The Inca Trial/Trail

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We hadn´t quite appreciated how physically challenging the Inca Trail would be - four days trecking at high altitude up and down the very steep paths and thousands of steps - but it really was the experience of a lifetime. Stunning views from beginning to end, starting in the Sacred Valley and then climbing up into the cloud forest and then down into dense jungle. The Trail took us past a series of fascinating Inca ruins and terraces set on the mountain sides. We had a real sense of achievement every day and of course the big prize of seeing the unforgettable sight of Machu Picchu on day four.

Of course we can´t take all the glory, the real credit has to go to our support team of cook, guide and porters . We had 15 people for just 9 of us and they gave us the royal treatment from beginning to end. Despite all the physical exertion we managed to put on weight with the fabulous three course breakfasts, lunch and dinners. The porters are the real stars almost running the trail loaded up with tents, sleeping bags, food etc (25kgs each) to get to the next stopping point where they set up tents and cooked the food. They even woke us each morning with a bowl of warm water for washing, a smile and a coca tea!

There is so much we could say about the Inca Trail, the experience, the scenery, the ruins, the history....but this is really a time when pictures speak louder than words.

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Photos

Inca Trail
On your marks, get set .....

Machu Picchu
Finally made it!

Camping it up on day one
Where´s the en suite?

Porters on the run
Our amazing porters appear through the clouds

How cool?
This year´s new fashion item

Dead Woman´s Pass
The highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,200m

Dramatic dusk
The weather can change very quickly here in the Andes

On top of the world
Much better than work

Phuyupatamarka
Inca ruins on the way to Machu Picchu

On the way to Picchu
Half way there

Last day
Our cooks pulled out all the stops

Through the Sun Gate
Our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu
What a setting!

Comments

[gary]

Stunning!
I can see why you'd feel a sense of accomplishment! Looks astounding! Well done!

[John Newman]

Brighten up a dreary Friday afternoon
Wow looks amazing,. Has certainly brightened up this tedious work business here in Birmingham. Very much reminds me of the trek I did to Nepal, with porters etc. Did they mow the grass for you especially or is there a team of Alpacas hidden behind the walls somewhere? Always look forward to receiving your travel blogs. Will email soon. JPx

[chris teear]

awesome, a truly spiritual place. so,so jealous

[Joanne]

Looks absolutely top banana! Not sure how I'd feel about all those steps though!!!! I can imagine how the old hamstrings feel! You guys look so happy though and I'll keep checking up on you!!!! Lots of love xxxx

[brian]

almost looks as good as Camden! You boys are certainly having an amazing experience. keep up the blogs- they cheer up a dull monday. x