Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Lisa and Simon`s Around the World Tour
Oh my god! The number one reason for us coming to South America. We came, we saw and we conquered (just).
The four day hike to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu is a 26 mile trek going up mountain and down valley high in the Andes. It was at times scary and gruelling but incredibly rewarding. Words cannot describe the feeling you have when you get there and set eyes on the city.
The distance doesnt sound much over four days, but you climb over mountains and descend into valleys all along the trail. Although, you do feel a bit feeble when you find that the record for completing the trail is just less than 4 hours!! My excuse is that we need to take our time and take in the spectacular scenery and check out the ruins along the way. You cannot fail to feel really lucky to have the opportunity of walking the original Inca trail (which is largely intact). People have only been walking it in any significant numbers for about 10 years. In another 10 years, it will probably be badly eroded with sections closed off and a Starbucks every mile along the way.
Had a guide for the trek, Pepe, who said that the trail was his backyard. Certainly knew his stuff, although I did wonder about the 5am starts (4am on the final day, walking with torches). The early starts did mean that we had the trail to ourselves, and for a good few hours, Machu Picchu itself.
The difficult trail was made substantially easier by the porters who cart all the gear around (tents, cooking equipment, chairs, tables, etc). Whilst we struggle with our little ruck sacks containing the basics, they each carry 25kg on their backs. In the morning, you leave the camping ground after breakfast, leaving the porters to pack up. An hour later they virtually run past you fully laiden with the gear, wearing flimsy sandals on their feet. The next time you see them is at lunch, where they have set up the dining tent and are ready to serve a three course lunch. You then leave, only to be passed again by the porters further along the trail. The next time you see them is in late afternoon at the next camping ground, where they have erected all the tents and have afternoon tea waiting in the dining tent. A couple of hours later you are presented with a three course evening meal. They certainly work hard for their 4 quid per day, whilst we live like kings. Needless to say, our boys got a good tip and beer on the last night.
Weather was good for three of the four days. Rained heavily on day 3, hence the fetching rain covers. The all important final day was perfect though, as you can see in the photos.
If you dont want to walk back along the trail (and hardly anybody does), you drop down into the valley to Aguas Calientes and catch the train back to Cuzco. There are no roads out of Aguas. The train gets centre stage though, with the track running down the main street! Great little town, the sole function of which seems to be to feed, water and massage weary travellers. Did find a shop selling Cornettos though, so in keeping with the family tradition, I bought one for Lisa.
Truly, truly incredible. Exceeded my expectations. Catch it before it is too late!
Simon
- comments