I Quit Part 2

So it's been a few years since my last post.  I haven't really done a lot of traveling internationally other than the occasional trip to Baja and a one week trip to Taiwan August of last year.  Well its Déjà vu time.  From what you can tell from the title of the post, yes I'm quitting my current job and traveling right after, again.  However, this time I have a new job waiting for me when I get back.  The funny thing is I had this vacation planned months ago...just wasn't planning on switching companies. The timing is just a coincidence.  Anyhow, the destination this time is South America, specifically Peru and Chile.

Peru is not new to me.  I did a quick visit to Cuzco spring of 2009 in route to an international residential in South America sponsored by my grad school.  I took some time off from work early and since I was heading down south anyway, it made sense to spend a few days in Peru.  I spent about 4 days exploring the city and nearby areas.  I also visited Machu Picchu in one day by taking the train roundtrip.  I have to say Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places I've ever been in my life and since my visit, I knew I would return some day.  I just didn't think it would be this quickly.

After returning to Asia, I began dating my current girlfriend soon after.  We've done quite a few road trips during our time together and did our first major trip to Taiwan to visit her family.  I've also taken her on short trips into Mexico which she has enjoyed.  She's well traveled herself including a stint living in Germany but has never set foot in South America.  It was actually her idea to do this as a summer trip.  She's an avid hiker and has dreamed of hiking to Machu Picchu.  I've never really taken up hiking and remembering from the last time I was in Cuzco, having iron lungs is a must if you plan to be active.  My preference would have been to head over to a more relaxing destination such as Cancun or Havana.  She is not the type that vegges out on vacation as it turns out.  So it came down to this.  Go on vacation to somewhere designed to be relaxing but only one of us relaxes or go on vacation to somewhere designed to be active and both of us are active.  So there you have it.  Peru and Chile it is.

I'll continue documenting my prep work and travels to South America over the next couple of weeks as I depart on Friday.  Unlike my Asia trip from a few years ago, this is a short trip concentrated on a 5 day hike to Machu Picchu and exploring the Atacama desert of Chile.  I expect a lot of challenges, excitement, and sense of achievement.  I'll do my best to describe my experiences with different hotels, tour companies, equipment, and anything of importance that can be valuable to anyone traveling to these countries.  Stay tuned!