Death on the Mountain: Machu Picchu and a Peruvian Road Emergency

Overview

Comedians Ari Shaffir and Ryan O’Neal recount the second half of their Peru trip: visiting Machu Picchu, exploring a remote rope bridge and Rainbow Mountain, and responding to a serious accident involving two local children.

Machu Picchu

• After a multi-day trek, Ari and Ryan climbed the stone steps to Machu Picchu instead of taking the bus. The ascent took less than an hour, despite being told it could take much longer.
• They describe the ruins as striking and atmospheric, especially when clouds and rain briefly covered the mountains.
• They wandered beyond their assigned routes several times, including paying a small fee to enter a normally closed section. There they saw an old Inca escape bridge, designed so its wooden crossing could be removed to block pursuers.
• They spent several hours at the site, enjoyed the llamas and views, and later returned for the iconic overlook.

Remote rope bridge

• The pair drove to an isolated, handwoven bridge that a local community rebuilds each year over four days.
• It swayed significantly and had a rough walking surface, but the surrounding scenery made the trip worthwhile.
• Practical tip: Check when the bridge is rebuilt and avoid visiting just before the annual reconstruction, when it may be especially worn.

Rainbow Mountain

• They chose a less-visited Rainbow Mountain to avoid crowds after their trek.
• The drive was slow and difficult: steep, rough roads, roaming livestock, and a rental car with limited power and worn tires.
• At roughly 5,000 metres (about 16,400 feet), Ari experienced a headache. They mention local remedies such as coca candies and aromatic oils, while emphasizing the altitude’s effects.

The emergency on the mountain

On the drive back, they encountered a young girl carrying her injured younger brother. Both children were wet and bloodied after apparently falling down a steep slope into a river. The boy had a serious head wound and was fading in and out of consciousness.

• The group used a well-stocked first-aid kit to dress the wounds and control bleeding.
• Ryan drove the children and their sister rapidly down the difficult mountain road toward medical care, while Ari supported the boy’s head and the others kept his sister talking to him.
• Their first destination listed on Google Maps was a closed dental office, so they had to find the actual hospital locally.
• The boy was transferred from the small hospital to larger facilities and eventually airlifted to Cusco for treatment.
• After days of uncertainty, the children’s father sent a photo showing the boy recovering. The experience was deeply traumatic for the travelers, but they were relieved the children survived.

Travel takeaways

• Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, especially when travelling in remote areas.
• Don’t pack anything you can’t afford to leave behind; Ryan used a sweatshirt to cushion the injured boy’s head.
• Don’t rely on Google Maps for accurate businesses or directions in remote parts of Peru. Ask locals and confirm routes.
• Take altitude seriously, allow time to adjust, and be prepared for difficult road conditions.
• Other tips shared include insect-repellent wristbands and zinc sunscreen.

The hosts’ impression of Peru

They praise Peru’s variety of landscapes, friendly people, and excellent food, from Cusco and Lima to small rural towns. They tried both alpaca and cuy (guinea pig), preferring cuy, and recommend trying local pisco.