The Salcantay Trek: Why I Closed my Eyes at Machu Picchu

By on June 14, 2013 in Challenges, Peru

This is the final installment of a three part series about my trek to Machu Picchu. Read the first and second installments here! The Incas were blessed with ridiculously small feet. I know this for absolute certain because, while mine are a modest UK size 5.5, I still spent the majority of my time at [...]

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The Salcantay Trek: What to Do When a Crazed Horse Breaks Your Collarbone

By on June 7, 2013 in Challenges, Peru

This is the second installment of a three-part series about my trek to Machu Picchu. Read the first installment and the third installment here! The paths that wind downwards through the mountains on the second day of the Salkantay trek are narrow, twisting and peppered with rocks. But after a relaxing lunch, the views and [...]

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The Salcantay Trek: Riding a Horse with Altitude Sickness

By on May 29, 2013 in Challenges, Peru

This is the first installment of a three-part series about my trek to Machu Picchu. Read the second installment and the third installment here! “Obviously I’m not happy you’re sick, but I’m really glad you’re riding on the horses too. I don’t feel comfortable around them and I think they can sense it…” Me and [...]

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Crossing the Ecuador Border on Foot: the Longest 100km of My Life

By on May 23, 2013 in Peru

“This can’t be the same station!” I looked out, bleary eyed, from the folds of sarong wrapped around my head. I’d spent the last half hour trying to fall asleep, but the combination of the Pan-American Highway’s ever present road bumps and a bus with zero suspension were doing their utmost to stop me. Through [...]

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Colour, Chaos and Crazy Graffiti: Travelling the Age Gap

By on May 18, 2013 in Ecuador

“Do you feel older than us?” asked Mhairi, as we sat in a cosy cafe on a Wednesday afternoon, discussing our travelling plans for the months ahead. I didn’t know how to answer for a minute. It’s a pretty loaded question to be honest, particularly when you’ve chosen to spend six months of your life [...]

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Eating All the Food in Ecuador

By on May 11, 2013 in Ecuador

As is often the way when travelling, my daily lifestyle in Cuenca tends to revolve around food. More specifically, the time of day and my location in the city dictates what exactly I’ll be eating. So there’s a strong likelihood that a bowl of fruit salad will be sat in front of me at 10:20 [...]

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