tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52614115255729204212024-03-12T23:39:12.388-04:00Inca Trail Read about my trek on the Inka Trail in April 2011 and April 2012Laura Hare travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380991061327582754noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261411525572920421.post-31492065168545990362013-08-07T17:28:00.001-04:002020-06-08T19:03:19.862-04:00How to Prepare for the Inca Trail<div align="left">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A street in Ollantaytambo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>How to Prepare for the Inca Trail</u></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Hiking the Inca Trail is an experience of a lifetime, to be sure, and preparing is part of the adventure. The program that I attended included three days of acclimatizing pre-hikes for the altitude and terrain of the trail. The following information will help you get ready for this exciting adventure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">*** Break in your boots well in advance of your departure. Wear your boots on the flight or pack them in your carry-on bag in case luggage is lost or delayed.***</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS</span></u> </span></span></span></i><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>• </i>Incorporate some form of cardio exercise, 45 to 60 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week for at least 8 to 12 weeks prior to your trip. We suggest running, walking, biking or a StairMaster. <br />
• Prepare for the extreme ups and downs of the hike by training across a variety of terrains such as hills or using a treadmill incline. <br />
• Practice yoga or some form of core strengthening exercise. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">SUGGESTED PACKING LIST</span></u> </span></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>• </i>Small day pack to carry your rain gear, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, water bottles or hydration pack</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Hiking boots that are well worn in </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Hiking poles </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">• A pair of comfortable shoes, sandals or crocs to wear around the camp </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">• A couple of quick-dry tops and pants, socks, and underwear. Some have </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> suggested only 2 pair of zip-off hiking pants </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Fleece and down jacket </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Gloves and a warm hat</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Warm fleece pants for evening </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Personal toiletries, including wipes, and medications </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Camera gear with enough charged batteries for the entire hike </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Flashlight and batteries or solar equipment </span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "adobe garamond pro" , "adobe garamond pro"; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "adobe garamond pro" , "adobe garamond pro"; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">LUGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT</span></u> </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Depending on the operator that you book with, you may be limited to no more than 8 kg/17.6 lbs (minus the weight of the sleeping bag - approx. 1.6 lb) on the Inca Trail. Professional porters will carry the bags during the Inca Trail hikes and the remaining luggage will be stored at the hotel in Cuzco, if you make such arrangements. You will not be able to access this duffel bag until you reach the evening camp so be sure that you have all that need for the day in your day pack each morning before heading out.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>AVERAGE DISTANCE, WALKING TIME, AND ALTITUDE PER DAY ON THE INCA TRAIL</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>Day 1: Chillca - Huayllabamba </strong>Total distance: 7.8 miles </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Estimated walking time: 7 hours <br />
Maximum altitude point: 9,842 feet </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Day 2: Huayllabamba - Pacaymayo </b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Total distance: 5.5 miles <br />
Estimated walking time: 7 hours <br />
Maximum altitude point: 13,779 feet </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Day 3: Pacaymayo - Phuyupatamarka </b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Total distance: 5 miles <br />
Estimated walking time: 7 hours <br />
Maximum altitude point: 12,795 feet </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Day 4: Phuyupatamarka - Machu Picchu </b></span><span style="font-family: "adobe garamond pro" , "adobe garamond pro";"><span style="font-family: "adobe garamond pro" , "adobe garamond pro";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Total distance: 7 miles <br />
Estimated walking time: 5 hours <br />
Maximum altitude point: 11,811 feet</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">DEALING WITH ELEVATION</span></u> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Altitude at the Inca Trail ranges from 7,790 feet to 13,780 feet. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Upon arrival at altitudes above 3,000 meters or 10,000 feet, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into a condition known as Soroche or acute mountain sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, nausea and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Take it easy upon arrival and drink the coca tea provided. Oxygen is readily available for more severe reactions and is also available on the Inca Trail. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjusting to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can also help and is highly recommended. It’s also advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated during sleeping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><u>WEATHER ON THE INCA TRAIL </u></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Months</strong> </span>Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>Avg. Max Temp ºF</strong> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">68 70 70 72 70 70 70 70 72 72 73 72 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Avg. Min Temp ºF </b>45 45 45 40 36 34 30 34 40 43 43 45 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Wet days / month </b>18 13 11 8 3 2 2 2 7 8 12 16</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">OK, it's time to start thinking about packing; waterproof jacket and pants; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">gortex jacket, waterproof pants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Water proof hiking boots; I've chosen Merrell, low profile, waterproof hiking boots. I tried on so many Trail shoes, Cross Trainers and hiking shoes but when I put these on they felt like they were made for my feet! A lot of people might choose a higher shoe and one that supports your ankle. I have high top hiking boots and I wanted to go with lower ones for more flexibility. