I LEARNED of the Machu Picchu when I was in high school.
I saw the photograph from an encyclopedia, and I just fell in love.
I wanted to go and see it in person.
But I was pretty resigned that I was too poor to do that.
I wanted it, but I wouldn’t despair if I didn’t go at all.
***
When I finally got a good job in the US, I went around the world.
There were more countries in Europe just sitting next to each other.
The experience of the trains, and the whirlwind of 17 countries in 3 months, 14 of them within a month in 2017, was a great adventure for me.
So, I did it again early this year, albeit in a more slowed down pace.
Like seven countries in three months.
***
But since 2018, I have been haunted by images of the Machu Picchu.
When I dine at a Peruvian restaurant, for example.
In the last three months, there were recurring news of friends, or friends of friends, going to Machu Picchu.
And Facebook has been flooding me with ads for South American tours.
Look, I even went to Iceland, which was never in my dreams.
Which brings me to the big question, Why not Machu Picchu until now?
***
When I finally decided to go and visit South America, before coming home the Philippines in August, I was struck by the wealth of tours offered.
There’s Machu Picchu and the Amazon forest.
Machu Picchu and Galapagos Island.
Machu Picchu and Easter Island.
Then, there’s Peru and Argentina.
Peru and Brazil.
Peru, Chile, and Ecuador.
And the 29-day five South American countries tour.
***
The prices, of course, despite the discount, are not as advertised.
There were upgrades and add-ons.
So that a $5,699 tour still ends up to $12,000 despite the 50% or 41% discount.
And then, there were the question of travel dates, international flights, and airports of origin.
***
I have braced myself for a 29-day Latin American tour.
But I pegged my limit at $7,500 dollars.
I hesitated for about three days.
When I finally decided to go with it, the availability was gone.
The next available trip in my price range would be in August or September.
So, I had to rethink my plan, and zero in on just Machu Picchu.
***
I was looking at a Peru experience with Machu Picchu for nine days.
The hook price was $1,299 with a discount from an original price of $3,499.
When you key in my airport of origin which is LAX, it comes up to a discounted price of $2,699.
Plus some excursions, it could easily go up to $2,999.
And I had to book because it was the last available slot for a solo traveler going with a group.
***
From the same tour agency, I actually saw how limited were the options for solo traveler.
And how much costlier because, you know, you get a private room for one.
It’s now, or never.
The choice is between hesitating and being punished for it, or just jumping in right into action.
After the sad story of a previous hesitation, I decided to call and book the trip.
***
With flights from and back to L.A., and with the upgrades and excursions I wanted, it did come up to $2,699.
It was doable.
But I did try to haggle. I said, make it $2,500 flat.
I tried to speak some Spanish to be cute, and I was given a $150 discount by the agent.
I flirted some more, and begged some more until we both agreed on $2,455.
So, that’s how I booked my 9 days Sacred Land of the Incas tour for less than $2,500.
My trip is scheduled in late July.
***
I still would have wanted the five-country 29-day tour of South America.
(Although I’m not really willing to pay more than $10,000 for it, or willing to leave in August.)
But for now, I cannot feel sorry for my $2,455 trip to my dream destination of the Machu Picchu in Peru.
It’s booked, and I’m just grateful to the forces in the universe that allowed this to happen./PN
