Nervous & excited, we set out on our journey to hike the Inca Trail. We left with 14 new friends, 21 porters & 2 guides (1 carrying oxygen, hence the nervousness) at 4:30 am via bus from Cuzco, to make our way to the start.
The start was at 2720 meters. It was an easy day of hiking, followed by a full three course dinner in camp made by our cook.
Carlos, our guide, told us that this four day trek was a spiritual journey to the Inca sanctuary, Machu Picchu. After the four days, our sprits would be cleansed. It's hard work climbing, but the scenery is gorgeous!
Day 2 dawned cool but sunny. This was our hardest day, up and over Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 meters.
We all made it to the top, just as the rain started.
We set our sights on lunch (Harry's favorite time of day) and began the 2-hour descent. Since the weather was warm, and we had broken out the new technical gear, we were not too bothered with the rain. Over rivers, through woods....
The view from our campsite on Day 2 was breathtaking, a waterfall behind us, and a view of the sun over the mountains in front. Thankful that Julie only fell off the mountain once that day (and not too far!), we rested up for another big day on Day 3.
We hiked and chatted with our new friends from around the World. This is James with Harry. He was a mountain goat. He led the way up and over 2 mountain passes, waiting for us at each break spot.
Melanie and Julie smiling at the top of an Inca watch tower.
Our guide, Carlos, told us stories about what is believed to have happened to this entire civilization...and showed us the ruins along the way.
We traisped through the cloud forest in the rain while the porters scurried by. The rain added to the ambience of seeing flowers, ferns, and bamboo while hiking over the rocks and crossing streams.
Up and down, and into Winay Wina to see the weather clear and the moon rise over camp.
We got up at 4:30 to make our way through the last check point and finish the trail be able to see the sun's rays hit Machu Picchu. With our lights attached to our heads, we literally ran through the last hour of the hike to make it in time!
The sight was well worth the near heart attack from the exertion!
The clouds kept coming in and out, partially obscuring the complex.
All our hard work made this sight that much more impactful.
