The Final Countdown to Machu Picchu

Our last day was a busy one. Everyone was excited about it! We woke at 4:20 to pack up and move our backpacks so the porters can tear down the tents. We went straight to the checkpoint that we were to clear and left our bags there with one of the guides. Otherwise, we would be in the back of the line and not get to see the ruins without hundreds of people in the way. 

Some of us went back up to camp for breakfast: omelettes and tea. We ate fairly fast so we could get back to the line where we waited about an hour. When the gates opened, the race was on. We were almost at a jog to get to the Sun Gate first, before the other groups. Most people fell behind when we reached the steep staircase. In fact, we were so fast, our guide said it normally takes and hour and a half to get there and we did it in 45 minutes. 

We were excited when we saw the ruins of the Sun Gate. And there it was, from the Sun Gate, we could see Machu Picchu. It had the same look as I had seen in pictures, but pictures obviously don't do their justice, we sat and enjoyed the view for a while until everyone else arrived. Our guide took pictures of the group with Machu Picchu in the background before we continued. 

It didn't take long to arrive at the ideal picture spot, where most Machu Picchu pictures are taken. Our guide gave us a little history on the tomb that was next to the picture spot before we kept on hiking. 

We finally arrived in Machu Picchu and our guide let us spend some time taking pictures. We had to go to the ticket gate and store bags because the park won't allow large backpacks. When we were there, more people started to show up. You could easily see the difference between the types of people there: the smelly people who experienced the Inca Trail an the clean people who rode an hour on a bus. 

We all met our guide and he took us through the ruins and gave the history of each spot. The day started out warm and sunny, but halfway through the tour, it began to rain. It seemed like the rain stopped by time the tour was done and our guide gave us 2 hours to explore and explore we did. I was going to tell you all about the things we saw, but Machu Picchu is something that can't really be described in words, or pictures. You just have to experience it yourself. 

After Machu Picchu, we were to take the bus to Agues Calientes for lunch. We also had the option of hiking an additional trail to get there. The three Getmans and I were the only ones who did the additional hike, which was rewarding. When we arrived at the restaurant to meet with everyone else, our guide bought us our meals and drinks for doing the additional hike. 

During lunch, we collected a large tip to give our guides and one of the girls gave a thank you speech to our guides and gave them the tips. Our guides gave us our certificates saying we survived the rugged Inca trail. I passed mine around and had everyone sign the back. One of the girls got all of our contact information on the back of hers and will add us to a group on Facebook for us to share our pictures and videos and stay connected. 

After lunch, we were able to leave our backpacks at the restaurant and walked to the hot springs. About 9 of us hung out in the hot springs for about 2 hours to loosen our muscles. 

We hurried back so we could get our backpacks. On our way back, we ran into the Germans who were staying in Aguas Calientes for the night. I kind of wished I would have decided to stay as well. It was a neat little town.  We gave the Germans hugs and were able to say our goodbyes before heading to the train station. 

On the train back to Ollantaytamba, I met 2 others from America and 1 from England. We talked most of the way. In Ollantaytamba, we got our bus and headed 2 hours back to Cusco. I think most of us slept on the way back. 

We were dropped off at the plaza and all agreed to meet for dinner the next evening (where only 3 of us showed up). I had a long walk to my hostel where I checked in, then walked back to my old hostel to retrieve my bag I left there during the hike. I stayed at Pirwa hostel when we got back and I didn't care for it as much. It was a little more upscale, but wasn't busy like I'm used to and didn't seem to be intended for backpackers. 

The whole trip has been amazing and, as our guide said, a trip I'll never forget. I will do a part 2 to this post to sum up what I thought of the overall trip. 

Last day in Cusco:

Start of the Inca Trail

I thought about how I wanted to write this post. We have done so much in the past 4 days and it's hard to just separate it into separate posts, but this will be about day one. 

I woke fairly early and checked out of my hostel. Fortunately, I was able to store a bag at the hostel so I wouldn't have to hike with it. Around 5:30, the bus came by and picked me up from the hostel. I was excited! We had one more stop to pick up two others. As we got closer to the starting point, it felt like standing in line for a roller coaster. You know it will be fun and out of your comfort zone, but nervous about not knowing what is ahead. 

We stopped in Ollantaytamba for breakfast at a restaurant where I had eggs and toast with coca tea. I met a nice, older couple that I ate with who were from Australia, named Peter and Caroline.  

After breakfast, we were able to stop at a shop to get water and bags of coca leaves. We have to carry our own water on the hike. We all met back at the bus and continued to the trail head. As we got closer and could see the trail, we all became excited. We crossed the railroad tracks that the "cheaters" use to go directly to Machu Picchu. There is a sign, that says it's the start of the trail, that we got a group picture with. We lined up and presented our tickets and passports to get in. We waited for a little bit before our tour guide (Freddy) set us free to cross the bridge to start the trail. We started up a high, stone staircase to a landing where we could see one side of the mountains and the river. Freddy met us up there and we continued on. 

