The trek to Machu Picchu began at 5:30 in the morning when we were picked up in busses to go to the start of our trek. We soon learned that not only would we NOT be carrying our large backpacks, something we had all panicked about the first time we carried them on our backs in the LA airport, but a portable kitchen, tents and food for the week would be carried by mules. Our guides said that “glamping” glamour camping does not exist in Peru but I felt pretty pampered. The first day we only hiked a few hours, ascending to a slightly cooler climate. After lunch in the dining hall tent and tea time, we did a side jaunt to a beautiful glacier lake, and many of us jumped in the freezing water in our underwear! Day 2 was our so called “challenge day” and we hiked for 9 hours, peaking the highest point in the trail. On the pass, all of us in our giant ponchos and warmest clothes said words of thanks to Pachamama with a pile of coco leaves and stones. Our awesome guides Gersen and Rolando AKA Juicy G and Rollo encouraged us with words of inspiration, knowledge on the sacredness of this Incan trail, and a lot of blog inappropriate jokes. Day 3 was our wonderful Ann’s birthday! We started it off right with surprise birthday cake from the kitchen. After a monring of hiking we stopped for lunch at a campsite and then headed out to some hotsprings. The natural springs were located outdoors in a beautiful valley. Day four ended up being challenge day round two. Two hours up hill, two hours down hill and what felt like 100 more on flat land. Meltdowns were had, but what is a trek without some tears. We got to spend this night in the hostel, and then left early in the morning for Machu Picchu! When we got there everything was foggy. As we sat on a terrace and heard about he history of MP from JG peaks and outlines would appear from the fog. Finally all at once the classic arial view of Machu was in sight! After that a full day of exploration and hiking filled out hours in the Wonder of the world.
