Long before retiring, dh and I saved and planned for a trip to Peru, primarily to see
Machu Picchu, the ancient city of the Incas. We've been looking forward to the nearly month-long trip that was scheduled for mid-February. But it is not to be. Yesterday our tour company informed us our excursion was canceled.Due to the worst torrential rains in 15 years, the railroad that takes visitors to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to the ruins, has been shut down... the tracks were swept away by floods. About 3,000 tourists were evacuated by helicopter and at least 10 lives were lost.
Our "problem" is insignificant compared to what others have suffered. Thousands of Peruvians have lost their homes and businesses, especially around Cusco and Aguas Calientes. From one account, Machu Picchu will be inaccessible for at least three weeks. This is a major disaster that is wreaking havoc on the Peruvian economy. Fortunately, we will adapt and have already rescheduled the trip for early October.
Things I am grateful for:
1. We can still go, it'll just be later in the year (and it's paid for);
2. I paid $64 for the optional travel insurance which means we will get a complete refund for the air fare ($900);
3. The tour company will pay up to $250 each if the air fare is more in October than the cost of the original tickets;
4. I now have more time to continue my conditioning so I can hike in the Andes without getting altitude sickness.
February 5th, 2010 at 01:40 pm 1265377250
February 5th, 2010 at 02:25 pm 1265379959
February 5th, 2010 at 08:56 pm 1265403406