The trail was fairly easy, though our legs weren't used to it yet. The paths were much like the ones you see on TV where it's a narrow path and a shear drop. The landscape looked a little like a dessert with cacti. Freddy stopped us and showed us a parasite that was used as dye when smashed. He has to be one of the most entertaining and funny tour guides I've had. 

Most of this section of the trail consisted of rolling hills; a good start. Along the trail were occasional shelters for us to sit and rest (it was hot, reaching 80 degrees). Most of them also had stands selling drinks and snacks. We stopped at the first one and intoduced each other. There were 4 Australians (Peter, Caroline, Sebastian, and Nicole), three Germans (Julius,Paul, and Justas), five English (Kellie and her mom who's name is hard to pronounce and spell, Matt, Emily, and Lucy) one Irish (Aoife), and three Americans (Ray, Jeff, and me). There were also the tour guides Freddy and Pepe. As we hiked, I got to know a little of each of them. It was nice to have a conversation with someone in Irish, not to mention she was the first person I've talked to who knows Irish. 

We stopped for lunch where we had soup, rice, fish, chips with guacamole, potato, and tea. After each meal, we also had tea and coffee. When lunch was over, we continued on the mostly flat trail. We were fortunate to have seen a few ruins and terraces along the way, not to mention the awesome views of the mountains. 

We were given the option of taking the long or short way to camp. We all decided to take the long way to see an awesome Incan site. As we sat on the edge of the mountain, we could see the whole Incan ruins with an awesome mountainous background, not to mention llamas everywhere. 

When we got to camp, we chose our tents. I shared a tent with a German named Julios. I was able to get a small bath in a cold stream and washed my shirt (which didn't dry for 2 days). 

We hiked up to a ruin called the sun gate to watch the sunset. We were there for maybe an hour before it got cold and we went back down. We hung around for a while until dinner was ready which consisted of soup, rice, chicken, potato, flambé banana, and tea. Each meal incorporated rice, meat, and potato. Dinner was great and we all decided to head to bed early. It was a little chilly in the evening, but overnight only got down to 51 degrees. 

This day seemed easy, even though we put in 15 km (9 miles). It definitely was a great day with sunshine and much better than expected. 

Exploring the Incans

One day closer to hiking the Inca trail! Last night I slept great and woke up fairly early. Right as I was getting ready for bed, the rain came hard which probably helped me sleep. This morning I had our standard breakfast with lots of coffee. I had a few things planned for today, so I made sure to get an early start. After breakfast, I brought my dirty clothes to a laundry place just 20 seconds from my hostel.

From there, I knew today might be my last day to go souvenir shopping. I know of a great area with lots of traditional Peruvian stuff. I roamed around the streets looking at different shops and got most of my shopping done. At one shop, I even got another free llama and a free pan pipe pin (of which I gave to adventure bear). After I bought stuff from that lady, she gave me a hug which was like giving a hug to a kid (most Peruvians are shorter than 5 feet, and love hugs). I did some more exploring in parts of Cusco I haven't been to yet. 

(Most famous stone in Cusco)

Along the streets are people dressed in the old traditional outfits and mostly carrying lambs. I got pictures of one girl and she took one of me holding her lamb. Later, I ran into 2 other ladies that I got pictures of. 

After I finished my exploring and shopping, I brought my stuff back to the hostel. About this time, the sun started to get really hot, around 83 degrees. I used my Shemmagh to keep the sun off my neck. With some time to kill, I went to lunch and had another glass of coca tea then went to market to get some snacks for the hike. 

Around 2, I went to the fountain in the plaza and met Sonya. We went to the Incan Museum and spent a couple hours there. It was full of artefacts from pre-Incan through Incan period. It was really cool. 

After we finished there, we headed back to Mercado de San Pedro. We walked around there and checked things out. We had both already eaten, but wanted to try the local foods. We stopped at a juice stand where they make custom juice. I ordered a mango, orange, passion fruit juice which was really good. We roamed around more and tried a few other local foods. 

The market was getting ready to close so we headed back to the plaza. There, we parted ways and I headed back to my hostel. I was able to video chat with my brother, sister, and grandma. We talked a bit then I headed out to pick up my laundry. With all my clothes back at the hostel, I was able to start packing for tomorrow. I got my backpack packed and ready to go, after my shower (last shower until after the hike). 

As I was packing, I found a surprise in my backpack: a package of shower wipes. I have no clue where they came from and know they weren't in there when I got here. But I know they will be vital while hiking for 4 days. 

I'm currently sitting next to the fire again. I'm going to head out and find something to eat. After that, I'll head straight to bed to be ready for the hike! This will be my last post until I get back from Machu Picchu. I'm not sure yet if I'll post on Saturday or Sunday. It will depend on when time we get back. You'll definitely hear from me when I get back!