A trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu - Interview with Laura

A complicated journey

RGV: How was your journey to Peru?

Laura: Actually, my arrival was quite uncomplicated, but my onward flight from Lima was canceled, so I ended up having to wait 8 hours for the next flight to Cusco. It would actually have been only two hours later, but was always delayed (Peruvian Airline). Everything went well with my luggage. It is best to check in the luggage from Germany to Lima and then check it in again in Lima to Cusco. (So ​​it was perfect for me, because I flew to Lima with the same airline and then changed airlines in Lima.)  

RGV: What were your first impressions of Peru?

Laura: I had to get used to everything for the first few days. For example, that you pay in the bus only when you want to get off and that you have to get out loud "Baja!" call, because the retaining buttons never work. Cusco is a really beautiful place with a huge landscape. I noticed that when I arrived in Cusco by plane.  

RGV: How do you like your current accommodation?

Laura: I am in a host family and have felt comfortable here quickly. They showed me a lot of Cusco and looked after me well when I was ill.

RGV: Are you satisfied with the on-site support provided by the Rainbow Garden Village team?

Laura: Yes I am satisfied.

Crafting lessons in the women's shelter

RGV: What tasks do you have in your project? / What activities have you already taken over?

Laura: In my project, I take care of the smallest children of the mothers, that is to say, the children between the ages of two and two, but sometimes also the three-year-olds. I help the mothers eat or wrap their children. Besides, I take care of the children when they play with me or with other children.

RGV: What is the typical daily routine in the project?

Laura: I come to 9 clock in the project. From 9 to 10, the kids have breakfast. Then you play, do handicrafts or check the health of the little ones. Shortly after 11 the kids have lunch. Then they have to be moved or wrapped, as they then make their afternoon nap.

RGV: What is the experience that you will probably remember most about your time in Peru?

Laura: There were many nice moments. On the one hand, I was pleased when I was able to meet outside the project with volunteers from other countries. On the other hand, it was nice to see how much joy I had with the little children in the project, because they were happy when I came.

RGV: And what else have you already done / experienced?

Laura: I have already seen some beautiful places in Cusco like the Plaza de Armas, San Pedro or San Sebastián. Also, I was in Machu Picchu, which was literally a breathtaking experience.

RGV: What would you say? The Peruvians are ...

Laura: ... friendly, helpful, sometimes not quite as organized as the Germans and very spirited.

Tips for Machu Picchu ... and more!

RGV: Do you have general or very specific tips / suggestions?

Laura: My tips for getting there are:

• It is essential to check suitcases in Lima and then pick them up and have them checked in to Cusco again
• Something to nibble on for the flight and maybe a neck pillow
• You should get in line early for boarding from Madrid to Lima, otherwise you won't have room for your hand luggage on the plane
• It is important to dress appropriately for the journey as it is cool from Germany to Madrid. It is really warm in Lima!

For the stay I recommend:

• Take small change for the bus! A bus ride costs 0,7 sols (about 20 cents)
• Do not walk around in public with extremely expensive valuables. That means leave your iPhone, laptop, expensive glasses or high-quality branded clothes at home or in your accommodation
• You need a cap because the sun is very strong.
• Do not eat too many things from the beginning. Drink Mate de Coca for that!
• Take bug spray with you if you plan to travel to Lima
• Best to pack German medicines, as the medicines here are a bit different and intended for Cuscoans
• If you own a DNI, a Peruvian ID card, take it with you! For Peruvians is often a lot cheaper
• Note: Withdrawing money is associated with additional costs and is limited to a maximum of 400 soles

For a trip to Machu Picchu you should note:

• Find out beforehand where you can buy tickets, otherwise it can get very expensive
• The course of a drive to Machu Picchu is as follows: From your respective location you take the bus to Ollantaytambo. From there it goes by train - Perurail - to Aguas Calientes. Finally you take the bus to Machu Picchu. But you already need the ticket for that. Therefore you have to buy tickets before you arrive.
  Bay always for the return trip. If you stay in Aguas Calientes overnight (because often the trains are already full for a day and a half) it is enough to search for hotels / hostels on site, which is often cheaper.