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Socks - very important! For years I've used <strong>Smartwool </strong>and <strong>Thorlo</strong> hiking socks. Just make sure you have one pair for each day. your feet will love the fresh, new socks each day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Loose fitting hiking pants, wicking shirts, T-shirts, fleece, hat and gloves, long underwear to sleep in or something warm, plenty of underwear and of course, sunglasses. Oh, and don't forget a water bottle or two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The next thing to concentrate on is my DOPP kit or survival kit or whatever you want to call it with all of the necessary things you'll need for basic bodily comfort and care.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Sunscreen </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Wipes, towelettes, etc (and a bag for trash)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">- Bug spray - I'm not a big fan of Deet. I like <strong>Natrapel</strong> made with Picaridin, but there are lots of alternatives </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">- Wipes and hand sanitizer </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">- Headlamp: ever try to use the restroom with a flashlight? you'll have hands free around the camp when the sun goes down</span><br />
- <span style="font-family: "verdana";">Toothpaste </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">- </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Q-tips, band-aids, vitamins, aspirin, Imodium, CIPRO?</span><br />
- <span style="font-family: "verdana";">Deodorant. Many operators supply hot water "Catwash" bowls put out for each individual hiker before each meal by the porters along with some biodegradable soap to wash up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">***Some may consider water purifying tablets but you will not need them. The porters boil glacial melt water from nearby streams and purify the water with tablets. It tastes really good and is very safe, not to worry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Remember to bring zip-lock plastic bags and enough for your trash. You know the credo, "Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints".</span><br />
<br />Laura Hare travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380991061327582754noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261411525572920421.post-41145456909419379212011-04-18T15:23:00.000-04:002020-06-08T16:42:41.422-04:00It's "Inca" not Inka!" and an Itinerary for the trip<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hiked the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu in April 2011 and April 2012. Being an avid hiker in years gone by, this was definitely up there on my list of treks but a hike I only dreamed about completing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The popular section of the trail to Machu Picchu takes 4 days and 3 nights, beginning at Km82 below the town of Ollantaytambo. (there is also a 2 day hike starting at Km104). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 2 of the hike, the most difficult section, features a gain of almost 4,000 ft. hiking from 7:00am to lunchtime.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am arriving to Cusco 2 days early to acclimatize to the 11k elevation and hopefully give my lungs and legs a little practice for what I am about to put them through. I will visit some nearby ruins each day in preparation. </span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's "Inca" not "Inka", and some realizations about the name. </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I knew that Inka was the more politically correct spelling but I didn't know much more than that about the spelling so I looked around a bit for some information. I found some info on wikipedia site with reference to Bruce Mannheim, <i>The Language of the Inka since the European Invasion</i>, University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas,1991.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In recent years, the spelling of place names in Peru and Bolivia has been revised among Quechua and Aymara speakers. A standardized alphabet for Quechua was adopted by the Peruvian government in 1975.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These changes are considered to be part of a general process of spelling standardization and reassertion of the right of these native languages to their own spelling system appropriate for their sound systems, which are very different from that of Spanish. This goes along with a growth of pride in the Andean heritage of these countries and a move to recover the prestige of their indigenous languages. These spelling changes are part of the official alphabets for Quechua and Aymara in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "verdana";">So, I'm stickin' with Inka and off I go this afternoon! More later after arrival to Lima!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Plaza de Armas Cusco </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ollantaytambo</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Day 1: Lima<u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Depart U.S./Arrivals in Lima, Peru<u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1487592470" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"></span></span></span></span></b><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Arrivals at the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over night in Lima<u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 2: Sacred Valley<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Flight to Cusco and Coach to the Sacred Valley/Field trip to Ollantaytambo Ruins<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Arrive in Cusco and transfer by coach to the Sacred Valley with a v</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">isit to Ollantaytambo ruins.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ollantaytambo is a town with original buildings of Inca construction where the<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Inca retreated to make their last stand in the highlands against the Spanish.