That Whirlwind of a Trip!

Words into action has been a key phrase for me in 2025. It got me from saying I want to do this, to actually doing it in real, and it has been the most liberating feeling ever! For the longest time I felt I was limiting myself, when my words remained words but then I started actioning it whether it was taking up surfing, skiing, quitting alcohol (to an extent), taking a break from working, wanting to travel more, it all happened and is happening.

After New Zealand, Queenstown skiing trip, it seemed right to lock in South America, specifically the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu. I had always been aware of the seven wonders of the world and Machu Pichu being one of them and so when it came down to it, my own research to understand it better began.

I am a firm believer in timing, because in June/July I had no idea that I was going to take the rest of the year off. So this trip just naturally fell into place and worked out perfectly.  

Alot of you asked about the Itinerary and I must give full credit to Pavan because this was his bucket list item and his detailed research, logistical planning and plotting is how it all happened. I was living my best princess passenger life not having to worry about bookings and tours and only making the usual monetary contribution. Someone wrote to me and said, your trip was not a basic bitch itinerary which is true, it was a full-on adrenaline action packed itinerary.

Remember, our main plan was to do the Inca trail, which you have to book in advance and once we had that locked in, everything else we did was planned around it.

So, allow me to attempt to summarize the trip and the route we took

Nadi-Los Angles- Lima (Peru): A long journey across to the other side! For Fiji passports, it is visa on arrival. We spent the night in Mila Flores (Lima) to acclimatize and shake off the long-haul flight.

1.      Road transport is your best friend! Especially since buses are the most common way to get around. We decided to use the Peru Hop Bus. This was quite an experience, and it was about 46hours in total for the entire bus trips we took (I think). We went from Lima-Paracas- Huacachina- Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, Bolivia, Cusco. ( I might have missed something, but you get the gist of it!)

2.      Huacachina- is the only natural dessert oasis in South America. The plan was to go sandboarding and sand skiing here (side note: links to Queenstown trip) and I did want to experience sand skiing after snow skiing. Turns out, I did not like sand skiing and very much prefer the snow! I went down 2 dunes and took a great tumble on the last one so opted to just enjoy the ATV joy ride. This place is FUN though and a good breather before getting on the next bus.

3.      Nazca Lines- The next morning, the bus takes us here. The Nazca Lines are massive geoglyphs and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its archaeological and cultural significance.

4.      Puno- From here the bus journey continued to Puno via Peru Hop overnight bus. Just know that the seats numb out your bum and the toilets on the bus are for peeing only! Arriving in Puno and here is where altitude sickness kicked me hard. Elevation: 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level! I managed to pull through and continued with visiting Lake Titicaca. An overnight stay in Puno and then it was onto Bolivia.

5.      Fortunately, or unfortunately, my Fiji Passport required a Bolivian Visa before boarding our next bus. Plan b involved going with a private transfer to the border, getting my visa and then continuing to La Paz. I say fortunate because at this point, I was still recovering from altitude, and another bus ride would have had me thrown.

6.      Bolivia- for a visa, make sure to print out all the requirements and fill in the form along with taking passport photo with you. I had this all ready and within 20minutes or so my passport got it's visa stamp and we crossed borders into Bolivia.

7.      La Paz, Bolivia- we got in and had the day to explore La Paz before getting the next overnight bus to Uyuni.

8.      Uyuni- I woke up miserable NGL, the overnight bus really tests you! But after a good solid breakfast and same time to kill in Uyuni town, we were on our next vehicle to get to Uyuni trainwreck cemetery and Salar de Uyuni aka the salt flats. This is a whole day tour and was definitely a highlight. Soon enough we were back in Uyuni to board ANOTHER overnight bus to La Paz.

9.      Tears of joy as we had an overnight in La Paz and no more buses (yet). I loved Bolivia! La Paz and El Alto is quite an experience. After a walking tour we were ready to head back to Peru. Cue more bus rides.

10.  Bolivia- Peru Border- we did the whole exchange and my blue passport got giggled at because it was the first time for them to see a  blue passport and hear of Fiji. Cute.

11.  Cusco- We arrived in Cusco by the evening and at this point I had become use to the bus rides! Spend the evening here to chill and relax and do the mandatory check in with Alpaca Expeditions for the Inca Trail.

12.  Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo- We did the sacred valley tour and ended up in Ollantaytambo for the night. We really enjoyed this cute little town and was the perfect place to get ready and prep for the Inca trail. This also meant we were being picked up at 7am instead of 4am in Cusco (smart move by us coz more sleep in time!).

13.  Inca trail- Day 1-4! Epic, stunning, amazing and I thought I would die but made it through the sun gate to see Machu Pichu! This was epic and a favorite moment from the trip.  

14.  After Inca, we got dropped off in Cusco- another night to chill and recover before we moved on to the next destination.

15.  Iquitos- We were tossing up whether to do this or not, but when you go all the way to South America, you can’t not see the Amazon right? We spent a night in Iquitos and got picked up and taken across to Pacaya Samiria Amazon Lodge for 2 nights and 3 days. The lodge is situated in the buffer zone of the Pacaya‑Samiria National Reserve, which is one of the largest protected rainforest reserves in Peru. It was also a good opportunity to take it slow and unwind.

16.  I say take it slow, but then we were up in the jungle looking at Anacondas and other creatures, fishing for piranhas and the works! The lodge was an all-inclusive one with tours.

17.   Iquitos, Belen market- a final tour of this place before we started the journey back home. Iquitos- Cusco- Los Angles- Fiji!

Weather- Generally it was cooler in Lima, Cusco and Bolivia but hot and humid in Iquitos. If you plan on visiting, look up the weather conditions and pack accordingly!

Tours- The world wide web is your best friend! However, we used Get Your Guide and have no complains! We were part of group tours, and it was nice being able to meet so many amazing people from all over the world! Our guides were amazing too!

Machu Pichu- You don’t have to do the Inca trail to see Machu Pichu. There is an easier option, just get the train/bus to it! Easy! But be sure to buy your tickets to it, well in advance.

Currency: FJD- USD- SOLES

Food- Too good! Try their local cuisine! They have a Peruvian version of the Kokoda called Cerviche and its so good!

Safety: Be smart, consult locals before venturing off on your own, tour guides and groups are great! We did venture off and wander around on our own and overall, I found locals to be friendly and generally safe. They speak Spanish mostly, but you can get by with the English and the bare minimum Spanish. Remember to plan your trip according to which country(s) you want to visit and see. Also try to acclimatize to the altitude first before you begin making your way around Peru.

Phew, just writing this took me back to re-live everything we did albeit through memories! For those that asked, there you have it- a rough guide! Hope this helps and look forward to hearing and seeing you visit this past of South America one day.

If you want to see more of this trip, check out my social media handles! x