Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
To say I have been blown away by my trip to Peru, South America would be an understatement ! It truly was a trip of a lifetime and I will never ever forget it.
The story starts on our amazing flight with LAN airlines from Manchester via Madrid all the way over to Lima. 11 hours later we arrived refreshed and raring to get exploring this huge South American city. Wonderful beaches and great surf meant that the ocean was teaming with local surfers.. We spent most of our time around the Miraflores area of the city, the tourist part which has the most amazing shopping centre built within the cliffs. Great food and a really good atmosphere.
After exploring further into the city and of course visiting the old town, where shops are surrounded by cathedrals and beautiful architecture we started getting ourselves ready for our trek...
A short flight took us up to Cuzco, a city in the Andes mountains which was once capital of the Inca empire. At 3400 metres above sea level it certainly took your breath away ! It has to be one of my most favourite places I have visited. It has such a calm felling about it and around the main square the Plaza de Armas there are shops selling almost everything you will need for your trek but also beautiful Alpaca wool goods. Silver is also a really good buy here.
There are cafes serving traditional Peruvian food alongside American, Spanish and to be honest anything you would like ! Why not try the local dish of Guinea Pig... ? (got to be done but order something alongside it just incase it doesn't fulfill your appetite !)
After acclimatising to the altitude we were met by our tour guide who gave us our itinerary for the next 4 days. This included a night in another Inca town in the Sacred Valley and then starting our epic trip to one of the seventh wonders of the world.. Machu Picchu! (something I have wanted to do since I was a young travel agent 20 years ago !!)
After packing up our 'small' duffel bag for our porters (or friends as our guides preferred to call them) they certainly did become friends by the end of the trek ! We set off from the 82km mark in the Sacred valley.. we were actually doing it !! 26 miles over 4 days at altitude that would take us up to the highest point of 4200 metres above sea level !
I cannot explain the feeling you get when you look out over the Andes and see Inca settlements that stand proudly set in to the mountains.. or the cloud forest sprawling out ahead of you.. its just magical ! We were lucky as we had amazing weather and no rain but May is one of the best times to go so was sort of expected. The nights were cold though so a good sleeping bag and thermals are a must.
The food that was prepared for us by our friends was truly delicious and healthy and how they prepare flambé bananas at 3000 metres amazed me ! The food didn't disappoint all week from coca tea in your tent first thing to hot chocolate before bed. Although you needed a good intake of food as the trek itself was very challenging and at times you did wonder if you would make it to the end !! Day 2 being especially tough, we were on the long trek up the summit of Dead Womans Peak (4200m). Then all the way back down the other side to our campsite. A lovely cup of tea/coffee or hot chocolate and freshly popped pop corn helped with the last few steps though !
We did make it though and day 4 found us waking at 3.30am to make the last trek to Machu Picchu.. There were tears of joy and relief when we eventually reached the Sungate to view the magnificent Inca Settlement. Truly jaw dropping and magical.
I can honestly say this was one of the hardest most rewarding things I have ever done in my life. I urge you to visit this amazing country and see for yourself .. We travelled with Intrepid travel who were again the best ! Very well organised and made sure they looked after the locals. They follow responsible tourism and development and encourage their customers to do the same.
I met some lovely people on my trip and will keep in touch with them. As we all shared such a special time together and most of all spurred each other on !
Question is now... where next ??