I am of fairly mature age and not a great walker, but I still play tennis (in a fashion). Machu Picchu was a great favorite of mine in the last ten years. I should have gone 10 years ago, but it did not happen. This time I wedged it between Galapagos Islands and Hawaii. I stayed in a time-share right next to Plaza de Armas in Cusco for a week. The excursion to Machu Picchu was booked in England with Expedia, and I have done excursion having booked there (in Cusco) or just myself holding onto my book. I almost was rigid with fear how I would be able to do all three countries with sight-seeing and walks and how could I miss the onset of High Altitude Sickness. Regarding the latter I took it easy for two days in Cusco, walking slowly, drinking water often, going to bed early, staying away from alcoholic drinks and consuming “healthy” food as I could judge it. After the two days the excursions came in. I must say, the guides were extremely good and polite, very helpful. I hardly let his hand go in Machu Picchu. He had taken it in his stride without any complaint. I still have heard what was important knowledge. After the sight-seeing I jumped the queue – in Peru it is legal: disabled, pregnant, with small children and senior has priority on bus, airplane without any extra payment. Machu Picchu is great, but the other three excursions were great too! I came away with the thought: the Conquistadores were a hair width of failing, but they made it through. In the next centuries they methodically tried to erase the local achievements. What a great shame, that they could not keep it in better harmony.