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Running water still flows through the town in aqueducts and the terraces above the<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">town still are farmed.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 3: Sacred Valley - Moray Inca Ruins/Salinas Salt Pans<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Trip to</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Moray, an ancient site of large circular terraces built<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">by the Inca as an outdoor agricultural research station.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As you walk around the terraces </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">they decrease in size to a central point making this hike a wonderful opportunity to </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">acclimate in preparation for the Inca Trail.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then there is an excursion to the Salt Pans of Salinas for a brief demonstration<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">of the salt extraction process.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Walk down to the Ur</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ubamba River and the small town of Salinas for a visit.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 4: Sacred Valley - Pisac Market </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Depart in the morning for the town of Pisac.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Enjoy an incredible acclimatizing walk through the Pisac ruins and then down to the town.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Return to the hotel for some free time before</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> dinner.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After dinner your leader will conduct a final briefing session on the Inca Trail in </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">preparation for the big hike.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 5: Inca Trail - Hike to Patallaqta Ruins and Huayllabamba<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After Breakfast at the hotel restaurant, d</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">epart for Ollantaytambo, KM82, </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">where we will meet our porters and have a final pit stop</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We hike to the official </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">control point to the start of the Inca Trail. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">***Original, valid passports must be<u> </u></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ready to be presented to the officials.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We then cross a footbridge over the Urubamba </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">River and start your hike!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After an hour and a half or so you arrive at the Patallaqta viewpoint. These classic Inca ruins at the intersection of </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">three valleys with wonderful photo opportunities.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,italic";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Consult your group leader if you feel unwell and are apprehensive about the Inca Trail hikes.<u></u><u></u></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,italic";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Option #1</u>:Take part in the first day of the hike and see how you feel. </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,italic";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you decide not to continue, </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,italic";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">provisions will be made to transfer you to Cusco. </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,italic";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However, if you continue, you will need to complete </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,italic";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the hikes all the way through to Machu Picchu.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,italic";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Option #2</u>: If you decide not to attempt any hikes, </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,italic";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">provisions will be made to transfer you back to Cusco. **Note: going back to Cusco will be at your own expense**</span></span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 6: Inca Trail - Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early morning wake-up call with a hot beverage and b</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">reakfast at the camp.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The first portion of your hike this morning will take approximately <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1487592478" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:30</span></span> minutes.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The first stop will be at Ayapata for the opportunity to rest, use the local toilet<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">facilities, and/or rehydrate.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Continue walking on ascending stairs for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1487592479" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">2:30</span></span> minutes.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lunch at Llulluchapampa in the valley.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After lunch, begin your 2 hour walk to Abra Warmiwañuska</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> at an elevation of approximately 13,776 ft. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is the toughest and highest pass of the trek!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Descend to the second campsite at Pacaymayo at 11,580 ft for t</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ea time and relaxation.<u></u><u></u></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 7: Inca Trail - Pacaymayo to Phuyupatamarka<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Again the porters will greet you tent side with an early morning wake-up call with a hot beverage.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Breakfast at camp before you b</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">egin the approximately 1 hour hike to the Runkuracay archaeological site </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">overlooking the Pacaymayo Valley. