On our last day in Cusco, we chose an ATV tour over a cooking class on guinea pigs. Did we choose wrong?

Cusco

We got picked up by a different guide as today was Jose’s day off. Deborah had another tour scheduled on her own but came back early due to the guide not speaking English and not feeling well. The guide took us to a gift shop where he explained how the different salts are made and then proceeded to give us samples along with some type of trail mix. I noticed the couple in the picture ate some and then put it back in the sample box. Pilau!

Cusco

Driving down into the Sacred Valley, where the thousands of salt ponds of sodium chloride sat waiting to be harvested.

Salineras de Maras

Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been in continuous use since pre-Inca times.

Maras Salt Mines

Group photo with part of the 3,000 salt ponds at 10,500′ elevation which are owned by 600 local families who harvest and sell the salt.

Maras Salt Mines

Aerial view from the pop-up drone operator.

Maras Salt Mines

The workers hauling heavy bags of salt to be stacked and trucked to their customers.

Maras Salt Mines

Looking at the salt ponds that are fed by a saltwater stream at 89 degrees Fahrenheit into 13’x4′ ponds and the sun evaporates the saltwater in about three days and leaves roughly 400 pounds of salt for the locals to bag and sell.

Cusco

We then drove to an ATV outfitter and tried out the ATVs before we were let loose on the backroads.

Cusco

Slow down. Going around a bend.

Cusco

Taking a group photo at a break from all that dust we were inhaling. I should have got that neck gaiter.

Cusco

Keeping the group together as best as we could.

Cusco

Sharing the road.

Cusco

Mingling with the other parked cars.

Moray

Group photo at the Inca archaeological ruin that are circular terraces that descend down 490′ and each level was fed by an irrigation system and each level gets affected by the sunlight in varying intensity and the temperature drops as it gets lower to the bottom, from 9 to 20 degrees. In other words, an advanced greenhouse.

Cusco

We drove back to our hotel and got ready for our trip back home. Deborah had elected to stay an additional three days on her own to visit other places. Found out later that Deborah got checked into a hospital for an assortment of illnesses for several days.

All pau

We flew back home with amazing memories from our week long trip. While the experience was slightly blemished by Mari’s stolen phone and Deborah’s illness, it was overall a fun time with good friends.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Deborah Tom, Mari Saito, Matt Vidaurri, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

Fresh off our Inca trail hike, we opted to wake up later the next day and not at the suggested 0430 time to get more shut eye.

Cusco

We boarded our shuttle for the roughly three hour ride to our destination, sharing the road with sheep on the way.

Cusco

Our van traveling on the mountain road that goes into Red Valley.

Vinicunca

Deborah was sobbing that she didn’t get a alpaca poncho at 50% off. Or Matt was just trying to get blood flowing to her head due to the elevation at 15,460′.

Vinicunca

Our group elected to pay the extra money and take the seven minute motorcycle ride to the viewing spot rather than hike the half an hour or so needed. We are bikers and not hikers. Or is it the other way around?

Vinicunca

We dismounted from our bikes at 16,350′ and walked a short distance to the crowded viewing area.

Vinicunca

The seven colored mountain did not reveal itself until 2013 when glacier caps melted, revealing the colorful stripes of strata that owes its vibrancy due to the different types of minerals found in these mountains.

Vinicunca

Our guides took us to a slightly higher and less crowded position to take our photos. Every (wo)man must know their limitations and Deborah had reached her elevation ceiling.

Vinicunca

Matt paid the park official to be able to fly his drone to capture what National Geographic said was one of the 100 places to visit before you die.

Vinicunca

Jose suggested that Chico and myself climb to the highest point on the mountain. It was the hardest 150′ climb as it was step by step, breath by breath.

Vinicunca

We made it to the 16,500′ hill that overlooked the pink, white, red, green, brown, yellow and purple striped mountain. A shocked 20-year old Mexican kid was amazed to find out Chico’s age and the fact that he hauled himself up here to the top. Mind over matter.

Vinicunca

Our pictures on the unfinished hand that was on the backside as we left the summit.

Vinicunca

Walking down the trail to join the others that were taking photos on the finished hand in the front.

Vinicunca

The giant hand was built by the locals to offer tourists a different perspective of the mountain and make some extra sols. Ours was free as I guess it was still unfinished.

Vinicunca

Deborah must have still been suffering from altitude sickness as she thought she could drive the motorcycle back down.

Cusco

Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. Obviously somebody had too much time on their hands to catch people sleeping on the ride back.

Cusco

Sharing the road with a herd of llamas.

Meson Andino

Aren’t you supposed to tip the waiter? Chico giving Jose our collective tip in appreciation for his excellent service as our tour guide over lunch.

