Advertisement
Published: November 21st 2008
Edit Blog Post
So we left Puno to head directly to Cusco in preparation for the inca trail. The journey from Puno was spectacular, with stunning scenery and breathtaking views of the Andes; it really did set the tone for our stay in Peru well.
We arived in Cusco and immediately could sense the weight of history upon the place, as everywhere we looked we saw ruins or memorials to inca rulers and their legacy. In the centre of Cusco is the stunning Plaza de Armas surrounded by the impressive Cathedral.
We spent our first few days wandering around the city and exploring the sites - not to mention being hastled on every street corner by people asking if we wanted a tour, a massage, a meal or even drugs! This was by far the most touristic destination we had visited in South America (including prices for food, drinks and general living).
As we had a few days to spare we decided to spend a day white water rafter on the Rio Urubamba - known as one of the best places in South America to raft. The day was really enjoyable as although the water level was low (due to it
not being wet season at the time) the journey was very technical and the views absolutely stunning.
After a day of rest we finally began the inca trail (or Camino Inka as the locals refer to it). After planning our trip to South America over a year ago this was the first activity onto the itinery, and we couldnt wait to get started.
On the first day we were picked up at 4.30am to begin the drive out to the first check point (known as Km88) where we would being. We met our porters and were briefed on the days agenda - the porters were incredible, carrying huge loads including tents, tables, chairs, food, and cooking equiptment in bundles that looked about twice thier size, and completed every stretch of the trail at about three times the speed of us in order to set up camp and cook meals!
The first days trek was the easiest, but was also incredibly stunning for the inca ruins viewed, the landscapes (snow capped mountains, rows of cacti, beautiful rivers), and was finished off the our first campsite, with our tent literally below a 6000 metre mountain covered in snow. It
was unbelievable.
The second day was the day we feared as everyone we spoke to warned us how difficult it was!! It included a 11km hike, with 80% of that being a serious up hill climb to 4500metres above sea level, to a point known as "dead womans pass".
The rumours were not wrong either, as the climb, the bad weather during the final ascent (although this was the only rain we had in 4 days!), and the altitude made it a difficult but rewarding experience. The only dissappointment was that once we reached the summit we were surrounded in cloud so our mirador lookout point was a view of about two metres in front of us!
The was then followed by a very steep descent down to our campsite. Again it was in the most picturesque area at the foot of a beautiful valley surrounded by lush green mountains.
The third day was our favourite day of the trail as it included the most stunning views, amazing ruins (think indiana jones searching for a lost city), and variation on landscape from cloud forest to jungle to deep valley. We also managed to glimpse our first
view of Machi Picchu mountain (not Machu Picchu itself but the mountain in which it is built).
After three days of trekking everything was building towards our day at Machu Picchu, the legendary inca citadel. Compleing the trail gives real perspective to how the city was "lost" for so long, which would be completely lost to those arriving on plush tains, and really adds to the awe and magic of the place.
We woke at 5am to finish our final two hour trek to the Sun Gate where we were (hopefully) going to catch our first views of MP. After a very very hard ascent up Machu Picchu mountain we arrivied at the Sun Gate absolutely shattered! And to top it off we were surrounded in cloud so once again could only see a few metres ahead of us!
From here we descended down to the "postcard picture point", and the cloud slowly began to lift revealing Huayna Picchu (the mountain seen in the background of the famous picture) covered in cloud. We waited at postcard picture point for 15 minutes praying the cloud would lift but we could still see nothing so decided to descend further......until
suddenly the whole cloud lifted and Machu Picchu appeared out of nowhere, it was remarkable.
After this the sky cleared and we had the stunning weather throughout the day. The morning included our final tour with our Peru Treks guide (who are HIGHLY recommended for anyone interested in taking the trip), followed by our own free time to view the trip. The place was incredible, and could also include a hike up Huayna Picchu for those with the energy, but unfortunately we were both too tired and exhausted to even contemplate queing for tickets!
The trip was rounded off with our train ride back to Cusco, which was very enjoyable, and being British a very romantic way to finish off the trail.
Other aspects of the trail that were fantastic included the great team spirit and people we met on the trail, the fantastic company we went with, and the unbelievable food we ate - not for once in my life did I imagine eating a stunning three course meal, three times a day whilst trekking in the wilderness. This even included a birthday cake on day two for once of our group (that was cooked on
a gas powered hob and included full icing and "Happy Birthday" on top!!)
The trip did not dissappoint and went beyond any expectations we had before we began. We returned to Cusco to recharge our batteries before heading West towards the Peruvian coastline for some sun!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.199s; Tpl: 0.014s; cc: 11; qc: 56; dbt: 0.1155s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb