South America...?
I've always said that I have no real desire to visit South America -- unless it were to see the Inca, Maya, or Aztec ruins. ...and now I've got the chance. I want to see Machu Picchu. Before the site closes entirely to the public, I'd like to see it with my own eyes.
However, even with the prospect of seeing this amazing Inca site, I'm still wary. I suppose it's because my image of South America is dirt, bugs, sweat, and more bugs.
But mostly bugs.
The tough part is getting there. Turns out Machu Picchu is way out in the middle of nowhere -- even today. No wonder it stayed hidden for so many years. I haven't looked into it too deeply yet, but it looks like I'd have to fly into the capital (Lima), take a train down to a major city called "Cusco" then bus it down to a smaller town at the foot of the Machu Picchu cliffs. THEN take *another* bus up those cliffs to get to the ruins.
It's either that, or hike there for 4-8 hours.
I don't really feel like hiking.
Plus, because Machu Picchu has become such a tourist attraction, it'll probably be riddled with over-inflated prices, slimy traps, and all manner of rip-offs. If I were going on my own, I might be able to avoid that ('cause I'll probably be mistaken for a local... lol). However, I'll most likely be going with a friend or two who look about as touristy as one can get. Light skin, blonde-ish hair, blue eyes -- you name it.
I'll cross that bridge when I get to it, though. First, I have to figure out how to get there, and how much it's going to cost. And how much I'll have to save. And where on earth I'm willing to stay... The idea of South America kinda scares me, so I'm not sure how keen I'm going to be about staying in hostels there... I'll have to do my research. I don't want to end up on a hammock in the jungle. With the bugs.
In a way, it's kind of exciting. I've never traveled around with a backpack through dirt, muck, and jungle. The idea doesn't appeal to me, but the experience does. At least once. I'll huff and puff and endure it while it's happening, and then it'll be something I can look back on and feel proud about.
...probably.
...unless a spider eats me.
However, even with the prospect of seeing this amazing Inca site, I'm still wary. I suppose it's because my image of South America is dirt, bugs, sweat, and more bugs.
But mostly bugs.
The tough part is getting there. Turns out Machu Picchu is way out in the middle of nowhere -- even today. No wonder it stayed hidden for so many years. I haven't looked into it too deeply yet, but it looks like I'd have to fly into the capital (Lima), take a train down to a major city called "Cusco" then bus it down to a smaller town at the foot of the Machu Picchu cliffs. THEN take *another* bus up those cliffs to get to the ruins.
It's either that, or hike there for 4-8 hours.
I don't really feel like hiking.
Plus, because Machu Picchu has become such a tourist attraction, it'll probably be riddled with over-inflated prices, slimy traps, and all manner of rip-offs. If I were going on my own, I might be able to avoid that ('cause I'll probably be mistaken for a local... lol). However, I'll most likely be going with a friend or two who look about as touristy as one can get. Light skin, blonde-ish hair, blue eyes -- you name it.
I'll cross that bridge when I get to it, though. First, I have to figure out how to get there, and how much it's going to cost. And how much I'll have to save. And where on earth I'm willing to stay... The idea of South America kinda scares me, so I'm not sure how keen I'm going to be about staying in hostels there... I'll have to do my research. I don't want to end up on a hammock in the jungle. With the bugs.
In a way, it's kind of exciting. I've never traveled around with a backpack through dirt, muck, and jungle. The idea doesn't appeal to me, but the experience does. At least once. I'll huff and puff and endure it while it's happening, and then it'll be something I can look back on and feel proud about.
...probably.
...unless a spider eats me.