Pimping Peru

1. What country and city did you travel to?
Cusco, Peru


2. What time of the year did you travel?
January, Summer


3. Where did you stay?
A home stay, just outside of Cusco city center.


4. What was your favourite location?
I loved wondering around Cusco town! I lived there for about 5 weeks and it was loads of fun to get to know the city. Cusco has many different cafes and night clubs to hang out in pretty much 24 hours a day. The main square also has free salsa lessons a couple of afternoons every week.


5. What was your favourite activity?
Without a doubt it was visiting Machu Picchu!!! What a beautiful ancient city. Walking into the old city and seeing the sun rise over the mountains took my breath away. If you want to push yourself a little further then they allow the first 200 visitors to climb up Huayna Picchu, which is the mountain above Machu Picchu, this is a hard climb, but gives you a spectacular view down on the stunning ruins.












6. Name a song that framed your trip? Or reminds you of your trip?
We Speak no Americano by DCUP



7. List the 5 words you need to know in that country?
Thanks - Gracias
Friend - Amigo
Hello - Hola
Guinnea Pig - el cuy



8. Words of Warning
Make sure that you do not drink the local water, or you may spend your time in the hospital, rather then visiting the beautiful sights. I unfortunately had to spend 3 days in the local hospital due to food and water for an unreputable restaurant.


9. List 3 essential clothing items
Jacket - Cusco is quite high in the Andes, and therefore, gets quite cold on summer evenings.
Walking shoes - there are many beautiful walks around the area, but you will need substantial shoes to do them.
Hat


10. List 3 essential personal items
Camera!
Sun screen - I am an Aussie, who is used to the sun, but even I ended up looking like a tomato after a couple of days in the sun.
Translator - it is a lot of fun to barter with the Peruvians in the local markets, but you will need to have a basic understanding of Spanish.


11. Currency convertor
1AUD = 2.5 Sol


12. Name one thing that is highly recommended by you -which is also great value for money
Walk around the markets to barter for some souvenirs.



13. Traditional food that you recommend to try
El Cuy! Guinea Pig is very special to the Peruvians, and it is a MUST try! It comes out whole and it quite chewy, but is an interesting experience!


14. Something to push your boundaries
I went to Peru to volunteer for an NGO call Peru's Challenge! This was, without a doubt, one of the greatest experiences of my life. During the 5 weeks I was in Cusco, a travelled with a group of 19 MQ students to the town on Quilla Huata. During our time there we taught the students how to speak English, built two classrooms, and met some amazing people. If you get a chance to travel to Cusco, please visit Peru's Challenge, as they are doing some great work in a community that has almost nothing!













This was written by Beks.


Love,


The Travel Buggers.