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After an exploration of the site, you will hike to the Runkurakay Pass, 12,960 ft, </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the second pass on the trail. After reaching the pass, continue downhill for </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">approximately 1 hour before arriving at the narrow staircase that will take you into </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sayacmarca, "Inaccessible Town".</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The ruins of Sayacmarca are the remnants of a fortress or travelers' lodge used by<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the Inca. Sayacmarca was built on a narrow mountain ridge with only one<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">entrance, probably planned as a means of defense. The thatched roofs are long<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">gone, but an observatory, small plaza, ritual baths, housing complex, and other<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">constructions remain. The lack of agricultural terraces and farmland point to a<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">dependence on outside suppliers. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In its heyday, </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sayacmarca is thought to have housed as many as 200 people.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Leave the ruins and hike for another 20 minutes before breaking for lunch.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lunch stop at Chaquicocha.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then after lunch, continue walking for another <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1487592481" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:45</span></span> minutes to the last campsite at </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Phuyupatamarka, 10,695 ft. </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once at the camp, reward your day's efforts with a tea break and free time before </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">dinner.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 8: Machu Picchu - </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Phuyupatamarka, Wiñay Wayna & Intipunku Ruins</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your final early wake-up call to witness the spectacular sunrise from the viewing platform at Phuyupatamarka. </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hot beverages will be provided before </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">your final breakfast at camp is served.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Later that morning, begin walking to the archaeological ruins, located approximately<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">15 minutes from the camp.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The ruins of Phuyupatamarka (Cloud Level Town) include many terraces and a<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">series of ceremonial baths. A large platform on the highest part of the site once<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">served as an open-air temple, the Temple of the Sun.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Continue walking for another <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1487592483" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3:30</span></span> hours and arrive at Wiñay Wayna in time lunch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After lunch resume hiking this final stretch of the Inca Trail that will take<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This will bring you to the Intipunku, or "Sun Gate" and you </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">will begin the descent into Machu Picchu, just as the late afternoon shadows appear on the</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> citadel.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a quick walk through the ruins, board the bus to Aguas Calientes and transfer to your hotel for a shower, dinner and celebration.<u></u><u></u></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 9: Cusco -<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Machu Picchu Ruins/Train to Ollantaytambo & Bus to Cusco<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early breakfast at the hotel and then b</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">oard a bus to the Machu Picchu ruins.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spend the morning in both guided and i</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ndividual exploration, visiting the most fascinating features of this astounding and </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">mysterious Inca settlement. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some might want to take the optional hike to the<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">summit of Wayna Picchu for an amazing overview of the site, while others may<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">want to investigate Machu Picchu's many hidden architectural treasures.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Board the bus and return to Aguas Calientes town.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are many great restaurants in AC and a wonderful artisans market to visit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Transfer to the Aguas Calientes train station for your </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">train ride back to Ollantaytambo Station.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once at Ollantaytambo, board the bus to </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cusco.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 10: Cusco -<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sacsayhuaman Ruins/Cusco City Orientation/Music Presentation<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Field trip to the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman and then r</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">eturn to Cusco for a walk in the city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The main historic square in Cusco is lined with incredible restaurants and many feature presentations of traditional Inca music.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 11: Lima -<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lima City Orientation<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Transfer to the airport to board flight to Lima.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Arrive in Lima check out </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the Cathedral and San Francisco Church.</span></div>
