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Published: August 12th 2012
WE MADE IT ! We challenged ourselves and now are so pleased to have experienced both the trek and seeing Machu Picchu. As we met with our 15 fellow trekkers last Wednesday morning, some much younger and none we were to find out any older than us, we were feeling a little anxious (particulalrly Sue) about the four days of treking ahead of us. We were most fortunate to have a great group who all got on and helped one another in times of need, as well as three fabulous guides who were so supportive, informative and genuinely cared that we all enjoyed the experience. Each day of the trek is descibed with one word and these were pretty accurate except for day one which is described as
easy! None of the more mature trekkers found it very easy as there was a deal of climbing in the heat of the day. The young ones charged ahead and patiently waited for us at the designated stops. With day one over we were very pleased with how things were going - never last in and coping reasonably well with the rocky tracks and many steps both up and down. The talk at
the camp sites each night centred around the state of
the toilet - squat type which is an experience in itself! Howover, this was offset by the fabulous food produced in such basic conditions and the porters who carried all our gear each day to be set up ready for us on arrival at the next camp site. Day two is described with the word
challenge and a challenge it was. We climbed all day - 1600m in altitude with very steep inclines and varying heights of steps to overcome. The top of the mountain was always in sight but never seemed to get much closer. By this stage, we had become quite friendly with an English couple, about our age, and we certainly supported each other during the climb. Feeling exhilerated having made it to the top - 4300m above sea level, we still had a long trek down to our campsite for the night. Of course this used a different set of muscles so there was not much of our bodies that was not feeling the strain. With a very early start on day three, described as
unforgetable but also the longest distance to hike, we were in
trepdaition of what was ahead of us but unforgetable it was. The trek was easier or we were becoming more accomplished trekkers(both really) but also the scenery was spectacular. It was a combination of lush rain forest vegetation and steep forested cilff sides just centimetres from our feet. How did the Incas ever build these tracks? A 3:30am wake up started day four -
unique - as we made our way to the Sun Gate as the sun rose and flooded the ancient Machu Picchu site with light. This early morning trek was wonderful as the darkness lifted with the dawn, exposing spectuacular views to the valleys and river far below. The tour of Machu Picchu was fascinating - imagining how the Incas live - it is in such wonderfully preserved state. It is only spoilt but all the tourists!! An exhausted group of trekkers took a bus trip to Machu Picchu township where we farwelled the rest of the group and spent the night at what can only be described as an oasis and essential to our recovery. Many thanks to our travel agent for this!!
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Kaye Venn
non-member comment
Congratulations
Congratulations Sue & Henry, Good to hear you were up to the challenge. It all sounds fascinating, great to share your adventures. Hope that's the most difficult part over. take care. Kaye