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Hello All, We hope you are all well.
We arrived back in Cuzco last night after the Inca Trail and we have decided to spend today telling you all about how amazing it was.
We set off on Saturday morning at 6.15 in the minibus which took us to the starting place of the Inca Trail. We met our group on the way which was a really cool group. one Canadian girl Jean, An English bloke Neil, and an Ozzy guy Sam and His Japanese wife Satchi. Oh and our guide a Peruvian guy named Washington.
As soon as we stepped on to the minibus (with Rob wearing his Spurs Shirt) Sam (the Ozzy) gave a big cheer as he is a big time Spurs fan. They live in London and he has had a season tickit for 4 years. Strait away the topic of conversation on the way to the Inca Trail consisted mainly of Burbotoff (I have no idea how to spell it) and all things Spurs. As you can imagine me and Satchi looked at each other with an undertanding look. (Ladies you know the one!!!!!)
So anyway after about 2 hours in the Spurs bus we arrived at the begining of what we knew would be a tough treck. We passed the check point at Vilcanota River and got our stamps and began our hike.
On the first day we saw some amazing sites and ruins , we saw the Huillca Raccay a hill fort. Our guide was so passionate about the Incas and so we had so much information about not just the ruin but also the history and myths and architecture behind them. After walking through beautiful landscape for a further 7km we reached a small village called Wayllabamba. Where we camped that night. The village is tiny, but still non the less one of the houses there were showing the Peru V�s Venezuela game on the smallest TV in the world. All the porters were there as well as other hikers and guides. it was really cool, yet Peru did not score so we did not get to see them all go crazy. Never mind.
Now let me tell you about how this trail works. There were six of us and our guide and 12 porters and 1 cook. Now the porters are the most amazing people in the world. they each carry 20kgs on there back which is tied up in a big cloth and strapped to their back. These porters are aged between 15- 60. Yes 60. We had a poter called Andreas who was 58 and i wanted to adopt him bless him, he looked so fragile and sweet bless him, i really felt for him big time. but he still could kick anyones ass walking that trail even with 20kgs on his back.
So the 20 kgs they carry consists of tents, cooking equiptment, food, all our stuff, tables, chairs, and more.
So anyway what happens is wherever you each lunch or set up for the night it will all be ready by the time you arrive.
So when we arrived at Wayllabamba that afternoon about 5 ish, our tents were set up along with the main tent where there was a big table with tablecloth and napkins folded beautifully, with popcorn, buiscuits, crackers jam and tea. But before we sat down they had individual wash bowls for us with hot water and soap for us to clean up first. So after this amazing civilised afternoon tea, we went to watch the football. When we retured to camp our dinner was ready a fantastic 3 course meal, soup, then chicken breast in mushroom sauce with veg and rice, followed by hot apple pudding and tea. Unbelievable.
Now where we camped that night was in a small field near the village. We were inbetween mountains with an amazing view of the stars. Beautiful. That night we went to bed about 9.00pm and arose at about 6.00 am with a knock on the tent, by Ricardo (the waiter poter) serving us hot tea or coffe, followed by Sixto (another porter) who had our wash bowls ready with hot water and soap. So you really are waited on had and foot.
After getting all this breakfast was ready. Omlett and toast, with tea. So good!!!!!! they had a big container of purified water for us to fill our bottles with and a snack bag for us all, such as an orange, chocolate bar and nuts. The service is unbelievable and really overwelming. all you have to do is walk the trail.
So then day 2: After breakfast. (Day 2 being notorious for being the toughest day) So we set off at about 7.15am before the poters had packed away tents or anything yet they still managed to pass us in about 30 minutes time not to be seen again until lunch. (Unbelievable) So yeah day 2. It was tough, but fantastic it�s so amazing how the terrain changes so quickly and how beautiful the surroundings are. The steps are large (upto 50cm high), all over the place and it�s is constently uphill for nearly 3 hours! After a luch break and a rest you head off again until you reach the highest point of the trail (4200 mts) called Dead Womans Pass. After that you head straight back down the otherside so the next camp. That night if was �mucho frio`, about minus 5oC but we hacked it out in loads of layers and a big sleeping bag.
As my hand is aching, I will update this blog with the rest of the trail within 24 hours so check back in a day or so.........
Ciao for now
Lee and Rob xxxx
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