10 things that you should do when in Peru (Part 2)
If you missed part 1 of “10 Things That you Should Do when in Peru”…
check it out here!
6. Check one off the bucket list with Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
There’s a beautiful feeling of connectedness that comes from walking in the footsteps of civilizations past. Machu Picchu is one of the most incredible urban creations of all time, and it’s so much more than what you’ve seen in photographs and social media posts. Not far from there lies Rainbow mountain, and it’s well worth the 3-hour journey from Cusco. Just 6 years ago, these crazy-colored mountains were buried beneath snow and ice, and as shades of vivid turquoise, yellow, pink, and red began to peek through the earth, Rainbow mountain was given its name. These adventures have gained an absurd amount of popularity over the years, and they can be VERY crowded. This is why I strongly suggest that you go there early and you go there NOW. Due to COVID, there are a lot fewer humans, and hey, the early bird gets the worm!
7. Learn about civilizations past at the ruins and archaeological sites of Sacred Valley.
The mysterious architecture and fun history surrounding these sites will make your head spin. There are SO MANY cool sites in Sacred Valley, and the top attractions include Moray, Sacsayhuaman, Ollyantantambo, Pisac, Chincero, The Salt Mines of Maras, and the lesser-known Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge. Google to see what tickles your fancy, but know that the curious crop circles of Moray were my favorite because they reminded me of aliens. Give yourself some time in the Cusco region, and don’t make the mistake of taking a quick in and out trip. I was there for almost a month and still didn’t see everything I wanted.
8. Drink that chicha! Eat that guinea pig! Dance to the music! Make local connections!
Immerse yourself in the rich culture that surrounds you! Try new things and shop at the local street markets. Buy any produce (like that funky, squishy street algae) that you’ve never seen before and give it a taste! (The lucuma is FANTASTIC by the way.) Mingle with furry alpacas and learn how textiles are made. Make your own chocolate at the Museo de Cocao. Befriend a hairless dog. Live outside of the tourist zones, and above all else, respect and embrace all of the beauty this world has to offer.
9. Dig deep into the depths of your body, mind, and soul with plant medicine.
Of course, psychedelics are not for everyone, but they have changed my life, and if there’s one place in the world to take these kinds of journeys- it’s Peru. I could go on and on about my four Ayahuasca trips and my recent 16-hour journey with San Pedro, but for now, I will say that these experiences are not for the faint of heart and require some dedication to the healing process. I couldn’t be more thankful for the learning and growth these medicines have brought into my life. They allowed me to connect with some beautiful souls, but most importantly they have allowed me to connect with myself and my true heart’s desires. If you’d like to take some of the most insane, thought-provoking, spiritual experiences of your life, schedule a ceremony and make the magic happen!
10. Last but not least, find a way to give back to your local community.
I found an overwhelming amount of trash along the coastline of Peru and made it a priority to host cleanups along my journey. With the help of friends and local strangers, we cleaned 163 kilos (plus tons of unweighed rubbish) off the coast, and it felt SO GOOD. Of course, it was heartbreaking to see so much trash, but it’s a beautiful thing to see people from all over the world coming together to protect what they love. No matter where you are in the world, there are always ways to lend a helping hand. Explore your volunteering options, and please join us for beach clean-ups around the world @_cleansea @bigblueoceancleanup & @sarah_sunshine__ Tag us in your clean-up photos and help us spread the love!