Cusco

We got dropped off back at our hotel to finish up shopping, massages and mailing postcards.

Kintaro

Our group traveled 6,294 miles from home to eat a bowl of ramen noodles. It’s not like we have them back in Hawaii.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Deborah Tom, Mari Saito, Matt Vidaurri, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

It was time to embark on our four day adventure on the historic trail that dates back to the 1400s.

Cusco

We got up before the barking dogs, beeping horns and street vendors to be picked up by Jose where we also picked up a couple from Holland and a pharmacist from Argentina along the way.

Ollantaytambo

Stopped in the town that used to be Emperor Pachacuti’s royal estate and is home to some of the oldest continuously occupied dwellings in South America where we also had our breakfast as we got acquainted with Tim, Evy, and Amelia who would be hiking with the group as well.

Cusco

Boarded our ride again and resumed our travel through the countryside.

KM 82

We got off the van in the town of Piscacucho, stuffed our duffel bags up to the 15 lbs. limit and helped ourselves to the oranges and snacks proffered to us on the blue mat as we joined the bustling groups that were all getting ready for the hike.

KM 82

Group photo in front of the gated checkpoint. The Peruvian government only allows 200 hikers on the trail per day due to erosion and economic factors.

KM 82

Passing through the first checkpoint with slathered sunscreen and passport.

KM 82

Group photo in front of the visitor center.

KM 82

Walking through the center where we saw topographical mockups of the Inca trail, informative videos and a stuffed Andean or spectacled bear, sadly we would not get to actually see one in real life.

KM 82

Matt crossing the railroad tracks to get to our official starting point.

KM 82

Keeping clear of one of the trains of the railway operator that was founded in 1999.

Inca Trail

Group photo at the official start of the trail. Here we go!

Inca Trail

Hiking parallel to the Urubamba River, that was first mapped by Edward Strong and two of his friends in 1934.

Inca Trail

Jose crossing over the suspension bridge.

Inca Trail

Deborah with the background of the river that originates in the Andes Mountains.

Inca Trail

Applauding the porters as they soon caught up to us on the trail. I think we were slowed down by our light daypacks.

Inca Trail

The porters soon left us in their dust, as their approximately 50 lbs. loads gave them extra momentum on the trail.

Inca Trail

Watching a pack of donkeys make their way down back to their home.

Inca Trail

Looking at some Inca ruins in the distance where the train also parallels the trail.

Inca Trail

Matt standing on top of the avalanche field that disrupted the trail years back and unfortunately killed a number of people.

Inca Trail

All dressed up and nowhere to go. A front tire would help.

Inca Trail

Jean Pierre or JP leading his group over a fenced section of the trail.

Inca Trail

Allison pushing up one of a hill, many more to come.

Inca Trail

Group photo at a scenic spot.

Inca Trail

Allison sampling the local fermented corn drink called chicha, which is what all the porters drank when they took a break. I’ll stick to my Coca-Cola. Thanks.

Inca Trail

Group photo with the terrace ruins in the background.

Inca Trail

Exploring Inca ruins of a tamba or rest stop for the weary travelers back in the day.

Inca Trail

The group spiraling down the switch backs.

Campsite La Choza

Salud. We toasted with our freshly squeezed juice at our lunch spot.

Campsite La Choza

Eating our amazing assortment of lunch dishes.

Campsite La Choza

The porters breaking down our lunch site.

Campsite La Choza

How do you say kanak attack in Spanish?

Inca Trail

How much for a ride?

Inca Trail

Back on the trail.

Inca Trail

Passing through another local village.

Inca Trail

Hiking on the trail that was originally used for religious, military, commerce and communication reasons.

Inca Trail

Matt and Deborah decided to soak their barking dogs in the cold stream waters.

Inca Trail

Group photo on the short wooden bridge.

Huayllabamba

We reached the town that means grassy plain. They also sold limited Wi-Fi and cold drinks.

Huayllabamba

Climbing up the short hill after the group took a short break.

Huayllabamba

Matt and Deborah cresting the hill as they soon descended down into the farms and our campsite.

Huayllabamba

One of the porters making sure we get to the right campsite.

Huayllabamba

The rest of the group making their way up.

Patawasi Camp 34

Our home for the night. Hot showers! False advertising.

Patawasi Camp 34

Checking out our campsite, our accommodations rangeed from one to two person tents.

Patawasi Camp 34

Looking into the quilt of farms underneath the shadow of the Andes Mountains.

Patawasi Camp 34

Exploring the nearby ruins.

Patawasi Camp 34

Dinner is served.