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<br />Laura Hare travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380991061327582754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261411525572920421.post-77358220092502642402011-04-12T09:59:00.000-04:002020-06-08T17:48:19.460-04:00Back to Cusco<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>6 April</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yesterday we toured Machu Picchu and Eddie, our guide, gave us a 2 hour walking tour of the site. There are still many things unknown about MAPI, yet to be discovered and archaeologists continue to excavate here and at many other sites in the region.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3V4lwHv8SEw/TgCn_1F_z0I/AAAAAAAAB0c/7O8MgI6AoG0/s1600/InkaTrail+1119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" i="" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3V4lwHv8SEw/TgCn_1F_z0I/AAAAAAAAB0c/7O8MgI6AoG0/s200/InkaTrail+1119.jpg" true="" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">After the tour, the bus brought us down the mountain and we went for lunch at Pueblo Viejo in Aguas Calientes, which has delicious authentic Peruvian food! There is a working grill in the middle of the restaurant and when you walk in it feels and smells like you're entering someones' home. That incredible smoky smell of a grill! nothing like it! Their buffet is outstanding and they offer wine and beer, as well. You can enjoy the sights on the street while you wait and talk about the trek. We were then treated to an excellent Andean music performance by a local band called Amaru Pumaq Kuntur! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgtXa_yUxe4/TgCoUNYKzpI/AAAAAAAAB0g/bScs7QHULzM/s1600/InkaTrail+1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i="" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgtXa_yUxe4/TgCoUNYKzpI/AAAAAAAAB0g/bScs7QHULzM/s320/InkaTrail+1114.jpg" true="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Afterwards, we walk through the town to the railway station for a 2 hour ride back to Ollanta and then a 2 hour van ride back to Cusco. Once the train gets going we are flanked by the raging Urubamba River and people can't help but stare and take pictures, commenting on it's force. It is the end of the rainy season, April... but this season the rain is pretty heavy .... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Peru Rail Vistadome train is very comfortable and they do serve drinks and snacks on the way. The scenery is pretty fine as you leave Aguas Calientes and head back to Ollanta, the mountain walls slowly open to a widening valley. Lush, bromeliad covered walls give way to higher, drier mountains and beautiful scenery. There are agricultural terraced ruins along the way visible on the hillsides and you find yourself daydreaming of the things you've just seen and learned about and wondering how many years it took to build all of these incredible formations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We arrive in Cusco and say </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">goodbye to Eddie, our guide who had taken such good care of us for the last incredible 5 days. Sure we had the best porters who set up and took down our camp, cooked for us and made sure we were most comfortable but Eddie was our cheerleader, our inspiration and knew this trail like the back of his hand. And at times, you may need a cheerleader on this trail...he had run this trail as a marathon quite a few times in years gone by and even led races for groups! None of us, even those of us who run, could imagine running these steps as a marathon, EVER! There were walkways so narrow and high it just boggles the mind that anyone could run these mountains, on these steps of stone! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Eddie kept us on track and paced us for arrival to our designated campsites. He gave us site lectures as we came to each spectacular ruin, told stories and kept us laughing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">This was quite a memorable goodbye on a trek.......</span><br />
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Laura Hare travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380991061327582754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261411525572920421.post-80965289436088952892011-04-10T15:55:00.000-04:002018-03-06T10:00:10.399-05:00Day 4 - Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">We wake about 5:00am, no doubt for the excitement of the day. Lucio reminds us that the sun is about to rise and we scramble up to the lookout, Coca tea in hand. Ah, the hot Coca tea!!! I’m not gonna lie to you, it’s cold up here and in the low 40’s on the high passes. And during our summer months, June, July and August, the temps are even colder. There isn’t much in the way of precipitation and that makes it a popular time to go. Also, school is out and these months sell out way in advance if you decide to do this on your own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I’ve added a temperature chart below that features the different months and the rainfall, as well. I should also add that the trail is closed in Feb. for the rainy season and for maintenance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"> J F M A M J J A S O N D</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Av. Max Temp C 68 70 70 72 70 70 70 70 72 72 73 72</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Av. Min Temp C 45 45 45 40 36 34 30 34 40 43 43 45</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Wet days / month 18 13 11 8 3 2 2 2 7 8 12 16</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "avenir lt std 35 light";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The day is sunny and warms up quickly as we make our way back down to breakfast. This morning we will dine al fresco for our last breakfast on the trail. In the distance we can see another group of porters coming in to make camp for a meal. Eddie tells us they will make their final camp at Wiñay Wayna and then get up in the middle of the night for their final hike to Machu Picchu for the sunrise. We all agree we much prefer the pace of the 5 day 4 night and camping at this incredible site for our last night on the trail.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXlj_awe7D4/TmkJigGvSsI/AAAAAAAAB7A/K-ma2WLDmq8/s1600/InkaTrail+790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" nba="true" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXlj_awe7D4/TmkJigGvSsI/AAAAAAAAB7A/K-ma2WLDmq8/s320/InkaTrail+790.