! I found it difficult to communicate with the Peruvians, as they do not understand many english words. An interesting fact you may need to learn before staying in Peru is that weirdly, you are not allowed to flush the toilet paper. When I arrived in Lima, I flew to Cusco. From Cusco airport I took a zip taxi to Ollaytambo and then lastly, took the very scenic train journey to Machu Picchu on the Peru Rail. Quite an ordeal, but totally worth it!! Some interesting facts about Cusco is that it is built in the shape of a puma and there is an observatory in the eye. The town Aguas Calientes is built like a Condor, puma and serpent. The last of which signifies the underworld. In the middle of the town there is a statue of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui (often simply Pachacuti ) who was the 9th Inca ruler (r. 1438 – 1471 CE) who founded the empire and is also credited with founding the site of Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu is the mountain peak viewed from the Machu Picchu citadel, a 15th-century Inca citadel situated on a mountain ridge 2,430 metres above sea level. After huffing and puffing my way up the large steps enjoying the magnificent views of the ancient ruins, I was horrified to learn that the site operated on a one way pedestrian system and that I would have to walk through the entire site to come full circle, back to the only toilets situated near the entrance of the site. Once again my bladder dictated much of what I enjoyed that day! The vibrant market in Aguas Calientes is a lovely way to buy trinkets and other memorabilia and I enjoyed the loveliest food whilst staying there! My next stop was Tarapoto to visit one of my oldest school friends. It was incredibly hot and humid, but she made me feel so welcome and drove me around to many interesting places! First on her list was the Catarata de Huacamaillo Waterfall situated in a mini tropical rainforest. Then I was treated to delicious Ceviche (typically made from fresh raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices, most commonly lime or lemon ) at Rústico restaurant – a resort with the most incredible views from the infinity swimming pool. She also introduced me to Chicha morada – red corn juice and took me to an authentic chocolate factory in the middle of a cocoa plantation. I loved every minute of it!