May 2014 we boarded the plane in Idaho Falls on our way to Peru. Terry said for years that she wanted to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. So she put the word out. Five of us ended up going. Terry, Judy, Drexel, Kathy and me.
Our guide picked us up at the airport in Cuzco. He was a bit worried about our group. Hernan Hermoza was a perfect guide and friend for us. He was raised in the area and was so knowledgeable.
We spent the first day in Cuzco. The weather was perfect. We walked all over seeing the sites and eating some great food.
The Inca stonework is impressive.
We got to walk thru the market. It was full of interesting things.
We never did figure out the currency which is soles.
More market scenes. Babies were sleeping on the stairs.
We had such a fun time. The weather was good and we all agreed on where to go and what to see.
I bought this beautiful wall hanging.
We spent the second day traveling thru the Sacred Valley. So many things to see. Inca ruins and mountain scenery.
These salt ponds have been here for many years. The little stream comes out of the mountain. They dry the water and gather the salt.
The third day was the day we started to hike. We picked up our porters. One of them fell asleep on Judy's shoulder.
The beginning of the hike. Another beautiful day. We really lucked out.
We walked through ruins and little villages.
Our porters were never very far from us. They carried everything we had and the tents and food.
We made it to Dead Woman's Pass. It is 13,880 feet high.
The chef made us some really great meals. We had more food than you could imagine.
We hiked down into a tunnel.
Inca steps, some carved into the stone. Others built with stones.
Dinner was an event. These guys were great!
Happy 60th birthday to Terry!
Up at 3:30 am for the final hike.
The famous Gringo Killer is a steep stretch on the trail. Easier to go up with hands.
We made it to the Sun Gate for sunrise. Epic!
Machu Picchu in the early morning.
We did it!
We did it but we were exhausted.
Hot water bottles in our beds in Cuzco. Now that is cool.
Heading back to Lima.
Lima Peru seeing the sites.
Learning to chew coca leaves. Helps with the high altitude.
Coke and french fries, the breakfast of champions.
No comments:
Post a Comment