■ PERU, CUSCO: Cusco, as the gateway city to Machu Picchu for all foreign visitors to Peru, is a pretty well run place. The streets are safe and the many Inca historical sites littered both in and around the city are easily accessible as well as advertised pretty much on every street corner.

Which is why I was so surprised when I upon attempting to enter the city's most famous Inca ruins, Saqsaywaman, at the official gate, I was met by a man blocking the entrance who said that it was closed!

Thinking this simply couldn't be, I stood there for a while, knowing this has got to be a scam and waited to watch what would happen when other tourists came by.

Over the next 3 minutes I observed 10-15 other tourists being turned away. Scam confirmed! Some went back to the city. Some headed for another entry this man claimed was 20 minutes by foot further up the mountain. I felt sorry for the ones who simply turned back, deterred by the supposed longer treck, who might never get the privilege of seeing the Saqsaywaman ruins ever again.

So what on earth was going on here? What was this guys' con? And what do you do when this happens to you?