There were only two things that we had booked before leaving on our travels that could not be changed, the first was our great trip to Easter Island, the second was the 'camino de inca', or the Inca Trail.
Ever since leaving Santiago we had been trying to fit as much in as we could before reaching Cusco, but after leaving San Pedro de Attacama, we decided to go directly to Cusco, as we didnt know how long the border crossing would take, or much about the journey times after that.
We made it to via a 35 hour journey ending with an 8 hour drive through the near desert area between Puno and Cusco, freezing cold and wondering why we hadnt already arrived as we had been promised by the man who sold us the tickets at the Chilean border (for three times the price, we later found out!).
When we did eventually arrive, we stumbled zombie like, into our accomodation which seemed like unbelievable luxury after the previous 2 nights on a bus. Hotel Los Ninos was a very welcome relief!
Cusco had a really nice feel to it, although we found it odd that the restaurant and massage touts would speak to us firstly in English (after more than a month and a half of Spanish speaking!), it still managed to keep some magic feeling.
Our main reason for being here, of course, was as the base for our 4 day trek to Machu Piccu. And after registering at the Cusco office, and picking up some last minute supplies, we were ready.
A 2 hour bus journey and brief stop in Ollantytambo and we were on our way!
The first day eased us into the trek, getting our first glimpse of some Inca ruins at Wayllabamba and at lunch we got our first experience of the amazing food prepaired by our superhuman porters!
At the end of our first day we got to meet our porters, and practice our Spanish for the introductions!
The second day was supposed to be 'challenging', and that is exactly what it was! We climbed up to 4200M to reach Dead Womans Pass, I (Jon) felt the altitude a little going up, but after realising that I was trying a little too hard, and my body actually needed oxygen to function, I found a technique that worked (stopping every 5 steps). We made it to the top and after a quick pause for this photo, headed down the other side for the camp on Day 2.
Although we thought the hardest part was behind us, day 3 turned out to be pretty challenging too. We had a few climbs but the majority of the day was downhill. 1000 steps downhill to be precise!
Here is a shot of a couple of porters, it was amazing what they would carry up and down the trail, often running!
Indiana Tillman making her way through one of the Inca tunnels!
Another set of impressive Inca ruins along the way...
Some of the 1000 steps!
A nice double rainbow...
Even though we were camped at 2700m and the Cook only found out it was my birthday that morning, he managed to make a really nice steamed birthday cake, complete with Machu Picchu design!!
After three days of changeable weather, on the last day we woke up to this beautiful morning...
The final push, before reaching the Sun Gate and our first view of Machu Picchu...
And here it is!!!
Our guide Victor, showing his relief at not loosing anyone along the way!
The classic shot...
We had a tour around the ruins themselves that morning, a great end to a great trek!
Once back in Cusco, we had a lovely, belated birthday meal, even though we told a little white lie (my birthday was a few days before!) they also prepared me a birthday dessert!
We had a great trip to Machu Picchu, possibly the highlight of our travels so far!
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