In this episode I talk about some of the differences in Peruvian culture that might be a little more challenging to deal with by a visitor from a foreign place. Some of these may be inconsequential to you, but others may be a little harder to accept. As I always say, visitors must remember that they are guests in someone else's country and it is up to those guests to accept the culture of Peru without expecting Peruvians to change for them. Also in this episode I talk quite a bit about some of the things that are happening  at Machu Picchu including one major change that will affect thousands of people looking to visit the site through what I call the "back way" along the train tracks form the hidroelectrica.  I also warn you about problems that have arisen from dishonest agencies who have basically ruined the lifelong dream to visit Machu Picchu of apparently hundreds of people in recent days. I've got some useful information in the show notes here: Podcast Episode 7 - Cultural Differences (Part 1)

The idea for this episode came from some social media posts I've seen recently by p[eople planning trips to Peru. Their concerns were very real and echoed comments I'd seen many times in the past, but some of the responses were, at best, incorrect, so I thought I'd share some facts and experiences from someone who lives here. In this epsiode I also briefly touch upon about how COVID has not reached the level where 20% of those tested are infected. Even more important to a lot of people is that there is a good chance of increased flight cancellations in the next few days as there is a shortage of jet fuel that won't be remedied for at least another week. Be sur to check out the show notes at Episode 6 - ATMs, Food, and Safety.

In this epsiode I had a little fun sharing my thoughts on the eternal debate about tourists vs travelers.  You can catch up on some of the news and hopefully share your own thoughts with a comment at the bottom of the Episode 5 Show Notes page.

In this episode I talk about the two routes coming into Aguas Calientes which is the jumping off point for Machu Picchu. People can come in from either upriver by train or from downriver by train or hiking along the railway. There are no roads to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu from anywhere outside. I also talk about the continued rapid rise in the spread of COVID across the country and the expanded mask rules which affect the entire country beginning immediately. Show notes can be found at Podcast Episode – Tips on Visiting Machu Picchu (Part 2)

In this episode I start the series about visiting Machu Picchu in which I talk about the best times of the year and day to visit as well as if you should hire a guide. I also try to give a little clarity to the confusing routes that visitors must choose from when visiting the site. I also talk about the rising spread of COVID in Peru as well as potential travel disruptions that could be coming this week thanks to strikes and protests. Show notes can be found at Podcast Episode 3 – Tips on Visiting Machu Picchu (Part 1)

Two weeks ago I traveled back to the rainforest in southwestern Peru at Puerto Maldonado and nearby Lago Sandoval in the Tambopata National Reserve. In this podcast I talk about how to get to Puerto by air and on a bus, where I like to stay, and what to do there. My focus is on Lago Sandoval and the amazing experiences that you have at what is probably the best place to go to experience the rainforest in the Peruvian Amazon. Show notes can be found at Podcast Episode 2 – Puerto Maldonado and Lago Sandoval.

Next week I'm off to Machu Picchu to film -- weather permitting -- the winter solstice sunrise that cereates a very special event in the Temple of the Sun.

In this first episode I talk about Machu Picchu myths that drive me crazy! (Look for a lot more discussion on some of these in more detail later, too.) News: Peru v. Australia World Cup news; strikes and protests will disrupt travel plans in the coming months; a new low-cost airline begins operations to and from Peru. Show notes can be found at Podcast Episode 1 – Machu Picchu Myths