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After breakfast we have the ceremony to thank the chef and the porters for their services and to give them their tips. From here on out we will only have the chef and 2 porters with us for the hike into Machu Picchu. The rest of the porters will go down an alternate trail to catch the local train back to Ollantaytambo and home. You can hear the excitement in their voices as they are talking and laughing while packing up the site, eager to get home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We say goodbye, take off and now we descend the more tropical side of the mountain range. We hike down to Phuyupatamarka and it is clouded in but beautiful, none the less. This archaeological site also features the sacred cascading baths found at other sites once used long ago by the nobles.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhBhH1cH_oI/TmkQzHVEDvI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/dtvCCEpOJ5E/s1600/InkaTrail+842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" nba="true" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhBhH1cH_oI/TmkQzHVEDvI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/dtvCCEpOJ5E/s200/InkaTrail+842.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We hike down steep steps that wind down the mountain side and are covered from above with masses of thick growth. The steps can only be negotiated by walking sideways, they are so steep and it is wet so we've got to take it slowly. Flowers and orchids start appearing in huge numbers and soon we are the orchid paparazzi as someone put it, snapping away, picture after picture before Eddie brings it to our attention that we must stay on schedule. But they are just beautiful and in every shape and size! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We hike for 3 and a half hours, through the ever changing cloud forest breaking for a rest and snack. We come to the second tunnel before reaching the Intipata and it is just as fantastic as the previous tunnel and just as steep! At this point in the forest we are at about 9,300 ft. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An Inca stairway partially cut from living granite finally delivers us to Wiñay Wayna, the largest and most impressive site before Machu Picchu which was discovered in 1941. Built on the steepest hillsides, with many buildings, terraces and sacred fountains, this site is concave and is meant for sun worship. The sacred ritual baths are still flowing today as they are in all of the sites. It's raining so we decide to go for lunch and come back to the ruins after. We move on to the next campsite beyond Wiñay Wayna. There is a building here built for research workers that is now used as a dining area. You can also get a welcome cold beer here!!! The building has bathrooms and there are tent sites nearby. We break for lunch and a beer and we also say goodbye to Quintin, our chef and Julian, who has served us so graciously for the past few days. I've never camped in such a manner and it was quite fine to be met each morning with tea and served our meals high up in Andes. I can't say enough about their services on the trail. They were all fantastic! Soon after, we travel back for a site lecture at Wiñay Wayna archaeological site.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the most special orchids on the trail, Wakani Orchid, Masdevalia veitchiana, in Quechua means "you will weep", from an ancient Inca story</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Elleanthus Capitatus Orchid</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And one of my favorites, Wiñay Wayna, "Forever Young", Epidendrum secundum, can be seen at Machu Picchu easily, as well as at Wiñay Wayna archaeological site and along the trail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We move now from Wiñay Wayna and continue on the trail as we descend more in elevation and hike for approximately 1 hr and 45 minutes. The ancient stairways are hanging off the steep sides of the mountain and orchids continue to pop up everywhere along the trail. We notice Eddie no longer mentions them as we hike so that we won't stop and we can stay on schedule. I think he's figured us out by now. It is raining a bit and clouds move around us as we hike slowly down to the site.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We finally arrive to the Intipunku and the steps to this sacred and ancient gateway are so steep we laugh as we almost climb on all fours to the top. As we reach the gateway I am so excited and I know that I am experiencing something that I will never forget! It's breathtaking and we are all smiling at this magnificent site, Machu Picchu!!! We made it, and what a trek it has been!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I am nearly moved to tears and stand off to the side to regroup. There are few places where reality exceeds your expectations and I have to say this is truly one of them....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A couple of group pictures and we are on our way. The park is empty and the only living things we see are the llamas munching away in the rain! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We still have 45 minutes to hike down from the stone threshold of Intipunku, "The Sun Gate", go through the ruins and get to the exit gate. We walk in total silence and reflect the last few days hiking and sites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we near the exit I notice eveyone looking back, again and again at the site of Machu Picchu devoid of any humans! and I realize that I may never see this again....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once out of the park we are all smiles as we wait for the last bus to arrive that will take us down to Aguas Calientes and we celebrate with a hug! We made it!!!</span><br />
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Laura Hare travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380991061327582754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261411525572920421.post-57359991541847427342011-04-09T16:30:00.000-04:002018-03-06T10:11:36.995-05:00Day 3 of the Trail - Pacamayo to Phuyupatamarca<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This morning we wake to cool temperatures and a welcome cup of hot Coca tea, compliments of the porters as they arrive to each tent.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I like this tea ok but I'm ready for some of the thick, strong coffee that I know will be on the breakfast table, it's cold up here! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All night the frogs were singing, happy for the rain. It was very soothing and everyone said they slept like babies after our big climb over Warmiwañusca. Our campsite is perched on the side of the mountain and the view down to the valley and surrounding area is outstanding as we have breakfast up in the clouds.