Machu Picchu

October 22, 2023
by Jens Hevike
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Without expectations, no, on the contrary, with reduced expectations, I set out in the morning to make the approximately 500 meters of altitude to the entrance of Machu Picchu on time, as noted on my ticket. The path zigzags from the river up to the mountain. Again and again I have to cross the road, on which the masses stream with buses to the wonder of the world.

Choquequirao – Hard alternative to Machu Picchu

October 16, 2023
by Jens Hevike
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When I was planning my hike to Choquequirao, it occurred to me that the two ruins were only about 60 air kilometers apart. The prospect of hiking off the tourist Salkantay route to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and the fact that I would probably only be in the area once, finally convinced me to visit both ruins.

Storms in Huayhuash and the loss of money

October 11, 2023
by Jens Hevike
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Suddenly it starts to snow. It is not the first time that day that the weather suddenly changes. A few hours before, light hail has already fallen from the sky. I am just sitting at the foot of my last pass before my camp for today and meditating.

A year on the road

October 4, 2023
by Jens Hevike
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Two years ago I decided not to earn more money, but to spend my saved money to discover the world. A year ago, I put this idea into action. Since then, I’ve had countless adventures, visited seven countries on two continents, and walked over 4,000 kilometers.

What to consider when hiking in Peru

September 16, 2023
by Jens Hevike
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Here, in addition to my experiences on the trails Alpamayo, Santa Cruz, Huayhuash and Olleros/Chavin also share some technical information independent of my personal impressions. During my time in Huaraz, I met few solo hikers on the trails. But if you already have hiking experience, it should be possible without problems to travel without a guide or in a group.

Extreme precipice – Huayahuas – Peru

September 15, 2023
by Jens Hevike
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What gets my pulse racing is mastering difficult situations by yourself, going off the beaten path and finding your own risky way back. There is a reason why a path has developed in a certain direction from this 5000 meter high saddle. Over and over again this path has been consolidated by further steps, this path has worked and proven itself before. I see before me many possibilities that have not yet been established, but which I consider worth exploring. What can go wrong?

Peru – Alpamayo and Santa Cruz – At an altitude of 4800 metres

August 30, 2023
by Jens Hevike
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The temperatures have dropped to the freezing point again. What just kept me warm on my last tour were my two jackets, which I forgot this time with my other stuff in Huaraz. However, with my old sleeping bag I would not have survived this time either. Fortunately, I now have a new sleeping bag that keeps me cozy warm down to -7 degrees, too warm that I can only use it as a blanket so as not to stew in my own juice. On this hike, I will no longer let anyone tell me that I freeze at night.

Quilotoa – Ecuador

August 15, 2023
by Jens Hevike
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At the top, I was welcomed by a farmer and his father, who at my request allowed me to camp on their small piece of land. For the first time in my life at over 3000 m altitude. After I set up the tent, with little nephew Juti watching me the whole time, together we helped his uncle Segundo weed alfalfa for his guinea pigs. Using a knife that looks like a sickle, we cut the whole plant off at the root. He tells me that his family only speaks Quechua, the language of the indigenous people. For me, this is completely incomprehensible.

I don’t want to be a tourist any more – Guajira Desert

August 10, 2023
by Jens Hevike
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In the past, the people in the desert could survive well without outside help. But at some point came tourism, from which they live in part. They make a little turnover with the tourists, sell cold drinks and homemade bags. The bags are nice, but I have no use for them. Coal has also been found on their land, which they are hardly compensated for mining. But with the roads, the dirt and the rails they don’t need, they have to live now.

As a tourist in Colombia – Parque Tayrona

July 30, 2023
by Jens Hevike
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I would certainly not have starved, but for more than a few noodles with tomato sauce and the hammock for the night it was not enough. Fortunately, the experienced hiker found mangoes and avocados in the jungle, without which he would have had to starve for breakfast and lunch. I sat like a monkey under the trees in the riverbed and enjoyed the fruits. Somehow it is a great experience not to be able to slay all problems with money. It is new for me not to have money. Often enough you find a solution for which you don’t need money.