Macchu Picchu Trek

Day 1 and 2:  Huchuy Qosqo Trek

Although the Huchuy Qosqo Trek wasn't the original Inca trail, we walked on authentic Inca paths and camped in Inca ruins on our first night. We hiked a total of 6 hours on Day 1 - this comprised of summiting a pass at 4000m above sea level in the rain and hail, enjoying a 3 course lunch on a rural farm, catching our first glimpse of the Sacred Valley and of course exploring the Huchuy Qosqo ruins/our campsite.

Our guide, Cesar, who is originally from 'the jungle', has a degree in Archaeology. He was extremely knowledgable, and being the enthusiastic person that he was, he totally overloaded us with Inca-related history. None the less, we enjoyed his company! Day 1 ended with a delicious meal overlooking the ruins and valley.

The following day, we descended to the village of Lamay, a steep 2 hour hike that certainly took its toll on our knees. A bus and train trip took us from Lamay to Aguas Calientes, a small village just outside Macchu Picchu, where we spent our second night. The railway, which snakes along a large river amongst the steep mountains and jungle is the only way to get to this village.



The start of the trek 





Cesar showing Meg how the Incas made bridges,
using thick interwoven grasses





Walking on original Inca Trails





The Huchuy Qosqo ruins





Our campsite in the ruins





The steep descent to Lamay, in the Sacred Valley





On the Inca Rail to Aguascalientes



Day 3: Macchu Picchu City and Waynapicchu Mountain

Getting on the first bus to Macchu Picchu to beat the hordes of tourists, required a 4am start. It was well worth the effort, as it was quiet, foggy and quite mystical when we arrived. This Inca city is a fascinating place, and certainly deserves to be one of the 7 wonders of the world! It's hard to believe that these advanced people were able to construct such complex buildings, with limited resources, on the edge of steep cliffs.

Cesar gave us a 2 hour tour, and then we climbed Waynepicchu mountain, a hike that we totally underrated! The rustic path wound around the steep mountain, and was very strenuous. The view from the top was breathtaking, not only because we got a clear view of Macchu Picchu, but because we couldn't quite wrap our heads around the fact that the Inca's constructed ruins on the very top of this steep mountain!

The rain moved in, so we decided to head back to the train, which took us back to Olantaytambo, where a shuttle drove us back to Cusco. We were very weary from the days activities and in desperate need of a hot shower.



Machu Picchu in the early morning
(The stonework was incredible)



Looking over Machu Picchu, with Waynapicchu mountain in the background





Climbing Waynapicchu mountain



View from the top of the mountain, overlooking Macchu Picchu



Today, we take a 21 hour bus ride (help..!) back to Lima. Our 10 days in Peru have been filled with great experiences with new friends, food, language and adventure.

Argentina, you're next!