Inka Trail

The Inka Trail to Machu Picchu!

After a couple of days recovering from the partying in Cusco, we set off on the much anticipated Inka Trail, having booked this nearly 3 months in advance we were really looking forward to this. Along with 14 others and 19(!) porters to carry all our tents and food we set off along this 49km 13,776 ft trail which rises and falls for 4 days of intense walking along the Sacred Valley of the Inka´s to the city of Machu Picchu one of the wonders of the world.

A porter carrying 50 kg

The first day was quite easy and the biggest surprise didn´t come from the amazing pathways the Inka´s built for miles and miles but from the amazing cooking for the entire trip. We even had bowls of warm water and soap to wash our hands before our three course meals (including breakfast). The little porters would pack up, run ahead of us and then set up for the next camp/meal before we even got close!



The second day was hardcore, an ascent of 1200 m when you are already at 3000m is quite breathtaking (literally). Uneven Inka steps all the way did not make it the easiest climb and some of the group really suffered with the sun and altitude. After reaching the Dead Woman's Pass (see below profile) at 4200m one of the group was really struggling (nose bleeding and oxygen etc..), but with the help of a nurse on our trip and some handy porters acting as mules she was carried down to the camp.

The third day ended up being a little longer than originally planned as we were catching up for the emergency conditions the day before. Setting out at 7am we finished walking at 5pm with only a 45 minute lunch breaking the day. Needless to say everyone was completely knackered at the end. The scenery and perspective however made up for any tiredness, with insightful talks along the way by the guide. We also got to see lots of nature with cloudforests, humming birds and medicinal plants.

Mike in an Inkan Tunnel

Lisa on the trail with walking stick

On the final day we were woken at 4am to get all our gear together to hike up to the Sun Gate before all the tourists got to the city so we could get the famous postcard photo. After 2 hours of walking we managed to get the the gate only to find that we were in the middle of a cloud and could see nothing (reminding us of the time we went to see the Christ the Redeemer in Rio!). The weather was changable with one minute it being hot & sweaty and the next needing all layers including waterproof ponchos. As we got closer to the city however the cloud started to break and give us fleeting views of the ancient ruins. By this time Lisa had caught a chill/virus from the others on the trip and was not relishing the idea of a whole day walking around some old bricks.

Lisa forcing a smile after being sick on "Makes-ya Pukeu"

After breakfast Lisa managed to puke in front of some Americans and then after a few boring talks about how clever the Inkans were (they loved the stars and invented everything apparently) she decided to take on the new role of tramp of Machu Picchu (click on above photo to view). So while Lisa was sleeping with llamas, Mike went exploring these amazing ruins.

Enough exploring, we both headed down to the town of Aguas Calientes for a coca tea for Lisa and many beers and a dip in the hot springs for Mike. After a long train ride back to Cusco we both slept very, VERY well. Many thanks to Chris and Jen for this experience, one we will never forget.