Patawasi Camp 34

Enjoying the spread of hot and cold dishes.

Patawasi Camp 34

Large mosquitoes kept us company in the meal tent, we were told that the bark was worse than the bite. In other words, they don’t bite. It’s the small ones that get you. Not the big ones.

Patawasi Camp 34

Day 2

We woke up at 0500 the next morning to a bowl of warm water and soap to wash up. Followed up by a cup of cocoa tea.

Patawasi Camp 34

Our morning meal was served at 0530.

Patawasi Camp 34

Breaking down camp where we also had bananas and snacks to take on the trail with us.

Inca Trail

Aida and Deborah had left camp an hour earlier than us to get a head start. No hot breakfast for them.

Patawasi Camp 34

Group photo with the guides and porters before we left the camp.

Inca Trail

Making our way out of the village.

Inca Trail

Passing through another local checkpoint.

Inca Trail

We were at 10,170′ elevation as we passed by some informational signs.

Inca Trail

Catching the sunburst over the mountains as we made our way up the trail.

Inca Trail

Shadows on the trail.

Ayapata

We were slowly gaining elevation as we passed 10,564′.

Inca Trail

Chico passing through a gate. Wonder what it’s meant to keep out?

Inca Trail

Going up the stepped trail that bordered a stream in a forested area.

Inca Trail

We soon caught up with Aida and Deborah on the trail.

Inca Trail

Chico the butterfly whisperer. This particular winged insect landed on Chico and stayed with him for a bit even after he resumed hiking. Guess it was looking for a place to rest before fluttering off.

Inca Trail

We made it to the top of the hill with the Andes Mountains in the background.

LLulluchapampa

Group photo with Dead Woman’s Pass in the background at 12,336′ elevation. This was the climb that was billed as the hardest day on the trail.

Inca Trail

I noticed two llama’s engaged in a sparring match to determine dominance in a farm below. Didn’t stick around to find out who won.

Inca Trail

Slow and steady climb to the top as our legs and lungs were burning as the lactic acid in our bodies starting building up due to the climbing exertion.

Inca Trail

Deborah taking a breather.

Inca Trail

Chico leading the pack. Trail tales would be spun about Papa Noelle.

Inca Trail

The guides told us this was the f*cking section on the trail, as this was the steepest part to the top and most hikers would start swearing around this point. So we had to join the crowd. Sound effects if you were there.

Warmiwanusca

We reached the highest point on the Inca Trail which stands at 13,828′ elevation.

Warmiwanusca

Matt climbed up the nearby hill to gain a higher perspective.

Warmiwanusca

Aida with the sign marker. It’s called Dead Woman’s Pass not because a woman died here, but rather that the mountain range silhouette resembles a woman lying down. All the place names that were tongue twisters to my linguistically challenged brain are not the original names as the Inca civilization had no written language and after the Spanish conquered the country, the original names were lost in the dustbin of history.

Warmiwanusca

Allison about to leave the summit to head down the trail.

Inca Trail

The rest of the group making their way down.

Inca Trail

Aida making her way down the steep hill.

Inca Trail

Looking back at the pass as somebody else was silhouetted on the hill.

Inca Trail

What goes up must go back down.

Inca Trail

Letting the porters pass me on the trail. They have places to go.

Pawaymayu Alto

We dropped down to 11,798′ elevation where we would spend the night.

Pawaymayu Alto

One of the porters guiding us to our campsite.

Pawaymayu Alto

Allison making her entrance into the campsite amidst a smattering of applause. Can we eat now?

Pawaymayu Alto

Eating our as always delicious lunch.

Pawaymayu Alto

Meet and greet. Junaito (chef), Alberto (head porter), Basilo (waiter), Julio (propane tank), Noel (kitchen), Vemejo (food), Griego (duffel), Leonso (duffel), Semos (food), Comitos (food), Seiho (tents), Edison (tents), Mattias (duffel), Jusitono (duffel), Carlos (garbage/toilet), Apariso (food/duffel), Felix (meat), and Ricardo (sous chef). My ear for Spanish is severely lacking, so I’m sure I messed up most of their names. Their ages ranged from 20 to 67 years old, amazing bunch of guys.

Pawaymayu Alto

Relaxing at our campsite, where some of us decided to visit the nearby campsite for a cold shower.

Pawaymayu Alto

Popcorn and crackers for our snack time.

Pawaymayu Alto

We had time to kill, so JP and Jose taught us a card game called Shithead. Supposedly it’s popular with hikers. The object of the game is to get rid of all your cards and the one left holding the remaining cards is the Shithead. Guess who won (lost)? The name starts and ends with a vowel.

