Flying High

By Meg S. 

We had two options for travel from Cuzco to Lima:

hop on a 23hr, bumpy overnight bus for about $40

OR

take a 1hr plane ride directly into the Jorge Chavez Airport in Lima for $100

We unanimously agreed on the plane ride option and booked tickets through StarPeru (http://www.starperu.com/). If everything goes according to plan (easier said than done in a foreign country) our group will arrive in Lima around 10:30am the morning of our departure back to the States. We will have plenty of time to hang out in the airport or do some last minute sightseeing before we leave that evening.

Fearing Altitude Sickness a Little Less...

by Colleen

Altitude sickness has recently been on my mind.  This past weekend I was reminiscing with some friends about my cross country trip to Colorado two summers ago.  One of my old teammates had decided to move to Boulder for the summer and asked if I would join her on the road trip.  We were staying with some of her friends on the Colorado soccer team and being our competitive selves, deciding to join them for a run the second day there.  For those of you who aren't aware, there is a severe altitude difference from Boulder and Boston.  Needless to say, we underestimated the power of altitude sickness and weren't even able to run a mile before keeling over.  This is where my fear of altitude sickness stems from.  Luckily, with the help of these quick articles and plenty of cocoa leaves, I'm hoping to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and enjoy some runs in Cusco before our trek up Machu Picchu. Check 'em out...Article from Runnersworld.com
Altitude Sickness Specifically related to Machu Picchu

Wait, you mean I can't pack a blowdryer or heals?!

So, for those of you who know me, you know I'm obsessed with two things. Hair and Heals. On any other trip, I tend to pack like 5 pairs of heals (exceeding the weight limit of my suitcase...yes it has happened before), my blowdryer (refuse to use hotel blowdryers), flat iron, curling iron, a cornucopia of product, you name it.

So, for this trip, I'm completely letting down my guard, and succumbing to the backpacking gods. I will leave my beloved heals and blowdryer behind. (gasp)

Tonight, while lounging around watching the Bachelor (why did he pick Courtney?! ), little Meg and I were discussing our options for taming our wild manes on this trip. While on the mountain, a baseball hat, our fantastic lululemon headbands/work out headbands and head scarves are going to be the equivalent to like water (well, at least for me). As for just traveling around on our other adventures, we both unknowingly have decided we are purchasing fedora's for this trip! So cute and so casual!

As for the heals, well obviously I'm not bringing them. Hiking boots, sneakers and sandals it is!