Trekking the Inca Trail - Day 1, Ollantaytambo to Wayllabamba
I started the day off right with a lovely cup of coffee and a chance to be a bit of an ass. Hanging out in our hotel's small garden and waiting for our trekking group to get prepared, I noticed a hungry hummingbird flitting between flowers. Camera handy, I was actually able to snap his photo as he posed politely on a branch. It was a miracle because hummingbirds are usually jerks that fly off at Mach speed before you even have your lens cap off. Which is exactly what happened to a friend with a much better and nicer camera than mine. Ha! (Sorry Chris.)
World's fastest Jerky McJerkFaces
Oh, time to start hiking? Alpaca my bags!
Yes folks, today's the day we start the four-day, 43 kilometre trek from Kilometre 82 (actually a small town called Piscachucho) to Machu Picchu following the Inca Trail. It's roughly 1,400 metres elevation gain from the starting point to the highest point, and then more than 1,700 metres down from the peak to our destination.
Here's a great map of the distance and elevation profiles. And an illustrated infographic map of the trail including steps, elevation, ruins and camp information.
World's fastest Jerky McJerkFaces
Oh, time to start hiking? Alpaca my bags!
Yes folks, today's the day we start the four-day, 43 kilometre trek from Kilometre 82 (actually a small town called Piscachucho) to Machu Picchu following the Inca Trail. It's roughly 1,400 metres elevation gain from the starting point to the highest point, and then more than 1,700 metres down from the peak to our destination.
Here's a great map of the distance and elevation profiles. And an illustrated infographic map of the trail including steps, elevation, ruins and camp information.
Departing Ollantaytambo early in the morning, we drove about 45 minutes to Piscachucho and the famous Kilometre 82 where the trail begins.
It was here we briefly met our Chasquis (porters), cooks and our second guide that will be taking care of us and the camp details for the duration of the hike. More on their role soon!
Alright - let's DO THIS THING!
Or let's make it to the check in station and wait for more than an hour as all the administrative work gets sorted out. So let's EAT OUR BANANAS AND BE CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING!
Okay, after our Chasquis were allowed through the check point and set off, we were ready to roll for real.
The first day is the shortest day of hiking with the least elevation gain. We set out from the checkpoint with our permits and passports reviewed, heading across a small bridge and on the trail. There are a few villages along this portion of the trail, so we did bump into a few locals making their regular commute along the way.
That dog is bigger than the horse!
After some super fun chatting at the back of the line and some not too difficult hiking, we reached a scenic overlook and rested while our guide, Elias, told us a little about Quechua culture.
We all participated in a ceremony to recognize Pachamama - the earth mother - and the three sacred mountains, asking them to bless the journey and give our thanks.
Getting our Inca Warrior faces on
Across the valley and further down the trial we all spotted a small set of ruins including a partially preserved sun temple called Llactapata.
And I found a couple unsuspecting modes of alternate transportation...
Here horsey, horsey, horsey! Stay still and let me ride you!
Stay still... Just let me hitch a ride!
It is our shortest day of trekking at a little more than 11 kilometres and 470 metres elevation gain. We made camp in a small farming village called Wayllabamba where we had the (somewhat rainy) afternoon to put our feet up and relax before dinner and a special introduction to the Chasquis.
P.S. I was literally told to "Go take a hike" after my bad alpaca pun. HA! Amazing.
It was here we briefly met our Chasquis (porters), cooks and our second guide that will be taking care of us and the camp details for the duration of the hike. More on their role soon!
Alright - let's DO THIS THING!
Or let's make it to the check in station and wait for more than an hour as all the administrative work gets sorted out. So let's EAT OUR BANANAS AND BE CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING!
Okay, after our Chasquis were allowed through the check point and set off, we were ready to roll for real.
The first day is the shortest day of hiking with the least elevation gain. We set out from the checkpoint with our permits and passports reviewed, heading across a small bridge and on the trail. There are a few villages along this portion of the trail, so we did bump into a few locals making their regular commute along the way.
That dog is bigger than the horse!
After some super fun chatting at the back of the line and some not too difficult hiking, we reached a scenic overlook and rested while our guide, Elias, told us a little about Quechua culture.
We all participated in a ceremony to recognize Pachamama - the earth mother - and the three sacred mountains, asking them to bless the journey and give our thanks.
Getting our Inca Warrior faces on
Across the valley and further down the trial we all spotted a small set of ruins including a partially preserved sun temple called Llactapata.
And I found a couple unsuspecting modes of alternate transportation...
Here horsey, horsey, horsey! Stay still and let me ride you!
Stay still... Just let me hitch a ride!
It is our shortest day of trekking at a little more than 11 kilometres and 470 metres elevation gain. We made camp in a small farming village called Wayllabamba where we had the (somewhat rainy) afternoon to put our feet up and relax before dinner and a special introduction to the Chasquis.
P.S. I was literally told to "Go take a hike" after my bad alpaca pun. HA! Amazing.
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