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Published: April 16th 2006
Having arrived in Peru´s capital Lima, we spent 2 days touring the city, sampling the local cuisine, trying to master a traditional Peruvian dance (in front of 200 diners) and avoiding the local pick-pockets!!
From here we took a 2 hour flight to the real heart of Peru - the sacred city of Cusco. Here we felt like we were experiencing our first slice of authentic South American culture: the locals wore their traditional multi-coloured dress, mothers carried babies on their backs wrapped in hand made rugs, llamas wandered on the hillsides and old, toothless ladies huddled together boiling corn on the plaza steps and children competing to make the next finger puppet, belt, hat or postcard sale. (It was hard to resist their cute selling tactics and to stop Anna from wanting to adopt every single one).
As the scenery and people filled our chests with history it was time to embark on the 4 day journey along the Inca Trail. In our group we had 8 fellow trekkers from Argentina and Canada, 2 guides and 9 porters who carried food, pots, pans, gas canisters and all the camping equipment we needed for the 4 days (their speed,
stamina, strength and culinary skills were totally unbelievable).
Day 1 and we set off, with back packs, sleeping bags and bamboo walking sticks firmly in hand. This first section was like a gentle introduction with only 5 hours of mostly flat terrain. It gave us the chance to get to know our team members and to enjoy the first night of food and sleeping in tents.
Day 2 and the cockerel crowed at 5.30, we were on our way early as we had 7 hours of up and down hill climbing to complete before lunch! The first 5 hours entailed climbing over 1000 metres to the highest point of the trail - a mere 4,200m above sea level. This was a gruelling day and despite the high altitude, throbbing calf muscles and noises from the wild we slept like babies....
Day 3 and the cockerel was still asleep when we were woken at 4.45 (I thought this was meant to be a holiday). Another long day lie ahead with over 9 hours of trekking from sunrise to sunset. As throughout, the scenery was superb and injected the extra energy our bodies were craving. We had our best
taste yet of the various ruins which peppered the trail. The smell of Machu Picchu city was now in our nostrils.
Day 4 and finally, after 52 kilometres, over 2000 steps, and with 2 aching bodies the lost city came into view and it was totally worth it. We had achieved our goal and spent the next 6 hours walking among the ruins and viewing it from every angle possible. Not even the 5 hour train delay on the ride back to base could dampen our spirits. We had relived part of history, accomplished the trek and made some great new friends.
And on the 5th day they rested.
Next up is the jungle so be sure to tune in to find out about how Anna survived bats in her barnet and how Nathan deals with ants in his pants.
Until then take care of yourselves and each other.
Lots of Love Nate & Anna XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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nicola
non-member comment
hi
Hello Anna and Nate.Well ive put my book down and wait to read your exciting adventures,with bated breath,much more interesting!!!!Makes my life seem soo mundane,i mean how can you compete with climbing the inca trail??And I thought flying over the alps last night at sunset was awesome!You take care,with love Nicola xxx