Smooth Transition

I started my venture to Peru still feeling unprepared to say goodbye to Chile. The bus ride to Peru however made for a smoother transition as the sceneries didn´t change that much while crossing the Chile-Peru border. The geography stuck on my head that was my last picture of Chile- a vast expanse of barren land, dry air, and a backbone of high, sandy, beige-toned hills, became my first impression of Peru as we journeyed down for about four hours between the border town of Tacna and just before Arequipa. Reaching Arequipa was as serene as the place was. Amidst a backdrop of greens and orthogonal farm lands, colonial houses and baroque churches borrowed the beigeness from the desert a few kilometers away, seemingly bridging contrasting Peruvian towns into one cohesive landscape.

Peru is one of the most amazing places I have ever been. Its mystical ruins, its amazing landscapes, and the warm Peruvians have dazzled me. I spent about a week backpacking... by myself. From Iquique in Chile, I toook a night bus to the northernmost city of Arica. At Arica I crossed the border by a taxi cab to the Peruvian town of Tacna. I took another 10-hour bus ride to reach Arequipa, then a night-bust to Cuzco. Whoa. Lots of bus rides. I went about two days and a half without showering and a decent bed, but, oddly enough, it rather provided ample time to recuperate from the hustles of traveling. Plus, It was like a free expedition in itself- I was able to survey southern Peru's landscapes, from Tacna's deserts to Cuzco's valleys- all in a bus window seat.

Cuzco was just mind-blowing. It reminded me of Anitgua, Guatemala- cobble-stone streets, old churches, very authentic; I felt like i traveled back in time. It was also very rich in history and in the arts. On the frst day, I took a day tour around Cuzco and saw a decent amount of Incan ruins from Pukapukara to Ollantaytambo. On my second and third day I went to visit Machu Picchu. The highlight of the trip for me was the hike up to the summit of Huaynu Picchu, an expedition I did with some friends I made while in Aguas Calientes. The scenery was incredible. We went far up, as high as 9000 ft, and it offered the best over-looking views of Machu Picchu. It was my first summit and I couldn't believe I did it, much more I couldn't believe a place that beautiful existed. Hiking down, we were met with a more stunning view of Machu Picchu. I spent the rest of the day strolling around the ruins and sitting on cliffs. It was the best day of my life.