While ruins are an absolutely incredible reminder of the history of a given location, after I've seen a few, they start to lose their luster. If you're near Cusco and have hit your ruin plateau, I'd like to suggest a visit to the beautiful Maras Salt Mines (also often referred to as Salineras de Maras, … Continue reading Salineras de Maras: the Inca Salt Mines
Experiencing Machu Picchu
I consider my opinion of Machu Picchu to be complicated. It's one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, so I have this sense that I should feel privileged to have gone, and I do. However it's also one of the most populated tourist destinations I've been to in recent years. It felt less … Continue reading Experiencing Machu Picchu
Huchuy Qosqo, Peru
Huchuy Qosqo, or "Little Cuzco" in Quechua, is an Incan archaeological site north of Cusco, Peru that overlooks the Sacred Valley and the town of Lamay. It is inaccessible by road, therefore access requires either a hike up from Lamay (~3 hours), or a from Cusco ( ~5 - 7 hours; the way that we took - detailed here). Huchuy Qusqo is … Continue reading Huchuy Qosqo, Peru
Inca Trail to Huchuy Qosqo, Peru
When I booked my trip to Peru, I had every intention of doing the 4-day, 3-night Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu. There were guides available for several of the dates that I would be there. It was just a matter of negotiating the price. Or so I thought, until the guides started telling me … Continue reading Inca Trail to Huchuy Qosqo, Peru
Humantay Lake, Peru
I came across Humantay Lake by chance. Actually, I think it was by Instagram sponsored ad after researching all things Peru. Either way, this was absolutely a day well spent. You are able to hike this one alone should you so choose, but I opted to go the guide route given I was traveling alone. … Continue reading Humantay Lake, Peru
Exploring Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru is a beautiful place filled with color and life and a rich history that is still very powerfully present. It would be easy to spend several days walking around the city, taking it all in. In order to help focus your attention, I'm including some of my favorite highlights. First, some history. Before … Continue reading Exploring Cusco, Peru
The Grand Canyon: Our First Attempt
In December of 2018, my dad and I decided that we were going to set out on a Grand Canyon backpacking adventure. We were going to do the rim-to-rim. So we applied for a permit: May 9 - 11, starting at the North Kaibab trail, ending at Bright Angel on the South Rim. 2 nights … Continue reading The Grand Canyon: Our First Attempt
The art of road tripping
I love road trips. Love. Send me on a 6 hour drive with some sunflower seeds and a podcast and I will be the happiest camper you know. That said, road tripping can be a bit of an art form. If you're setting out for a cross-country adventure with no stops planned, an ambition to … Continue reading The art of road tripping
Ayutthaya, Thailand
First, a little history Ayutthaya is the former capital of Thailand located about 80 kilometers / 50 miles north of Bangkok. Actually, more accurately, it was capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350 until the Burmese took storm and burned it down between 1765 - 1767. Today, the ruins remain as majestic structures. Reminders … Continue reading Ayutthaya, Thailand
Pattaya, Thailand
There is no denying that Pattaya is a party city. In fact, a part of me wonders if there's really any other purpose for going to Pattaya than to party and to pay Thai girls (and boys) for sex. Initial review of Pattaya City - Pattaya Beach That said, it wasn't a total loss, and … Continue reading Pattaya, Thailand
