Inca Trail

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I am running low on time so I shall keep it short!
The Inca Trail was probably one of the toughest things I have had to do. I think this was mainly due to coming down with Athualpa´s revenge on the first night and then having to ascend 1.2 km from 3000m to 4200m the following day! I couldnt comtemplate turning back and knowing that I had done the hardest part I knew I would be able to press on to the end even if it took me a week! Luckily I managed to do it in four days like everyone else. The Inti Raymi (Sun Gate) was closed due to a landslide a couple of weeks earlier, so we had to trek an extra 8 km on the second day in order to get to a good campsite ahead of other trekkers. Only 500 are allowed on the Inca Trail at any one time and for large portions I didnt actually see other groups, which was pretty cool as we re-trod the steps made by the Incas 500 years ago. An American called Bingham found Macchu Piccu in 1911 and at that time it had been abandoned for close to 400 years.

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Photos

Inca citadel at Ollantaytambo
End of the Sacred Valley and start of the Inca Trail

Raring to go
25 of us. 34 porters and guides!

View from Huayllabamba campsite on the first night
3000m above sea level looking at the snow capped Veronica (5750m)

Top of Warmiwanusca ("Dead woman´s pass") 4200m above sea level
After climbing that not feeling well, I can tell you I was nearly a dead woman!

View from Phuyupaptamarca campsite on 2nd night
We had trekked 27km in one day and was at 3650m above sea level

Comments

[Team Southey]

Speechless ....
We are stunned by the images ...bet you are glad you struggled up there ..what an experience. Hope you made lots of wishes ? Think it rather puts Glasters and The Tor in the shade for Spiritual wotsit .... xxxxx Us xxxxxx and Marms xxxxxxxxxxx

[Orla]

Oh My God!!!
Just read about 7 blogs in a row as have been too caught up with work to pay them my full attention recently.......but now I have.......I'm stunned! All looks incredible and you seem to be having such a good time. Feels like a lifetime since I said goodbye to you (tears in eyes!) in that airport in Fiji! And all I've managed to do since is be at work (disregarding the few days after Fiji on my own at the Whitsundays obviously!) and look at everything you've seen in that time?!?!! It's crazy! Mind you, I have seen baby Eliza and you've that pleasure still to come when you get back! On that note, glad you are still having a cool time and am really looking forward to seeing you very soon. Love and hugs as ever, Orla xxx P.S. Still have your books etc waiting for you to come home and hand them over in person. Also am still amazed that your clothes are holding out! They were looking ropey in February!!! Good skills madam!!