We chose Llampath to support our trek along the Inca trail because they are eco-friendly, pay their porters a decent wage, and provide suitable clothing. But the 4.30 am start suggests the company's not so concerned about the tourists - ouch! Christi and I also hire an extra porter to carry our gear (everything except our cameras and water bottles). We like to think we're providing extra work … [Read more...]
Dead Woman’s Pass, Inca trail, Day 31
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The hike to Dead Woman's Pass is Death by Stairmaster... I endure a cold and uncomfortable night under canvass. And not once did those damn porters come by with a hot water bottle. I say night, but the porters woke Christi and me at 5.30am, admittedly with hot tea and hot water for washing. Breakfast is waiting for us, and while we eat, our tents miraculously disappear into the porter’s … [Read more...]
Mt. Pumaciello, Inca trail, Day 32
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The sunrise over Mt. Pumaciello this morning is sublime... The night was milder than I'd anticipated, although I did wear every item of clothing I brought with me, so that may have helped. The view from our tent this morning of the sun striking the glaciers of Mt. Pumaciello is simply sublime. I bounce out of bed to capture the moment for posterity. Flavio says today will be easier – only 10 … [Read more...]
Machu Picchu, Day 33
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The big day is finally here and I feel we have earned the right to view the majesty of Machu Picchu, Hiram Bingham’s Lost City of the Incas. Christi and I are woken at 3:30am. It’s raining and we're sleep deprived, but the adrenaline is kicking in. We eat our final, mammoth breakfast (thank you, porters) and move quickly out of camp for the 60-minute hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku). Of … [Read more...]
Aguas Calientes to Cusco, Day 34
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Aguas Calientes is nestled in a valley below Machu Picchu, surrounded by towering walls of rock and the cloud forest. It’s located on the Urubamba River, while train tracks run through the center of town. This is undoubtedly a huge tourist town, but after so much nature lately, I don't mind being showered in cuddly llamas and alpaca blankets – at least for an hour or two. Our return to Cusco is … [Read more...]
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