Pawaymayu Alto

It was time to eat our dinner. Our guides then told us a ghost story but not before several individuals excused themselves as they had no desire to have nightmares or spiritual visitations. The story was that a wife was supposedly murdered by her husband in this same area many years ago and to this day, her presence haunts this locale. Good night and don’t let the ghosts bite.

Pawaymayu Alto

Day 3
We woke up again at 0500 to a bowl of warm water and soap and cocoa tea outside our tents and then ambled over to the mess tent to have our breakfast.

Inca Trail

Aida and Deborah left early again to get another head start on the trail along with Valerio, the fastest and strongest of the porters.

Pawaymayu Alto

Which works better? Bug spray or head net? Only time on the trail will tell, as we were told that the biting bugs would be out in force today. The bark turned out to be worse than the bite.

Pawaymayu Alto

Leaving the campsite for the trail.

Inca Trail

There was another f*cking section of the trail. Here we go again.

Inca Trail

Deborah overlooking the ruins with views of Urubamba Valley.

Inca Trail

Chico crossing over a bridge with the cloud wrapped mountains behind him.

Runqurakay

The structure served as a resting place and control site to monitor the people traveling on the Inca Trail.

Runqurakay

360 degree view of the circular archaeological site.

Inca Trail

Aida near the first and smaller of the two hanging lakes.

Inca Trail

Can you see Dead Woman’s Pass for the mountain range?

Inca Trail

Looking back at the now cloud soaked ruins.

Inca Trail

Not as steep as Dead Woman’s Pass.

Laguna Yana Cocha

Matt checking out the larger of the hanging lakes.

Inca Trail

Amelia and Allison leaving the lake and passing the sign with the oft-quoted saying that is attributed to Chief Seattle, a leader of the Duwamish tribe of the Pacific Northwest tribe.

Inca Trail

A mix of porters, guides and hikers making their way up the trail.

Inca Trail

Taking a break in the pass.

Inca Trail

Some of us scrambled up to the nearby hill.

Inca Trail

Can you see Allison for the mountains?

Inca Trail

A different view from the top of the hill.

Inca Trail

Descending down the hill.

Inca Trail

Descending into a rock tunnel.

Inca Trail

Aida against the backdrop of what I thought was a stream, but it’s actually a lake that is starving for water.

Inca Trail

Allison and Jose coming down the first set of the Gringo Killer Steps.

Sayaqmarka

Jose sprinting up the second set of Gringo Killer Steps. This one actually claimed a Gringo as Allison decided to stay at the bottom.

Sayaqmarka

Matt approaching the top of the ruins that is perched on a mountain spur.

Sayaqmarka

Jose explaining the historical background and the fact that behind us was a historical trail that also connects to Cusco.

Sayaqmarka

Group photo at the complex that was used for religious and residential purposes.

Sayaqmarka

Aida sitting against the background of tightly constructed and compartmentalized areas due to the space that they had to work with.

Sayaqmarka

The group staggered on a set of “floating” steps built into the stone structure.

Sayaqmarka

Splish-splash, we were taking a bath. Water not needed when you have imagination.

Inca Trail

Leaving the archeological site.

Inca Trail

Passing through some ruins that were in the process of being restored.

Chakiqocha

We took a quick break at this campsite before resuming our hike.

Inca Trail

Trail debate about living within your means and working with what you got. Some of us can agree to disagree.

Inca Trail

Today was the longest distance we would cover in a day, which was a little over nine miles.

Inca Trail

Deborah about to enter a rock tunnel.

Inca Trail

Matt making his way down.

Phuyupatamarka

Deborah walking down the runway of applause as bowls of warm water and soap awaited us.

Phuyupatamarka

Grabbing our solitary shots with the llamas.

Phuyupatamarka

Lunch is served.

Phuyupatamarka

Scenic spot.

Cusco

The campsite was able to get cell phone reception in the form of bad news. Mari had her phone stolen in the marketplace back in Cusco and was flying home today. Thanks to Maria for her assistance in all matters.

Phuyupatamarka

Making our way down the third set of Gringo Killer Steps.

Phuyupatamarka

Are we down yet?

Phuyupatamarka

Group photo at the site known as “The City Above the Clouds” due to its elevation of 11,811′.

Phuyupatamarka

JP’s group coming down the steps.

Inca Trail

Spiraling our way down the fourth set of Gringo Killer Steps.

Inca Trail

Descending down a rock tunnel.

Inca Trail

Allison about to exit the tunnel.

Intipata

The trail soon lead us to these ruins that were “discovered” in 1992 and cleared by the University of Cusco. Imagine what other ruins may be “hiding” in the jungle that quickly claims and covers any man-made structures that are not kept up.

