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Published: April 17th 2008
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We have been very busy since our last entry and it seems like a long time ago since we were in Santiago, Chile. We spent a few days here strolling the streets and taking in the sights Santiago had to offer. Sanitago wasnt part of our orginial plan but after so many long bus journeys we decided to treat ourselves to a flight from Santiago to Cusco, Peru. Sanitago was a pleasant enough city with a European feel but we didnt find it as endearing or had it as much to offer as Buenos Aires.
We stayed in a 19th Century restored mansion with a pool and jacuzzi..... well it was a hostel but a very nice one! One day a journalist called the hostel looking for backpackers who were interested in playing paintball against Chilean lads. It was free and he was writing a review for a popular local paper.Of course we jumped at the chance to play and along with 6 other backpackers proudly beat the Chilean team a few times. In the last game it was everyone for themselves and hiding in the bushes couldnt save me from Peters attack and he hit me with a shower of
"friendly fire"!! At the end the journalist wanted a picture of everyones bruises (inflicted by paintball shots) for the article (dont ask me why!) and the group decided that I was the clear winner. Lucky me, a nice memory of Chile!
Our next destination was Peru and we were really excited about getting here. We have spent the last 10 days in Cusco. Cusco is beautifully set surrounded by magnificent hills and mountains. Its cobblestones streetscape makes for nice wandering and is perfect for getting lost in. It is lined by many artisan shops selling many beautiful local crafts from cozy hats, paintings to ornamental crafts. Days can be spent exploring the main square Plaza Del Armas and the pretty area of Plaza San Blas know as the more bohemian quarter. At times we found the locals constant offerings of massages, meals, tours and crafts a little irrating but I guess that is to expected from one of the most visted cites in South America and the gateway city to the spectaculory set Machu Picchu.
On the Second dat of our vist to Cusco, we were lucky enough to catch a traditional street parade. Many different groups of
dancers and musicians from different areas gave flamboyant and colourful displays represent their own unique culture.
There are many tour operators offering tours to Machu Picchu (MP) and we decided to embark on the Salkantay 5 day hike covering 83km ending at MP on the last day. There were 10 people in our group and amazingly half the group were Irish, us, three Irish girls, 2 guys from Taihti and 3 from Sweden which made for a nice mix. It was a spectacular journey taking in views of glacier peaks, waterfalls, steep climbs up to 4,600m above sea level, swimming in hot thermal baths and taking the final steep 2km walk up Inca steps to Machu Picchu. It had its tough moments too, camping and waking up to find your clean clothes were wet and the toilet facilites at times were nothing more than a hole in the ground, that was a bit of a shock!
Our first morning kicked off with an early start at 4.30am taking a 3 hour bus journey to the town of Mollepata, the starting point of our 5 day hike. We had some breakfast and set off on a 8 hour walk.
The scenery was spectacular and exceeded our expectations. The food was really good and we were really impressed with what they could produce for our meals with very limited facilities. The second day we woke at 5.30am and sipped our coca tea which helps with the high altitude. Our tour guide said this would be the most challenging day as we would be mainly hiking up hill for 10 hours stopping only for lunch and short breaks. I didnt find it to bad, the hiking we have done so far helped a lot. Peter found it grand and at times I wished I hadnt slept in so many Saturday mornings while he went running!!
Anyway we reached the glacier peak of Salkantay which means 'Savage Mountain' which refers to the swirling clouds that rise up from the jungle lowlands and engulf the peak. It was very impressive and it was a great feeling reaching the top. The third day we rose at 6.30am and set off for a 5 hour hike. This journey took us through the edge of the jungle and we ended the day swimming in the hot Thermal springs of Santa Teresa which was welll and
truly earned. By the 4th day we were well into our stride of walking long hours and 6 hours later we were in the town of Agus Callientes where we got to stay in a hostel, it might as well have been a 5 star hotel when we saw our bed, towel and hot shower, i forgot to mention we hadnt showered in 3 days!! We relaxed for a few hours here looking forward to our last day and reaching Machu Picchu.
Our last morning we rose for breakfast at 4.30am and started off on the 2km steep climb up steps to MP to catch some views before the majority of tourists arrived. Wow, it was certainly impressive. At day break there was a lot of cloud and mist but after a few hours it was gone and we could see the vastness of this majestic site.
Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level and is nestled high in the mountains of the Andes in the middle of a tropical mountain forest which makes for an extraordinarily beautiful setting. We were told that more than 1,000 people visit this site every day and in high season more than 3,000
Our camp Site.
On the first night our campsite was in the shadow of the mountain. people visit MP daily. We spent a few hours strolling around. Our tour guide gave us a tour and explained the history of the Inca and Machu Picchu. It was a brillant 5 days. We are back in Cusco since yesterday and we are off tonight to celebrate getting to Machu Picchu, A few glasses of wine will be had for sure....!
Maire and Peter x
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