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">This morning our guide has arranged for an introduction of the porters. He asks them to tell us about themselves, where they are from, if they are married, how many children they have and how many times they have been on the Trail. With pride they step forward one by one and speak about their lives, joking and watching each other talk. One of the porters is almost 60 amazingly and one as young as 22.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A word here about our operator, SouthWild, now called Q'inti and the porters; the porters are all very well provided for while working on the trail and are given fleece jackets, shirts and hats, as well as shoes. Some of them do not wish to wear the shoes provided, as you can see, but wish to continue to wear the standard rubber sandals that the locals wear in the area. They are also provided with packs that have built in padded waist braces and padded shoulder straps. Provided with excellent food on the trail as well as shelter, your porters are well paid and well taken care of. A portion of the fee paid to our operators also goes to a foundation supporting the porters in the Machu Picchu area. If you chose a company to hike the trail, and all hikers must use porters on this section of the Inka Trail, please be sure to use a company that practices responsible employment/treatment for its' porters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We finish breakfast and get ourselves ready for the next hike up the steep mountain side to Runkurakay. In the picture below, if you follow the trail of hikers up the trail to the center of the mountain you can barely make out the ruins where we will make our next stop. Above this is the second highest pass on the trail at 13,113 ft. We begin hiking and the trail is tough! I should have had one more cup of java!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Once to the ruins we stop for a lecture and a welcome rest and the ruins are beautiful! This ruin was a tambo or temporary storehouse for llamas/animals and supplies. A refueling station of sorts for the Inca couriers. This small, round construction is not typical of the Inca construction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Looking back, we can also see the pass of Warmiwañuska in the distance, as well as, the campsite and the waterfalls. The scale and enormity of the view is absolutely breathtaking as we huff and puff our way up to the site!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We continue on and reach the pass at almost 10:00am after a 20 minute hike. It's raining a bit, cold and windy as we make the pass and the snow capped peaks of the Pumasillo Range come into view. We are now at 12,960 ft. As we descend into the high paramo we pass by two Andean lakes and the trail is flanked by tall bunchgrasses and more flowers. We see a few ducks in the lakes and many black and orange Tanangers along the way. Flocks of parrots cackle as they dash about and we even see a few hummingbirds! But one of the best parts about hiking at this time of year is the beautiful lush growth of the rainy season and the very few hikers on the trail. In fact, other than seeing them across the last campsite, we have not seen many hikers at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We hike for 1 hour to Sayacmarca archaeological site, which means Inaccessable Town, consisting of a huge complex of houses and plazas perched on the side of the mountain overlooking the Aobamba Valley. As we hike the steep stairway to the site of this incredible feat of engineering we are in awe!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are literally hanging off the side of the mountain up in the clouds on this set of ruins, covered in moss and flowers. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0yzQhT0iaw/Tl_jcV0U0UI/AAAAAAAAB44/bL8HJ7TiHDk/s1600/InkaTrail+668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0yzQhT0iaw/Tl_jcV0U0UI/AAAAAAAAB44/bL8HJ7TiHDk/s320/InkaTrail+668.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a lecture we leave Sayacmarca and hike for 30 minutes and we notice that the trail becomes more dense with foliage and the sides of the trail are covered with great mats of tiny bromeliads and fantastic looking miniature plants under the brush and trees. We arrive to Chacquicocha for lunch and a well deserved rest stop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I should mention that there are toilets here for use and they are manned and cleaned often but pretty primitive. There is a thatched roof stone building that is tiled inside and contains toilet stalls but no seated toilets, you have to stand. Wash sinks are located at the entrance/exit and it is still a welcome sight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We hike a good distance away from this site to a high bluff in the area and lunch is set up for us and waiting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A feast of bread, tomatos, cucumbers, cheese and Quinoa soup await us. Our main course is pasta with tuna, vegetables and a hard boiled egg. Coca tea and honey is also served and we are happy for the sustenance as it's been a hard hike this morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We gather ourselves together to start hiking again and we're clouded in up on this massive plateau, as they move rapidly around us. The trail transforms into a massive buttressed path hanging off of the mountain and constructed of granite paving stones. We are in cloud forest now and the vegetation is becoming very wild looking and suddenly there are orchids and great masses of bromeliads in the trees. Then, we come to our first tunnel, carved from the living rock and it seems we are walking into the side of the mountain like some great chapter from a Harry Potter book!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The trail continues through cloud forest and soon we see Giant ferns, bamboo stands and plenty of orchids. After hiking almost 2 hours, and making the third pass of the days' hike, we camp near a rock pinnacle topped with Inca viewing platforms and they overlook the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful on the trail!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our campsite is in a protected alcove on top of this gorgeous peak but below an outlook facing the ruins. We have the views of both the snow capped peaks of Salcantay, the Vilcabamba mountain range and a stunning view down the valley towards the Amazon region. It doesn't get much better than this!</span> <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHQcUAIo7Hw/TmEh0siU_fI/AAAAAAAAB5k/7iFjRaODBmA/s1600/DSC_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHQcUAIo7Hw/TmEh0siU_fI/AAAAAAAAB5k/7iFjRaODBmA/s200/DSC_0749.JPG" width="200" xaa="true" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our operators utilize the 5 day - 4 night schedule for the Inca Trail and this affords a bit of a slower pace to enjoy the sites and also avoid having to wake up in the middle of the night to hike out on Day 4 of the trail to Machu Picchu to arrive for sunrise. This makes for a hectic pace. The 5 day 4 night has us arriving to MP in the late afternoon, overnighting in Aguas Calientes and then a sunrise visit to MP on the 5th morning for a full tour of the site.