Camino Inka: Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: A Diary
We had been in Peru for three months, and we were told our health would be great as we had acclimatised to high altitude associated with the hiking trail of the Incas, but it was not easy for us, that the groups we met along the way.DAY ONE: We were taken by our guide trek to the hostel in Cusco at 6:30 am. A bus took us to the beginning of the bumpy track in the valley of Urubamba, where groups of walkers, and those independent tour packages have already been assembled for the briefing, and preparing with canes and coca leaves. Having completed our backpacks and said goodbye to our bus driver, we started our trek.First day hiking is the easiest, because we were always at the forefront of our enthusiasm, and most trails mounted very slowly. One group we passed along the way has commented on our strength as we lugged our bags back 7 kg each in elevation, they hired porters to do the work for them. However, knowing that by my fourth hour, my legs started to cramp, I admired their determination and courage, because most of them were over 50 years, to take on this journey to all. Porters run ahead at a rapid pace that we catch our breath by the creek, their rubber sandals flying along the trails. I laugh at my attempt to compare the adventure with my specially selected shoes and underwear, but I fall into my tent that the porters had already set in place hours before, waiting for the call dinner.DAY TWO: At five o'clock in the morning call was made with a cup of hot coca. Rheumy eyes and shivering, I quickly packed, had breakfast with the group in the dining tent, and prepare for another day.The day was more hiking, that most of the time we go to 45 degrees up the hill. For three hours we continued to soldier on difficult hills while chewing on coca leaves to relief slight altitude sickness. The march was not without reward: the scenery along the path can be described as amazing, with mountains and rivers that surround us and the sounds of nature that calls us. As I fight next to our guide, whose energy does not seem to drain faster than mine, he mentioned that we were on our way to the highest point of the trek. "You are dead is called" he said with a smile. With air so thin and the cliff falling to the bottom of my right side, I can only imagine the sinister reason behind this name. Atop the hill, reaching the summit at 4200m, the air was thin and cold, but the view was breathtaking.However I did not expect that after reaching to 4200m, there were two hours worth of steep descent, who has back pain in my knee and I had to use my walking stick as a crutch and do pass. The second night camping was on a beautiful hill which over looked some of the valley and the waterfall. Our tents were as usual, sloping waiting.DAY THREE: Once again, hot tea was the bait for all of us and ready. The third day was the longest day we had to trek seven hours before camp, but the quality of the work is easier because the roads were flat and is also the day the most picturesque of all. Our trek passes through a fairy tale-like ruin Wiñay named Wayna (meaning the Quechua name "Forever Young") that we took our time to explore and admire before continuing down the hill towards the shore camp. Cramming with our legs and sore back, I was happy tomorrow we'll get to the city of Machu Picchu as expected. At night, during dinner, we had a little party with the porters and the leaders of our group, patting his back on making it far and thank those who helped us along the way.I might enjoy this opportunity to comment on the amazing porters who helped us with our camping and dining needs. They made sure we did not have the hard way, such as flour each night was as good as any command from a restaurant. They get up early to prepare breakfast for us, assembling and dismantling tents for us every day ahead of us to prepare lunch and dinner, and if necessary, water boiled with care by fire wood to make sure we had water to drink. Without such holders would certainly be lost in a forest and the four ruins.DAY: We were woken at 4am to start walking towards the town of Aquas Calientes. A landslide in the vicinity had prevented us from being able to take the classic route through the sun gate, and it's just safer for us to go through the city. I do not mind this bit as a Aquas Calientes is a city known for its natural hot springs, and I knew it would be a welcome relief after all this is over.We came to the door around 7 am, well ahead the day tourists who wander in this city when the train arrives from Cusco. When the fog finally lifted revealing the beautiful city of Machu Picchu, I stood in awe, and bathed in a feeling of being overwhelmed, I can not describe. After a tour in the ruins I sat on a hill and just watched the view, a sight I will never forget.
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