Travel Tips: Peru
Cheap sandals
In Peru, look out for those sandals that are made from tyres. I got mine in a market for 60p in Quillabamba, a grueling 12 hour bus ride from Cusco. Unlike those cheap knock offs you'll see everywhere these last more than five minutes and don't take up much pack space. I've had mine for six years and they are still going strong. They can be worn in the shower, inside and outside and are tough enough to cope well with salt water. They can rub a bit though until you get used to them and the black dye can rub off onto your feet but, if you travel with a girl or boyfriend who's always commenting on how much you spend just point to your feet and say '60p, bargain'. Those with big feet may find it difficult to find a pair the right size as Peruvians have tiny feet.
Working in Cusco
Paid work other than teaching English isn't something you will come across often in South America, but the bars in Cusco will sometimes employ a westerner, usually female, behind the bar. Ask around the half dozen or so British and Irish bars in and around the Plaza de Armas.
The Inca Trail is hard
For many the Inca Trail is their first proper trek and though we all know what a mountain is there is a huge difference between those big pretty things in the background and the ones that you choose to hike up. Carry only what is essential as every ounce left behind will make walking uphill and downhill (possibly even tougher on the calves) for eight hours over three days that much easier. One item you will want to take is a small torch. The last part of the trek is in darkness and many people, including your competitive torch carrying guide, race to be first to the lost city, leaving you stumbling along the mountain in the dark. Take reliable batteries too - mine ran out the night before the last day and, after an already hard day, had to climb up a very steep slope to find a shop. Not fun.
Cocoa tea
Suffering from altitude sickness? Try the local remedy cocoa leaves - it works. Chewing them is a bit horrible, the most pleasant way is to put the leaves in a cup and make some tea.
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