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Published: July 19th 2012
Day One We set off on our four day adventure after having breakfast the HQ of the tour company. There was to be a big group of us, the biggest they have had in a while we are told. 22 to be exact and what a mixed bunch we were with almost half Americans and half Europeans! We had four tour guides all Peruvian and we were in for a treat over the coming days!
Our first day was filled with a 50km downhill cycle from 4350m above sea level into the jungle town of Santa Maria at 1430m. We arrived at the cold and snowy mountainous valley to get suited and booted for our biking. We were given a lot of gear to wear – a protective jacket, shin guards, gloves, full face helmets and reflective waistcoats. We didn’t wear as much on the death road! But it was all compulsory. The bikes we got were a bit less sturdy than on the death road but still they were in good shape. We set off with a warning to mind the deep gutter on the right hand side as it has claimed a lot of non-alert bikers
in accidents. We had only begun our descent and one of our group went into the gutter right in front of me because his tracksuit bottoms got caught in the bike. It was damn scary to see it and I was a bit wary for a while after. Luckily he was ok, no cuts or bruises but after no accidents on the death road, I really never thought that on a nearly fully tarred road there would be an accident!
We cruised downhill in a few hours with great views along the way and lots of river crossings. The speed was a lot less than on the death road because it was not as steep overall. It was still enjoyable but not as thrilling or nerve-racking every minute of the way! We had to keep taking off layers as we descended because we got deeper into the jungle it got hotter. By the time we made it to the end it was the hottest we have been in a while after Bolivia!
In the afternoon we went white water rafting! It was great fun and a good way for the group to gel better. John was sitting in
the front and was drenched through! Every time we came to a rapid he seemed to be the one who got the brunt of the water! The river wasn’t too wild but it was full of rapids that regularly kept us in check or hopping into the raft to avoid falling out! We stopped a bit down river to play a mad game that had the group in stitches. Let’s just say it involved rocks and keeping them between your bum cheeks! Aaron who was in our boat was the definite winner so we were happy out!
That night after dinner we all headed to the local for some Pisco Sours. The local was a weird wee place, full of gringos with luminous flashing signs pointing us in the right direction! The town is tiny so the business must be wholly from the few tourists that wander in every few days but we were welcomed in. Before we knew it we were all off for to bed, a day of trekking lies ahead!
Day Two We were up early to set off on our trek. We were told that today would bring 8 hours trekking. The first
part would be uphill to reach an original Inca trail. The heat of the jungle definitely made us sweat but we took our time to climb up through the green jungle trees, John picked some oranges to eat along the way, we had a brief stop at a little place half way up and we all admired a cute teddy humping monkey. We climbed a bit steeper to reach another little resting spot where we would learn about the local flora, fauna and the important products of Peru for the local farmers in the area such as cocoa beans, coca leaves, production of chocolate, a fruit that we all got our faces painted with (don’t know why but mine was a terrible job thanks to the guide). Then we all dressed up in traditional costumes for a fun photo and some explanations of who wore what in times gone by. It was a fun stop.
We climbed further along cornfields to reach the narrow Inca trail. It was the width of a table and no more. To the left side was a sheer drop but the views of the Valley were breath-taking. The river gushed below and as we
turned a corner more beauty was upon us, along with some tiny steep steps to negotiate. I was surprised as to how brave I was on this part, John did check every now and then to see how I was but I was just enjoying it, taking it all in. At the end of the ancient trail we stopped in the blistering sun to learn more about these Inca trails.
Some of you may have heard of what’s known as the classic Inca trail. This is the most popular of all roads that lead to Machu Picchu but in high season you have to purchase the ticket about 6 months in advance as only 500 people per day are allowed to begin the four day hike. We missed the boat so this is how we need up on this tour. The thing is the classic Inca trail is one of only thousands of kilometres of trails that were used by the Quechua people during the Inca reign. The Inca was the King and he didn’t use these trails at all. These were the trails for messengers or local people to get from one place to the other. So technically
calling them an Inca trail is an error but it is what they have become known! The trails are notorious for having lots of steps or for winding through mountains from village to village and can go on for miles.
After our history update we moved on to have lunch in a small village in the middle of the mountainous jungle. We were fairly hot at this stage so finding a shady area was a must for a rest to recharge before heading off again! After lunch we followed the rumbling river to reach the end of the trail. Along the way we crossed some dodgy bridges and some cool ones! The group was split at times between the fast and slow walkers but everyone had regular breaks to laze in the shade or dip their feet in the chilly river. We weaved over and back the river many times to meet the paths that were available but our last crossing was definitely the dodgiest! It was a rope/cable car/metal frame that you sat into (in twos or threes) and you were pulled over the gurgling river to the other side. I was a bit freaked out but actually
I felt safe enough (sort of) when crossing!
We had one final small hill to climb before reaching the highlight of the day – hot springs! And they were wonderful after a day of trekking. There were three different temperatures but the hottest one was just right. Most of us spent a good few hours there before grabbing a beer by the side of the springs to finish the day off right. There were lots of soldiers here and we asked our guide why. Seemingly they are patrolling the jungles around the area as there is a terrorist group targeting tourist areas!! The soldiers had a night off so they came to the nearest civilised place and that was the hot springs. They all had guns and were just walking around, smoking and having a good eyeful at most of the swimsuit laden women!!
We arrived at our second little town, had a quick moment to settle into our accommodation before heading for dinner. The food was great on the tour – always 3 to 4 courses for lunch and dinner but tonight we got Pisco Sours and Inca Tequila too! From there it was a downhill slope.
Before we all knew it we were drinking more free Inca Tequila (made from a different plant than regular and boy it is strong) and wandering to the “nightclub”. This place reminded me of home. Cope central folks. All the regulars were there and the place was just tour group heaven. It didn’t stop all of us (including our guides) and let’s just say there was lots of salsa dancing, silly dancing, pole dancing, Macarena, vomiting guides, sneaky pairings, English lads sleeping on the street because they couldn’t find the hostel across the street and much more. You get the picture! We stumbled home at 2 or 3 dreading the early morning ahead!
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Hipólito
non-member comment
I was one of those Guides.
We did a great adventure along the Inka jungle trek and the Inka tequila, I am the one who is wearing a blue t-shirt. Come to Peru and enjoy this amazing trek to MachuPicchu. Hipolito Hilares (facebook).