Intipata

Matt climbed the steps to gain another higher perspective.

Intipata

Watching a wasp drag its tarantula victim back to its nest.

Intipata

Cartwheeling across the open area, hoping a wasp will not drag us to its nest.

Intipata

Group photo at “The Place of the Sun” which sits at 9,300′ elevation.

Intipata

Following the trail as we made our way down from the terraced platforms, which at one time grew food crops such as potatoes.

Intipata

Going down the fifth set of Gringo Killer Steps. The story goes that the guides just made this up to joke with their customers and also perhaps to make light of the steep steps, which I found wasn’t that steep as advertised. No complaining here.

Intipata

I think somebody had enough of the Gringo Killer Steps for the day.

Winaywayna

Our porter leading us to the most densely packed campsite.

Winaywayna

Matt was the only one that made the visit to these nearby ruins. The rest of us were too busy relaxing and taking cold showers.

Winaywayna

The final dinner on the trail that was capped off with a home made cake made on the trail using a pressure cooker. Evy got to cut the cake since her birthday was the closest.

Winaywayna

We did the tipping ceremony where we collectively gave the porters extra money in appreciation for all their hard work that made our hike that much easier.

Winaywayna

Day 4

We got up earlier at 0330 to allow the porters to break down camp and was given a breakfast bag to take with us.

Control Point

The control point was teeming with hikers who had gotten up earlier than us to get in front of the line. We all had to wait until 0530 before being released onto the trail.

Inca Trail

Traffic jam on the trail.

Inca Trail

Chico and Matt raced ahead to try and catch the sunrise.

Inca Trail

Thanks for the advice.

Inca Trail

Another view of the sunrise with seemingly steaming clouds coming off the valley floor.

Inca Trail

Met up again with the couple from New Mexico on the trail, where we found out that their phone with all their memories of the trip had just been stolen outside of their tent last night. Shades of Mari.

Inca Trail

Climbing up the last set of Gringo Killer Steps where most have to use their hands and feet to make it up the steep climb.

Inca Trail

Allison at the top of the Gringo Killer Steps.

Inca Trail

The clouds seemed to be burning off as we approached the Sun Gate.

Intipunku

Approaching the control gate that was the entrance and exit to the sacred city of Machu Picchu.

Intipunku

We arrived at the cloud soaked ruins at an elevation of 8,923′.

Intipunku

Everybody started to gather and congregate on the stone steps and terraces to catch a glimpse of the sunrise. It was a bust. Cloud Gate.

Inca Trail

Waiting for the fog and/or clouds to burn off.

Inca Trail

The wait was in vain so we continued along the cloud soaked trail.

Inca Trail

Group photo in front of the cave that once housed Inca royal mummies that were “appropriated” by Hiram Bingham and company for sale to private collections.

Inca Trail

Are we going to get a view today? Or do we have to settle for the postcard and photoshop ourselves in them.

Inca Trail

We still have to climb?

Machu Picchu

Whistles and contradictory advice lead to a confused photo.

Machu Picchu

The postcard photo of the Inca citadel that was “lost” to time after the Spanish conquered and colonized the country in 1572. Hiram Bigham, while not the first person to “discover” the ruins, was the first to bring it to international attention.

Machu Picchu

Making our way out of the site through the “hiker” path. People that visit the site by motorized vehicles enters a different path.

Machu Picchu

Allison climbing down the stairs with a postcard view of the valley in front of her.

Machu Picchu

Re-entering the archeological site.

Machu Picchu

We waited in line to take our group photo …

Machu Picchu

… and solo photos as well.

Machu Picchu

Exploring the Temple of the Sun, Royal Residence and other stone structures.

Machu Picchu

Climbing up another flight of steps as we passed a grazing llama.

Machu Picchu

Matt looking out over the ruins of the royal estate that was built for the Emperor Pachacuti circa 1450.

Waynapicchu

Showing our passport and ticket at another control point that only allows 400 hikers a day.

Waynapicchu

The start of the climb towards the mountain that overshadows Machu Picchu.

Waynapicchu

Chico heading up the trail that started off gradually and became seemingly steeper with each step we took.

Waynapicchu

Yielding to descending traffic, where we also saw a woman who was in pain after breaking her ankle on the steep path.

Waynapicchu

Climbing my way up the steep trail that was interrupted by terraces where one could rest or yield to faster traffic.

Waynapicchu

The trail split into separate directions at this point to minimize bottlenecks. Not everybody observed the traffic flow.

Waynapicchu

The final push to the top.

Waynapicchu

Chico climbing up the “Stairs of Death.”

