We have just returned from an unforgetable 4 day trek into the Andean Mountains to visit the ancient site of Machu Picchu. The trek was 42 kms (14, 14, 16 and then 5kms) over three mountain passes, the highest at 4200m above sea level. We were expecting the worst so we pleasantly surprised that we could cope pretty well with the test of endurance. Day 2 was the toughest with an ascent of 1200m with a starting altitude of 3,000, but this allowed us to see some really dramatic scenery. Our group was 16 made up of Canadians, Americans, a couple from the Ukraine and two from Porta Rica. The support crew were 22 including the two guides, who carted tents, tables, cooking gear, food - everything that you needed to make the trek as comfortable as it could be. Sleeping on thin mattresses on hard ground and in the cold was something that we will soon forget after seeing the site of our goal, Machu Picchu, as well as enjoying the company of our 'team'. Of course there are 'easier' options to arriving at M.P. but doing the Inca Trail to get there was always our intention and something we can feel 'we have done'.
Prior to this we spent 2 night at Puno on the edge of Lake Titicaca. This is a massive lake(8400sq m sitting at 3800m) shared by both Peru and Bolivia, with several islands you can visit, the most famous being the floating reed islands where hundreds of indigenous people live and receive boat loads of visitors each day to support their economy. A little over commercialised but well worth the visit. Leaving Puno at the ungodly hour of 5 a.m. (to avoid the threat of road blocks due to protests) by bus took us up to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas.
Cusco is an amazingly vibrant city of narrow cobbled streets full of character, restaurants, markets, art shops and people. We had 2 nights here previously and after the trek have returned for a further 5 days (though two of these will be spent back out in the Sacred Valley – still on the planning board.)
Have heard about Chch’s latest earthquakes and really feel for all those involved. We have heard from both of the kids and know that they are safe and well. Just waiting to hear what the University will do regarding the exams next week.
Details of photos:
1. Reed Islands of Lake Titicaca
2.Reed boats - stuffed full of plastic bottles - recycling!
3.Bachelor on island of Titicaca - knitting - what a catch!
4.A.J. and Robin - Lake Titicaca
5.Our first glimpse of Machu Piichu -early morning mist
6. Closer and the mist has cleared.
7. Baby Lama wandering around M.P.
8.Along the Inca Trail - A.j. and a porter
9.Robin, Claire and Viv on the trail - Inca site
10.Lunch on the trail!!!!!
11.A.J. and Viv on top of 4200m - mid Day 2.
12.View at top of 4200
13. And another
14. Viv along the trail
15. M.P. and surrounding mountainous view
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