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Get your Machu Picchu passport stamp
OK, it’ s not an official passport stamp, but it’ s a fun memento of your visit. So if you have time, just outside the entrance gates look for the barely marked station where you can get the novelty Machu Picchu stamp in your passport.
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Combat altitude sickness in the Andes
This affects many visitors to Andean countries and when your time is limited, it can really limit your enjoyment. Your physician may prescribe medication( such as acetazolamide, a. k. a. Diamox) for this, and Ibruprofen can also be helpful. But there are natural approaches, too. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots( and lots) of water. Limit your intake of alcohol and tobacco. Eat plenty of carbohydrates. Drink caffeine. And try to increase your elevation gradually. Our local Trip Experience Leaders often recommend drinking coca tea and eating coca candy. Another hint: bring saline nasal spray, as the inside of your nose tends to get very dry at high altitudes.
A Note from Harriet: At O. A. T., we often suggest that our Andean travelers arrive at their first destination( usually Lima) a few days early so they can adjust to the higher elevation. Even if you are not traveling in a group, it’ s a good idea to allow yourself this extra time so you are feeling your best when it comes time to explore.
Traveler tip
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How to order wine in Chile
and was never disappointed. I crossed into Chile, checked into our hotel, and went down to the beautiful wine bar. As usual, I ordered( again in Spanish),“ A glass of wine, please,” to the puzzled look of the bartender. She answered, in effect,“ We don’ t have a glass of wine.” Fortunately my( Argentine) Trip Leader came by and... tried to figure out the problem. There followed an excited conversation in Spanish between the Trip Leader and the bartender. Finally, the explanation, which was revelatory to my Argentine Trip Leader: in Chile one doesn’ t request a“ glass” of wine. Rather, ask for a“ cup,” and you’ re good. Two more countries separated by a common language.
In Argentina I always ordered( in Spanish),“ A glass of wine, please,”
— Sandra Caldwell, 1-time traveler, Seattle, WA
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