Border

I'm not sure why I did not take the easy route for the border crossing into Peru. Oh well, traveling isn't supposed to be easy. I managed to take one bus to a bigger city hub and grabbed yet another bus South to the border town of Macara in Ecuador. This was the middle option of three border towns to get into Peru. Most people take an overnight bus (12 hour trip) to head into Peru.

Adios Ecuador !

There is always a sense of nervousness when I cross borders. You hear of scams, people getting robbed, etc. The bus ride was beautiful and it felt like I was heading into the end of the world zone. Traveling further and further away from civilization. I stopped in the town of Macara and did not want to take the 3 AM bus into Peru. This was another one of those "end of the road" feeling types of towns. It was quiet and crickets have invaded this whole town. It had an eerie feel to it and I got plenty of funny looks. I found the closest hotel I could find and it was also the worst I have stayed in.

I don't even know how I managed to sleep that night but when I woke up I headed to the plaza to catch a taxi. Folks were heading to church that morning and I was headed to Peru. I took a taxi to the border, walked up to the window, got my exit stamp, and walked across the bridge into Peru. Got my entry stamp and planned my next move.

Hola Peru !

I only had American dollars. The Sole is the form of currency used in Peru. This was a remote border post. Two guys started hassling me for a taxi ride to the nearest town, about two hours away. I told the one man I only had American dollars and he said OK. So, I hopped into a run-down station wagon with another woman. We stopped in several towns and picked up more people. By the time we arrived to the major city, at one point there were ELEVEN people (including kids) smashed into this station wagon and the trunk. At least two bags of rice were strapped to the top. It was hot and sweaty and uncomfortable. But "when in rome", travel like the locals.

Welcome to Peru !