Andean Trek to Machu Picchu...priceless!

Ahhh were to begin! By far one of the highlights of this entire trip was the trek to Machu Picchu. Now there is the Inca trail that is THE world`s most famous trek. It is the path that the Inca`s took to Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, it is so popular that people have been destroying the trek over the last few years. As such, the government has implemented regulations to restrict the flow of trekkers per day. Thus only 300 tourists and 200 porters (bag carriers, cooks, guides) are allowed to embark on the trek per day. You can imagine how packed it is. 500 people all at once. You hardly get a moment alone. Plus you have to book about 6 months in advance, which we didnt. Haha, most companies recommend alternate treks anyways so that you feel like you are on a trek and not playing `run from the tourist behind you without running into the tourist in front of you.`Rach and I took the Lares trek through the Sacred Valley, boy was i glad we did!

First off, our group was amazing. Together we represented the U.S. (obviously), Australia, England, and France. A good group is key to a good time. Our trek began in Calca. It was here that we stocked up on candy and school supplies to give to any mountain kids we came across along the way.  A three hour hike led us to the heart of the Lares Valley. There are hot springs here that we had to visit before lunch! Yup thats right, a little medicinal soak was a fine way to top off our first hike. We were all so relaxed that we wanted to pass out after lunch! But onwards we must! Another four hour hike led us to our first campsite known as Wacawasi. A cool fact we learned is that llamas are called as llamas because of a misunderstanding. The incas only spoke Quechua, but when the spanish came and saw all the llamas they asked, `como se llama`(what are they called?). In fear the incas just repeated what they said..llama, llama, llama!! haha. Cool huh.

Ahh it should be spelled A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Anyways, we did encounter many children the first day. Our camera is full of pictures of mountains and kids! One in particular that stood out was Travil. He was a ten year old boy who was herding in five cows alone at night. We were still hiking beyond sundown when we ran into him. I couldnt imagine a little boy being so far from home, in the cold dark, doing such a job every night. Amazing. Kids would be working in the crops, building fences (out of stone), or tending the animals all along our trek.

The second day was like hell day. Uphill for hours upon hours. There was an extra horse for many of the exhausted trekkers to use. Four out of 10 did so, but not Rach and I! Tough cookies we be! I was grateful for that day to be over. When we reached the highest peak of 4,700 meters I collapsed in joy! Halleluiah! That night we camped in Urubamba.  The third day was five hours down hill to Oolayntambo. From here we took a train to Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes is an awesome town based solely on Machu Picchu. It is essentially built around the Urubamba river. Really picturesque.

Now the best part Machu Picchu!!! Ahh it should be spelled A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! We woke up at 5 am to start the day! There were hardly any people there upon arrival! Perfect. We watched the sunrise over the glorious ruins. They are just breathtaking, i don`t know what else to say. Worth flying across the world to see. Nobody knows the actual name of Machu Picchu (old mountain) because there is no record of it. But it was discovered in the early 1900`s by fellow American Hiram Bingham. It was believed to be the last capital of the Inca`s but this is not so. The oldest capital is about 100 km away. Different theories of its purpose exist. Some say it was an elite university, some say a shelter for the chosen women, a refuge from the spanish etc. Who knows! But its awesome. Being that its on a mountain and what not, many a men are believed to have perished while building it. Behind Machu Picchu is Wayna Picchu. Now this is the culprit that is responsible for my sore legs. An hour of straight stair climbing is necessary to get to the more than worth it top. So much fun, its like being a young kid exploring. Oh wait i am a young kid exploring! A bit dangerous though. People have fallen off the side...plummeting to their death. They make you sign a waiver before climbing. Rach was scared sick. Felt horrible for my little buddy. Eh well, it only makes her stronger...plus she did it!!!

Machu Picchu is just incredible. Its even more worthy because it is surrounded by a ring of mountains. The Andes all the way to the site are awe inspiring. Clouds float below them!! I had many moments of just sitting there in disbelief that i was actually seeing what i was seeing. Its like dreams coming true! Had a blast on the hike. I`ll miss our group dearly, but remember them always. Unforgettable journey.