Waynapicchu

360 degree group photo at the top.

Waynapicchu

Chico at the 8,835′ summit.

Waynapicchu

Another group photo with the buzzing bees at the top.

Waynapicchu

Climbing our way down the loop trail.

Waynapicchu

Ascending and descending the “floating steps.”

Waynapicchu

Squeezing our way through a tunnel that the guides told us was not conducive to gordo (fat) people.

Waynapicchu

Chico standing on one of the platforms that break up the trail.

Waynapicchu

Re-joining the main trail back down the mountain.

Waynapicchu

Looking back at the “young mountain” that we had just climbed.

Machu Picchu

Our last look at the “Lost City of the Incas” as we left the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Machu Picchu

Standing in the long but fast moving line to board the bus that would take us a step closer to getting back to our hotel.

Aguas Calientes

We got off at the “hot springs” town that didn’t exist until the railroad was built here in the 1920s. Had lunch at the Munaycha restaurant that allowed the porters to drop off our duffel bags in exchange for our patronage.

Peru Rail

Boarding the train for our ride back.

Peru Rail

Enjoying our roughly 2 1/2 hour ride on the train through the countryside and enjoying my favorite beverage as well. I even got a 10 Sol note in change that had Machu Picchu on it.

Ollantaytambo

Somebody noticed the train wasn’t scheduled to stop where we needed to get off. We finally convinced the conductor to have the train stop after signing waiver forms, where we got picked up by Jose and his brother who dropped us off at our hotel.

All pau

Met up with Tim and Evy for some much needed medium rare protein, the tomohawk cut took backseat to much needed massage time for a certain individual. I guess you can’t have your steak and eat it too.

GPS Tracks

Our four-day hike covered 24.56 miles through different ecozones and environments and impressive ancient Inca ruins along the way that was done with a solid group that made the miles melt away. Thanks to our guides and porters that made the hike much more manageable and enjoyable for our group.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Deborah Tom, Mari Saito, Matt Vidaurri, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

Day 1
Our bags were packed for an adventure that was many years in the making, one that was delayed by the manufactured COVID pandemic that swept the globe in 2020.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport

We arrived at the airport that opened in 1969, the year that man first landed on the moon. It is also the only airport in the Americas to fly to every single inhabited continent.

First Watch

Thanks to Chris who picked us up and took us to a nearby shopping center where we had a hearty breakfast with her daughter, Kaylee.

Sugar Land Town Square

Checking out the town that got its name from sugar cane production that flourished in the area from 1828 until 1928.

Sugar Land

Meeting the other family members, Suki and Abbey. Abbey was more interested in checking the squirrels in the yard than sitting still for a photo.

Lake Conroe

Chris then drove us to Chico’s lake house where Matt joined up with us.

Lake Conroe

Getting a boat ride in the man-made lake that was built in 1973 as an alternative water source for the city of Houston.

Walden Yacht Club

Thanks to Chico for the delicious dinner at the yacht club where we were joined by his daughter, Monika and her husband Keith. Collared shirts are the dress code.

Walden Yacht Club

Catching the sunset disappearing on the 21,000 acre lake.

Walden Yacht Club

Getting our climbing fix wherever we go. What goes up must come back down.

Texas

Leaving the Lone Star State airspace as we caught the red eye flight to South America.

El Dorado International Airport

Day 2
We landed in the largest city in Columbia for a short layover. No time to sample bandeja paisa or ajiaco dishes.

El Dorado International Airport

Catching the sunrise while waiting for our connecting flight.

Peru

Flying over the longest continental mountain range in the world.

Cusco

Meeting our local guide and pressing the flesh, Jose Luis Candia, who picked us up from the airport. Aida, Allison and Deborah had flown in before us on different flights.

Cusco

Driving through the streets of the city that at 11,200′ is one of the highest inhabited places in the world. A constant sound heard throughout the city was the honking from cars, which are actually taxicabs looking for fares.

Cusco

Chico taking a picture with one of many in your face street vendors. Everybody’s got to make a living.

Siete Ventanas Hotel

Checking in at our second choice hotel. We were told not to drink the tap water and not to flush the TP down the pipes. Cultural adjustment.

Siete Ventanas Hotel

We tried a variety of teas that were supposed to help with altitude sickness before venturing out of the hotel.

Jack’s Cafe

Group photo at the nearby eatery that was founded in 2003 by an Irish and Australian. None of them was named Jack.

Jack’s Cafe

We were told to eat light. Guess who followed instructions?

Plaza de Armas

A common sight in the city, dozens of dogs roaming the streets. However, most of them have owners and some even have clothes on them. Peruvians tend to think of their dogs more as outside cats than indoor dogs.

