Page 85 - 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers

10 Get your Machu Picchu passport stamp

OK, it’s not an o icial passport stamp, but it’s a fun memento of
your visit. So if you have time, just outside the entrance gates look for the
barely marked station where you can get the novelty Machu Picchu stamp in
your passport.
11 Combat altitude sickness in the Andes

This a ects many visitors to Andean countries and when your time
is limited, it can really limit your enjoyment. Your physician may prescribe
medication (such as acetazolamide, a.k.a. Diamox) for this, and Ibruprofen can
also be helpful. But there are natural approaches, too. Get plenty of rest. Drink
lots (and lots) of water. Limit your intake of alcohol and tobacco. Eat plenty of

carbohydrates. Drink ca eine. And try to increase your elevation gradually. Our

local Trip Experience Leaders o en recommend drinking coca tea and eating coca
candy. Another hint: bring saline nasal spray, as the inside of your nose tends to
get very dry at high altitudes.

A Note from Harriet: At O.A.T., we o en suggest that our Andean travelers arrive at

their first destination (usually Lima) a few days early so they can adjust to the higher
elevation. Even if you are not traveling in a group, it’s a good idea to allow yourself
this extra time so you are feeling your best when it comes time to explore.

Traveler tip
12 How to order wine in Chile

In Argentina I always ordered (in Spanish), “A glass of wine, please,”
and was never disappointed. I crossed into Chile, checked into our hotel, and
went down to the beautiful wine bar. As usual, I ordered (again in Spanish),
“A glass of wine, please,” to the puzzled look of the bartender. She answered,
in e ect, “We don’t have a glass of wine.” Fortunately my (Argentine) Trip

Leader came by and . . . tried to figure out the problem. There followed an
excited conversation in Spanish between the Trip Leader and the bartender.
Finally, the explanation, which was revelatory to my Argentine Trip Leader:
in Chile one doesn’t request a “glass” of wine. Rather, ask for a “cup,” and
you’re good. Two more countries separated by a common language.
— Sandra Caldwell, 1-time traveler, Seattle, WA

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