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On the Inca Trail in Peru. Those porters you see at the front are carrying 25kg and they're practically RUNNING. Amazing men.
We deliberately (and, well, 'cause we're slow) hiked behind the group the entire length of the hike. We didn't want to hike with other people, for starters. AND, this way, we got a personal guide, usually Cesar, who was assigned to the stragglers. On the last morning, though, we split off in the darkness and beat it to the Sungate. We were the first people there by twenty minutes of the hundreds who were lined up behind us at the starting point. It's not just about speed, but about knowing when to speed!
We offer you an unforgettable trip along the magic Inca trail to Machu Picchu on 2 Days. This hike is an excellent option for those who want to see the beauty route of one of the wonders of the modern world.
DAY 1: CUSCO - KM104 - CHACHABAMBA - WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHUWe will pick you up from your Cusco hotel early in the morning (about 5:00am) and then drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo and take the train to Kilometer (Km) 104, which takes about three hours. Km 104 is an unscheduled train stop so you will probably feel a twinge of satisfaction that the train is stopping especially for you – and by knowing you are about to see things that no one else will get to! At Km 104 we will get off the train and pass the Inca Trail checkpoint where we will see our first archaeological center called Chachabamba (2,170 m / 7,170 ft). These ruins were one of the last shelters that the Incas used before they reached Machu Picchu. This site was also used as a religious and administrative center, and features several buildings. Then, we will gradually ascend for about 2-3 hours climbing Inca stone steps while our guide points out different flora and fauna along the trail.We will then pass a tall waterfall before arriving at the archaeological site called Wiñay Wayna at (2,650 m / 8,700 ft), which is named after an orchid and means Forever Young in Quechua. We will climb to the top of the ruins and enjoy lunch with an incredible view of Wiñay Wayna and the Sacred Valley. This large site sits on a mountainside and features experimental terraces that the Incas used to grow different crops. We will visit an important temple with 7 windows that was dedicated to the rainbow as well as observe the amazing engineering of water channels that still function today. Once we finish our tour here, we will continue our hike for about 1 ½ hours on a part of the Inca Trail which is relatively flat, with small ascents and descents along the way. At about 5:00 pm we will reach the Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,920 ft) which is called Intipunku in Quechua. This is where we will have our first view of Machu Picchu and from there we will head down to the ruins to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel. The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening if time is available before dinner. Dinner will be at Ayllu.DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN – MACHU PICCHU - CUSCOAfter breakfast, we will take the first bus that leaves at 5:30hrs to Machu Picchu, and we will be there before than the other groups and where we will be able to see the beautiful sunrise. Then we will have a tour for two half hours with our tour professional Guide and we will be visiting the most important places of Machu Picchu. After We finish with our guided tour you will have free time to explore by yourself. Once more, we have to go back to Aguas Calientes town to take the afternoon train to come back to Cusco. Finally at 18:20hrs. We will take the train back to Ollantaytambo (train station) from Aguas Calientes and then we will continue by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. We will be arriving to Cusco around at 22:30hrs.
We were really lucky that we booked so far in advance because we stayed in all of the smaller campsites. Despite hearing from everyone that the inca trail is super busy and crowded, we barely saw people the entire trek because we were in front of the crowd!
This was one of the most beautiful ruins we saw on the trek. When we visited there was practically no one there. When sitting on the steps not only could you hear the beautiful incan water fountain, but you could hear the waterfall in the background and the sound of the river rushing below - it was magical!
The frail-looking footbridge across the River Urubamba is the start of the famous Inca Trail from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, Peru, 26 October 2007.
The meals we were served on the trek were amazing! This here is just the snack we'd get before dinner! We devoured the popcorn! :)
www.sapadventures.net/ The Inca Trail is a magnificent, well preserved Inca Trail route which connects Machu Picchu with what once were other regions of the Inca Empire, and today it is one of the world’s most popular treks. This four-day walk goes from the highlands of 4,200mts and down through the cloud forests to finally arrive at Machu Picchu - 2,380mts
Blurry (but fun) shot from the train. Due to some scheduling changes, we came back from Aguas Calientes not on the backpacker train, but some fancier tourist train. This guy came dancing down the aisle and put his hat on my head. D. said I must have been blessed. Well, one can always use a good blessing. (There was also a fashion show by two embarrassed train employees.)