Plaza de Armas

Checking out the local sights.

Plaza de Armas

Aida in front of the statue of Pachacuti, Emperor of the Inca Empire. The water fountain was donated to Cusco by New York City in 1872.

Plaza de Armas

Exploring the main public town space that existed back to Inca times and the original name may have been Huacaypata. The square is a mix of colonial architecture built on the ruins of the Inca palaces.

Plaza de Armas

Drone view of the city captured by Tim Van Hasselt.

KFC

We stopped at a familiar fried chicken restaurant that dominates the fast food industry in Peru to try out the regional desserts.

Qorikancha

The group decided to check out a festival that was supposed to happen tonight at the remains of the Inca’s Temple of the Sun. When the Spaniards conquered the city, they discovered the temple was decorated with gold and silver that was plundered by the Spaniards and sent back home. The temple was later destroyed and the Church of Santo Domingo was built over the ruins. We missed the festival by that much.

Cusco

We had dinner at an “authentic” Peruvian eatery. The fried fish was the winner of the night.

Basilica Menor de la Merced

Ducking into the Catholic Church that was built in the 16th century.

Santa Clara Arch

Allison braving traffic to stand underneath the stone gateway that was built to celebrate the brief union of Peru and Bolivia between 1836 to 1839.

Plaza San Francisco

Mari satisfying her sweet tooth at a local gelato shop.

Plaza San Francisco

Checking out the local market for trinkets to take back home. Supporting the local economy.

Plaza San Francisco

The Art of the Deal. Trump who?

Cusco

The Three Amigos whistling their way back in alpaca ponchos, one of them was not native.

Cusco

The postcard way of visiting Machu Picchu.

Siete Ventanas Hotel

Day 3
The group having our breakfast at the hotel followed by yoga posing.

Cusco

Dogs on the left, humans on the right and cars in the middle. Traffic control at its finest.

Piedra de los Doce Angulos

Group photo in front of the twelve angle stone of Hatunrumiyoc. The six ton rock was precisely chiseled to fit in with the other rocks that formed the foundation of the Inca Palace known as Inca Roca and was built over 700 years ago.

Plaza de Armas

We ran into a military parade that was making its way through the public square. El Tio Sam was even trying to recruit Chico and Matt, or was it the other way around?

Plaza de Armas

Jose explaining how the city was laid out in the shape of a puma. The puma or jaguar symbolizes the power of the earth.

Cusco

Exchanging our dollars for the local currency which was the Sol. During our visit, the rate was roughly one greenback would get us 3.75 SOL.

Cusco

Not just the statue had a wandering eye.

Cusco

Passing by vendors hawking their food, one of them was not to be ingested. In France, it would be escargot instead of a skin product.

San Pedro Market

Checking out the oldest market in the city that was designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1925.

San Pedro Market

Roaming the multiple stalls where we had freshly blended juice, sampled different chocolates, nuts, salts and grains. Passed on the meat that had a following of insects.

Plaza San Francisco

Street samples for the skin. Better than smoking.

Plaza San Francisco

Watching a street performer clean his sinuses. He still didn’t lie on a bed of cacti. Tease.

Plaza San Francisco

Sampling the local delicacy, cuy or guinea pig. Some of us attacked it with gusto while others nibbled on the Andean rodent raised just to be eaten, while others still thought of it as a pet and declined. Taste like chicken. Oh, it is chicken.

Plaza de Armas

The group waiting for our bus tour while Matt kept a suspicious eye on the ticket lady. Trust issues.

Cusco

Bus eye view of the city.

Cusco

We gained over 500′ of elevation as the bus drove up past the city views and into the mountains, interrupted by a couple planned stops where folks tried to sell us alcohol and photo books. Everybody’s got to make a living.

Cusco

Photo opportunity.

Cusco

The bus stopped at a tourist attraction where we saw alpacas and llamas grazing in the open field.

Cusco

We got treated to a “medicine man” chanting over our group and witnessed the local textile weaving.

Cusco

Take a picture, it’ll last longer.

Cusco

Ok thanks, we will. Making memories with a mixture of llamas and alpacas, animals used for fleece and transportation by the locals for thousands of years.

Cusco

Sampling fresh baked empanadas straight out of the brick oven. Quite tasty.

Cusco

Kite flying is quite popular in the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman as evidenced by the dozens of colorful wings streaming through the sky.

Cristo Blanco

Group photo with the White Christ, a 26′ tall statue of Jesus Christ built by Christian Palestinians in 1945 in gratitude for allowing them to settle in this country.

