Machu Picchu

I'm about 99.2% sure that I speak for Koby, Kaye, Enrique, and myself when I say that climbing Machu Picchu Montana was one of the most difficult thing we have ever done. We woke up at 4AM to get ready/packed up and enjoy our free breakfast at Gringo Bill's before we headed for the buses. After breakfast we headed out to wait for the buses that start heading to MP at 5:30AM. We thought we were ahead of the game... nope! We had to wait about 45 minutes for a shuttle bus!

We got through the gates at MP at 7:57AM and headed for Montana Mountain. It was already starting to get warm, even though it's almost winter here. Holy guacamole, the hike is no joke. I mean, we were already out of breath before we reached the check in gate for MP Montana.. It's labeled "moderate", but in my opinion I would say it is difficult in intensity and moderate in skill. We got about half way up and we're really contemplating turning around because none of us were dressed for that. All in jeans and t-shirts; none of us thought we would be climbing a 10,050 foot mountain that morning. It took us about 2 hours to climb to the top. The views were "literally breathtaking" (good one, Kaye!). But really, I can't think of a word other than amazing. We were so high up, any mis-step close to the edge could be the end of us (dramatic but true)! We were level with the tops of majestic mountains and al out touching clouds, insane!

Then we started our descent, which was rough on the knees and took about 45 minutes. We then explored Machu Picchu and spent a good amount of time playing with the llamas. MP is incredible, and you're surrounded by these huge, green mountains; it's magical. I'm sure you've seen pictures, but it's honestly one of those things you have to see to believe.

We waited in line for a shuttle down, totally beat/sweaty/dirty, for about 45 minutes, then arrived in Aguas Calientes once again about 30 minutes later. We headed straight for a restaurant for pizza and beer, so needed- so satisfying.

Back at it again; Peru Edition!

Greetings from Peru! We're currently on a gorgeous train ride from Poroy (Cusco) to Machu Picchu! It's a five hour ride, so we have plenty of time to update.

A few months ago my best friends invited us their trip to Peru, so we looked into flights and costs and it's all really affordable! 

So when they asked us to Machu Picchu, I said, "Alcapca my bags!"

Koby and I were overdue for a trip. I didn't think we would explore South America for a looong time, so this is so great! Also, before you think, "OMG I can't believe they went to Peru with the Zika virus outbreak!" It's not in Peru, and we're so high in elevation so there aren't even really any bugs. We're responsible travelers and wouldn't put ourselves in unnecessary danger.

Anyway, it's five months later and here we are!

Round trip flights out of SF: $600

Train to MP: $200

Tickets to actual MP: 650..?

Hostel/Accomodations: $180 approximately 

Food/beer: $30-$40 

So it's about $1200/person for 9 days, not bad at all! 

Everyone can afford to travel, you just need to buy your tickets and go! Make that a priority over your nights out at bars and restaurants. 

We left our apartment at 4:30AM Monday morning (after 2.5 hours sleep) to drop our car off at my cousins house in Pacifica (thanks Vanessa!), and head to SFO. We checked into our flight and checked our bags. I recently bought a new pack pack that can be used as a carry on(savings you $$$)! And all of the straps zip in so it just looks like a duffle. AND it has a small, detachable backpack for days trips! The brand is Osprey and it was $180 at Sports Basement, honestly some of the best money I have ever spent. AND it unzips all the way like a normal suitcase so you don't have to reach down and dig around for every little thing you need. Excuse the rant, I just really love it, it's made traveling so easy thus far. Back to the story. Our flight was delayed 3 hours and we ended up having to take a different fight to LAX so we didn't miss our connecting flight to Lima. Once we arrive at LAX we enjoyed some much needed adult beverages and met up with Kaye and Enrique! Then we boarded our flight to Lima! 

LAN airlines in amazing! We were served lunch with complimentary beer and wine, m&ms for dessert, a snack later on, more complimentary beer and wine, and they continuously walked around with water throughout the flight. The meals were even served with real, metal utensils! And actual glasses. We collectively decided later that that was actually pretty dangerous in case there was a murderer on board, but we made it to Lima without getting out throats slashed, phew.

We arrived in Lima at 12:30AM, got to our hostel at 2AM, making that about a 22 hour travel day on hardly any sleep. The next day we got up, got coffee, and headed to lunch and a brewery. Same shit, different country. Trying new beers and eating whenever we're together, haha. Lima wasn't my favorite, very crowded, busy, dirty, not too beautiful. Maybe it's nicer on the outskirts. 

We then grabbed our bags and headed back to the airport to fly to Cusco! And wow, Cusco was so beautiful even at night. Less crowded, people obeying traffic signals, clean streets, friendly people. We checked into out hostel and went to grab some pizza around the corner. There are no shortage of pizza and chicken places in Cusco, that's for sure! We passed out and in the morning we headed for city center and just general city exploration. Cobble stone streets, incredibly beautiful buildings, and just so much history! There was also a ton of stray dogs. It's really sad:(. 

We went to Dragonfly hostel to try their craft beer! Cool hostel with really good vibes; we sat outside and enjoyed some pretty good beer.  Then we had lunch as this delicious vegan place called Green Point. We ate like kings for $35 and it was so nice to have some veggies! Next we found a few few craft beer bars.. Then we went grocery shopping for snacks for the train and headed back to our hostel to rest up and get ready for today!

Now it's the next morning at 4:30AM and we're all awake getting ready for MP! Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu, is so cute and breathtaking and we're surrounded by huge green mountains and it's just amazing! We're staying at Gringo Bill's and we're upgraded to a suite with an amazing balcony! 

We will post pictures when we have better wifi.

Chow for now!