Inca Trail

It is time for me to change the order of my life´s to do list, since the number one slot has finally been obtained "Machu Picchu". The hike was more than I could have hoped for, it was very challenging, rained everyday, but the views and the experience was unbelievable. The entire trip on paper is 4 days of hiking and 3 nights sleeping in tents along the way, but it was much more than that. Erin and I were picked up at our hostel very early in the morning of January 5. We were driven 3 hours to the starting gate, given some last minute instructions, and met our group. Our group consisted of 3 guides, 17 porters (the guys who carry all the food, run by us on the trail carring 100lbs backs, and make us amazing meals), and 16 tourists. In our group we had quite the mix, there were some Koreans, Swiss, Argentinians, Peruvians, and us Americans.
The first day was an easy hike, winding through the valleys and seeing some of the local villages. Our first campsite was located overlooking one of the villages surrounded by mountains. We spent the night getting to know everyone in the group, singing our country songs, and trying to tell jokes.
The second day is the hardest day of the trail, this is the day we reach the highest point of the trail, nearly 14,000 ft. THis was quite the challenge for us from flat land as the steps and the altitude really take hold. Many people take the option on this day to have the porters carry your bag, but Erin and I decided to carry our stuff, not the best decision at times but well worth it. We took many breaks, drank plenty of water, and happy to say we survived much better than others. This second campsite was amazing. It is located just down the hill from the summit, surrounded by waterfalls and snow capped mountains. We woke up in the moring to a rainbow, unbelievable.

The summit day 2

The third day is a mixture of smaller climbs and a final descent, in which you drop down 3,000 ft at the very end. This campsite was located at a campground in which everyone meets in the large building, has dinner with all the other groups, celebrates making it to this point. I did not sleep to well this night knowing that just on the other side of the mountain is Machu Picchu.
To get to the Sun Gate, the first sight of Machu Picchu, before it is crawling with those lazy people we take the train up to it you need to arrive there 7 am. Erin and I awoke at 4, ate our last meal with our group and set off. Walking as fast as our tired legs could take us we hurried to the Sun Gate and looked over the peak to Machu Picchu. This was supose to be the best moment of my life, but as luck would have it, nothing but fog.

First site to see Machu Picchu

No stunning view. We waited and hoped for a while, then decided to continue to walk down to the ruins. As we walked the clouds started to clear, and slowly the beauty of Machu Picchu was exposed. IT was everything I hoped it would be and 1,000 time more. I don´t know if it was the elevation, the anticipation of the 3 day hike, or the fact I was so tired but those ruins just seemed to glow.

Machu Picchu

We spent the rest of the day touring the ruins and learning about what exactly was Machu Picchu. They still do not have all of the answers but they believe that it was some sort of University for the Inca people. Many of the building were constructed to study the stars and the seasons. IT was also a religous place in which many people gathered to hear the news proclaimed by the Inca Priest and the Inca himself. Very fascinating.
The entire trip was more than I could have imagined at the onset. The trail is still in great shape, the views of the mountains and valleys along the way take your breath away, and Machu Picchu is more amazing than any picture gives it credit. Erin handled the difficult hike like a champ, most girls on the trail only carried a jacket and a water bottle, and smiled until the very end. Even though my legs were tired, I would not have done it differently. What a trip.

We made it!!

Machupicchu, Peru