Peru: Trip of a Lifetime!

When I tell people of my passion for travel or that I have been to about 20 different countries now, of course people inevitably ask, "What's the most interesting country you have been to?" Although it is impossible to choose just one, my trip to Peru last year was definitely one of the most incredible trips of my life. Here is a summary of what made Peru so special:

1) MOUNATAIN LOVER'S PARADISE

As an avid hiker, my favorite countries tend to be those with big and beautiful mountains. Therefore, Peru was obviously a suitable country for me. Although I had seen my share of beautiful mountains, it was amazing to see the majestic Andes. Everywhere I went, I was surrounded by 5,000 meter peaks, which made for a fantastic landscape.

2) DIVERSITY OF THE LANDSCAPE

In addition to the awesome mountains, the fascinating thing about Peru was the geographical diversity. Within a 3-week stay in the country, I was able to climb mountains, hike deep into a canyon--Colca Canyon-- that dwarfs the Grand Canyon, visit the highest navigable lake in the world (Lake Titicaca), and visit the jungle. One week I was freezing in my tent on the Inca Trail and the next week I was sweating hard trekking through the jungle. Again, Peru had amazing diversity, but the one thing all the geographical features had in common was that they were equally breathtaking.

3) CROSS ONE OFF THE LIST

Since I first saw a picture of the mysterious Machu Picchu, it has been high on my list of "things to see" in life. Visiting Peru finally gave me the chance to cross it off my list. Additionally, hiking the 4-day Inca Trail to get to Machu Picchu made it even more rewarding. A lot of famous sites are a complete letdown when you finally see them, but Machu Picchu did not disappoint. I wanted to just lie in the grass all day and admire one of the most awe-inspiring sights on the planet.

4) NO PAIN, NO GAIN

Maybe Peru was such a wonderful and rewarding trip because I went through so much pain to appreciate it. My first problem was with altitude sickness. I made the mistake of taking the bus straight from Lima down to Arequipa and then into Colca Canyon. To get to Colca Canyon involved taking a bus up to over 4,500 meters, which left me with a pounding headache and hardly any energy as I tried to carry my 10-kg backpack for 3 days. Then, after finally arriving at the highlight of my trip--the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu--I was stricken with a horrible stomach virus from some bad food I ate on my trip. I spent the second and third days of the hike clutching my stomach in pain. These problems, again, made the trip more rewarding. It made every amazing sight just seem all that more beautiful. On the flight home, I was completely drained. But it was a good feeling of exhaustion, knowing that I had had an unforgettable adventure.


Although I have never visited a country which I did not enjoy and appreciate, Peru was definitely one of the best trips of my life. It is also one of those rare places that when I was flying out of the country, I said to myself, "I will be back..."