Chacas

Alice has been struggling with altitude for some time now, and especially the last pass. She is completely wiped and worried that altitude may just not be for her. This is a bit of a problem, as most of Peru is super high. It would mean a radical change to the holiday.

We decide to abort the planned Huarascán loop and that a visit to the doctor is in order. Soon we find ourselves in a small but welcoming village hospital of Chacas; complete with plenty of locals in their charismatic hats and brightly coloured dresses and shawl.

We pay up the grand sum of 5 Sol (just over a euro) and are seen by a charming young doctor -- she even speaks english. Then various tests since Alice is concerned about weird sensations from her heart. The main surprise is a very low resting heart beat. It probably means she is rather fit :-). Nevertheless, we are recommended to visit a Cardiologist in Huaraz.

The next day we visit the pleasant town of Chacas which has lovely woodwork and strong connections with Don Bosco and the Salesian order (Alice´s uncle was a Salesian priest) and investigate getting the bus back over the pass and to Huaraz. It seems the cardiologist will be able to see us as soon as we arrive and Alice will be able to quickly have various tests -- which on this time /price scale and, with the medical insurance giving the thumbs up, is quite an opportunity.

Breakfast in Peru: In touristy towns hotels often include breakfast. Peruvian breakfast is typically coffee or tea ( with cinnamon and clove), fruit (not-)juice, eggs, rubbish bread and if we are lucky avocado and sometimes even cheese. The rest of the time we self cater, often cooking in our hotel room. Tea/coffee, hot chocolate, bread for Alain and porridge laced with raisins.Läs mer