Cristo Blanco

Mari posing with the colorful local inhabitants for a small fee on top of Pukamuqu, a mountain that sits at 11.811′ elevation.

Plaza de Armas

The bus took us back down the winding road and dropped us off nearby the town square.

KION

Our dinner was at the restaurant that was recommended by Jose, where they served authentic Peruvian Chinese food known locally as chifa. It was quite good.

Siete Ventanas Hotel

Day 4
We had our hotel breakfast and then Jose went over the days itinerary and the upcoming Inca Trail hike. Hey, where’s my brochure?

Cusco

Going down the narrow street strangely devoid of dogs.

Cusco

The start of the long flight of steep stairs to Sacsayhuaman, that Jose said would be a good introduction to what lay ahead of us on the Inca Trail.

Cusco

Matt coming up the stairs with multiple colorful potted plants on a section of the nearby wall.

Cusco

Taking a breather as we reached a flat section of the climb.

Cusco

Admiring the artwork splashed on the neighboring homes.

Cusco

Chico climbing the stairs.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Group photo at the entrance to the archaeological park of the Citadel of the Royal Hawk. Or what they call Sexy Woman (Saqsaywaman/Saqsahuaman) for the tourists pronunciation challenged tongues, plus it sounds better for marketing purposes.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Walking up the somewhat steep road that replaced the somewhat steep stairs.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Photo of the wall that was a testament to Inca engineering where the rocks were precisely fit together so that mortar was not needed and joined so tightly that a piece of paper would not be able to slide through the joints.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Leave it to Matt to find a section where a piece of paper would fit in between the cracks.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Admittance to one of 16 attractions. Don’t lose your ticket.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Exploring the sprawling complex that was actually one fifth of its original size, due to the Spaniards who destroyed and removed most of the rocks for their churches, palaces and homes in Cusco. The rocks that remained were too massive for them to move, with the largest estimated to weigh up to 200 tons.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Looking over the great plaza from the top of the citadel that sits at 12,142′ and was built in the 15th century by the Incas for ceremonial and defensive purposes.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

360 degree group photo of the scenic spot overlooking the city of Cusco below us.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Looking towards the remains of the Temple of the Sun (Mayuq Marka) which consisted of a circular temple and two flanking towers, that were later destroyed by the Spaniards.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Descending down the stairs to walk across the Great Plaza to go “ober der.”

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Aida at the base of the steps that would take us to other archaeological sites in the complex.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Chico and Mari climbing up another flight of steps at high altitude.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

The group walking across the top of the hill.

Rodadero

Sliding our way down on the slippery slopes of Suchuna where we polished the rock channels for future visitors. There were also steps, benches and an Inca throne on the top of the rock formation.

Quocha

Jose showing us how the artificial pond that was cut into the bedrock next to a natural spring that was used for agricultural and ceremonial purposes looked during Inca rule.

Quocha

“Swimming” our way across the bowl that some scientists think may actually pre-date Inca rule.

Chinkana Chica

Making our way through the series of short underground passages whose origins and meaning have been lost to time.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Walking down the ruins I was approached by a young entrepreneur who sold me a small statue of a condor, puma and snake. The animals represent heaven, earth and the underworld respectively. I was feeling the art of the deal when I “bargained” it down from 60 to 50 sols.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

I was brought back down to reality when I was told the vendors at the bottom were selling the same statue for 20 sols.

Parque Arqueologico de Saqsaywaman

Walking down the road where we saw an alpaca, horses and a fish man.

Quenqo

Producing our tickets to visit one of the largest huacas (holy places) in the area.

Quenqo

Jose explaining the religious significance of the area that was carved out of the natural rock formations and was destroyed by the conquering Spaniards.

Quenqo

Descending down into the symbolic underground chambers representing the afterlife and where mummifications of Inca nobility were done.

Sacred Valley

Leaving the archaeological site where we soon passed a forest of eucalyptus trees.

Sacred Valley

Let’s take a picture. Not free. No hablas espanol.

Sacred Valley

Jose flagged down a local bus that took us back to the city. Christmas came early for a certain kid on the bus.

Cusco

Let sleeping dogs lie. The literal interpretation.

Cusco

Walking back to our hotel where a VW bus passed on the street. The people’s car are quite popular here due to their durability and affordability.

Siete Ventanas Hotel

Jose’s wife and child met us at the hotel upon our return.

Jack’s Cafe

Somebody was breaking their dietary restrictions with a little help from her friends.

Uchu

We concluded the day at the nearby steakhouse that slipped us in without reservations through magic. Sizzling steaks on stone platters. Have to come back for the tomahawk cut.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Deborah Tom, Mari Saito, Matt Vidaurri, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.