This around twenty-six mile hike, over four days, both challenged and mesmerized me.

Day 1‘s moderate hike, about 7 miles, started at the official checkpoint called “Kilometer 82.” There were several ruins and distractions along the route, making the hike seem relatively easy.  We learned to walk on the mountain-side of the trail whenever we saw porters.  As people yelled “Porters!,” the group would move over so the many porters could pass us by with their heavy packs on their backs.

This group of 11 amazing individuals coalesced into the BEST hiking team!  Sexy Llamas, I miss you!!!

Kilometer 82: Ready, set, GO!

Leo, our Lead Guide, with his “bible,” a book with photos to share as he explains ruins and culture to us

Inca ruins on the trail

A turkey welcoming us to the Inca Trail

Donkeys blocking the trail

A woman feeding her animals at our lunch stop

Our first campsite

Eleven of us hikers meant 19 support people! Two guides (Leo and Gina), two chefs, and 14 porters!  On the first night, we all introduced ourselves.

Day 2 KICKED MY BUTT!  Sure, it was only 7.5 miles, but climbing to 13,769 feet challenged me.  A few steps, stop and breathe, a few more steps, stop and breathe.  Rinse and repeat.  When I got up to the top, everyone cheered (which I learned they/we do for everyone who reaches the summit).  Gina, our assistant guide, gave me a congratulatory hug – and I collapsed sobbing into her arms. [Note: fewer photos since I focused on the climb and not taking pics!]

So happy the hiking was over for the day!

Day 2’s campsite

A couple of pics taken of the Andes while wandering around camp

Day 3‘s ten-mile hike was my favorite!  Although it was the longest of the hikes, the microclimates kept changing, we had ruins to enjoy, and the trekking was fun!  That night, we had our first big storm.  Good thing it cleared up by the morning!

Good morning, Day 3!

So many cool ruins to see on Day 3’s trek!

Cloud forest

Porters!

Much happier hiking on Day 3 than on Day 2

Our third campsite – the ledge was very close to our tent doors – I was afraid I might fall when I got out (especially at night)

The view from camp was wonderful, though!

And the food?  Magnificent!  It was Helen’s birthday on Day 3, and the chefs baked her a CAKE!!!  Without an oven!!!  One of the best cakes I’ve ever had!

Day 4.  What a day!  We were woken at 3:20am to get a very early start and so our porters could make their 5:30am train.  We ate our packed breakfast while waiting in line for an hour (4:30-5:30am) before commencing our 3.5 miles hike to Machu Picchu.  The trail was beautiful, easy, and exciting.  Details and photos of Machu Picchu will be in my next blog post!