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!

Sacsayhuaman and more!

Another successful day in Cusco! Once again, I had plans to somewhat rest and prepare for the Inca Trail, but I was busy. I actually slept exceptionally well, waking up much earlier than I planned. Breakfast was good with eggs, toast, coffee, and tea. After breakfast, I was ready for the day. First thing first, I had to check in with my tour group. They require us to check in and pay the remaining balance 2 days before the trek with intentions of helping us get used to the climate. When I checked in, she went through the itinerary with me and gave me a map with our marked campsites. 

I wasn't really sure what else I was going to do today other than hike. But as I was getting my stuff put away before checking in with the tour group, 2 girls in my room were talking about a free walking tour. I asked them about it and got the information. After checking in, I went to the fountain were the tour was to start. I saw a tour group just leaving when I got there. Another tour guide was there to give me and another, an Australian girl, a private tour. He was friendly and very knowledgable of the Peruvian and Incan history. We toured around the square, then down some original Incan roads to ruins of Incan palaces. We even got to feed and get pictures with an alpaca! 

We toured through San Blas (part of the historical district) and ended up on a lookout that overlooks Cusco. Our tour led us to the Mercado de San Blas, a food trading market. They also had people fixing meals. We decided to eat there as the tour guide left to start another tour. The Australian (Sonya) and I stayed and ordered the Machu Picchu sandwich, a huge sandwich that was amazingly cheap (US $2). There was also a Portuguese couple that we got to know and they suggested a fruit juice containing mango, orange, and carrot. He let us try some of his first which was really good. I ordered one which costs US $.80 and ended up with 2 huge cups of it, so I shared with my new travelling partner. She ordered 2 other Peruvian juices that we tried. 

I had some other plans for the day and so did she, so we agreed to meet at the Mercado de San Pedro for dinner and parted ways. From there, I hiked a LONG, tiring staircase to the top of one of the nearby mountains. It was worth it! I got to see the Blanco Cristo, a small replica of the famous statue in Rio Dijenero. This statue overlooks all of Cusco which was an amazing sight. It is actually visible from the main square. 

After enjoying the sight, I hiked up to Sacsayhuaman, the ruins of an Incan palace. The trail itself was pretty awesome and the ruins were just as impressive. Unfortunately, to get to the top costs 70 Soles, so I decided to pass it up since I'll be at Machu Picchu at the end of the week. 

From there, I hiked back down to another lookout where some Perivian woman were dressed in the traditional clothes. One was weaving and the other 2 were there with there llamas. I rested there for a bit before hiking back down to Plaza de Armas. 

At the plaza, I rested a bit since the hike was pretty steep and the temperature reached 81 degrees. I decided to head back to the hostel where I showered and changed. I was going to bring my dirty clothes to one of the many laundry places here, but did not have time before dinner. 

I packed up my day bag with what I needed and headed to San Pedro, a 10 minute walk. I met Sonya there and we walked through the market which was amazing!  It was huge and filled with stands selling all kinds of Peruvian fruits, cheeses, etc. There were also stands selling clothes and other handmade souvenirs. Unfortunately, it was getting close to closing time and the stands selling meals were closed. We decided to walk around and find a cheaper restaurant. 

I brought up a restaurant on my GPS and walked about 10 minutes to get there. It was a nice restaurant with awesome Incan decorations. I had the pimiento rellano which I have been wanting to try. We hung out there for a bit, talking about travelling. About the time we were ready to leave, a Peruvian band came in and started playing. They were probably the best musicians I've seen so far here. And so far, Peru has had the most street musicians of any other place I've been. We decided to meet up tomorrow to tour the Inca museum. 

I headed back to my hostel where I decided to rest after the long day. I put in another 5 miles today. Now, I'm relaxing under the open sky next to the fire pit, in the rain. So far, definitely a trip I would recommend!