It was going quite well we were really seeing eye to eye.
In front of me: Andes peaks jutting into a blue sky with clouds that couldve been painted on.
Below me: vibrant green terraces punctuating the hillside.
Credit:Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisue
But really, I only had eyes from my pseudoruminant friend.
I came to Peru to see the new eco-resortLas Qolqasin Ollantaytambo.
It poured as we walked through the town, a series of low buildings with Incan-built stone foundations.
Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisue
We talked about running, hiking, and Porfys Quechuan background.
At nearly 12,000 feet, Pumamarka is actually quite a bit higher than Machu Picchu.
And thats why we started there.
Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisue
I spent the night before Machu Picchu cozied in the main house at Las Qolqas.
Then, I retired to my tented sanctuary and let the pounding rain lull me to sleep.
The next morning found Porfy and me running through the rain to catch the Inca Rail to Machu Picchu.
We barely made it.
Undeterred, we spent the morning exploring Machu Picchu and the afternoon hiking the adjacent peak, Wayna Picchu.
I have never been more thankful to have a guide.
Could I have navigated the train and the dance of Machu Picchu ticketing myself?
It was well-marked, of course, though not well-populated in the subpar weather.
Choose accommodations that will make you feel comfortable (whatever that means to you).
I was very partial to the small-scale eco-resort as a solo traveler.
Consider working with a guide or joining a small-group trip.
From easier hikes to challenging treks, consider doing it with a small-group tour provider," Berna advises.
“Go solo, but not alone thats our motto.”