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We sit up on the lookout and take pictures of the ruins and the 360 degree view that is astounding and we know this is a trek that we will never forget! We have tea and a snack back down at the campsite before dinner but the sun is setting and of course, we have to take some group pictures. There are clouds moving in and out and this is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! I am here up in the Andes on my way to Machu Picchu and it's better than any fantastic dream I could imagine!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQR166YsLRE/TmaIu0pae2I/AAAAAAAAB54/rD6C8BiMpdo/s1600/InkaTrail+738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nba="true" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQR166YsLRE/TmaIu0pae2I/AAAAAAAAB54/rD6C8BiMpdo/s320/InkaTrail+738.jpg" width="320" /></a> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back down to the campsite again and we are warm in the dining tent as we tell stories and talk about the day's hike. Hot wine is served and we toast the day before our dinner. What a great bunch of people I am with to experience this amazing place! Thanks Franco for taking this one! It isn't long until we're tired and ready to hit the sleeping bags..... Machu Picchu, here we come!</span></div>
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Laura Hare travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380991061327582754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261411525572920421.post-72824078329326069342011-04-08T17:28:00.000-04:002014-09-25T17:23:03.473-04:00Day 2 of the Trail - Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Roosters start their day early and if I didn't know any better, I'd say the one in Huayllabamba was trained to wake hikers at 5:30am. My tent was on the end of the clearing and so I was the first on the list and as this rooster came closer I could swear he was gonna walk right into my tent! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Then he proceeded to go to every tent in our group crowing right on down the line! We all had a good laugh as we slowly got moving to face the beautiful morning. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Now the glacial stream was really roaring with all the rain that had come in the night but it was sunny and beautiful in this the last inhabited village of the Inka Trail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Not surprisingly, the porters were already up and at work and soon our first cups of coca tea were arriving to our tents. The elevation is approx. 9,780 ft. at this campsite and the hot tea is very welcome upon waking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning after tea we are served toast and jam, Quiñoa in an oatmeal like form for starters and potato fritatta, wow! Fortified for miles!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was warm and rainy last night and a few of us are groggy having not gotten a complete nights' sleep. We started out at 8:30 and hiked an incline of 1,200 ft in an hour. Stopping along the way to take pictures, we then arrive at Ayapata at 10:30 for a rest. A riot of bright red bromeliads covers the trees here. There is a local toilet here for pit stops by the way.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usg44EKnoVE/TkmPDF4U7cI/AAAAAAAAB20/rpCC7pER-Qw/s1600/InkaTrail+453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usg44EKnoVE/TkmPDF4U7cI/AAAAAAAAB20/rpCC7pER-Qw/s320/InkaTrail+453.jpg" height="320" naa="true" width="213" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We continue and climb through the dense Polylepis forest and along the glacial stream on the stone steps. It's getting really steep as we switchback up the mountain and you find yourself thinking how in the world did they do this, especially inside this thick, dense forest? The Inka Trail, or the Qhapaq Ñan as it is known is actually an immense road system spanning thousands of miles. Please see the Qhapaq Ñan link above the Archives for more information on this ancient road system of the Andes. The Inka Trail to Machu Picchu is only a small portion of it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here are mosses, lichens and all manner of incredible looking things growing all over the the tree trunks and you keep walking, looking and taking a break every 8 or 10 steps or so, taking it all in. If you like plants, this trail is amazing and ever changing! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Polylepis themselves are amazing and foreign looking and it's all fantastic! The trees grow at or above the natural tree line in the Andes. An endangered species, they are quickly disappearing as they are often cut for firewood or building materials.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">By 11:30 we arrive to Llulluchapampa and break for lunch. We are here for an hour but need to be fast. Our major climb is coming up and we've got to stay on schedule. The elevation here is approx. 12,390 ft. We are now entering the puna, the treeless grassland of the high Andes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are now ready to ready to start our accent towards the highest pass, Warmiwañuska or Reclining Woman's Pass at 13,850 ft (4,221 m). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Eddie, our guide, gives us 2 hours to reach the pass. "Walk 8 or 10 steps and stop for a quick rest but don't stop too long". I keep reminding myself of this fact as I huff and puff but keep going, keep drinking, keep looking up towards the pass. We continue each at our own speed of walking, resting, walking, drinking. This section really requires concentration and perseverance and the view delivers when you reach the top!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Approaching the pass we can see small dots that look like people in between the fast moving clouds and it looks so far away!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am near last as I keep on trudging, almost there and I can hear the cheers and shouts of encouragement. Most of the group have been waiting for me but not too long. As a group we made this section of the hike in about one hour and 45 minutes, not too bad! We made it over the big one!!! We just covered about 3,900 ft of increase in elevation in approximately 4 1/2 hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the porters, Lucio, stays back and hikes with us as he climbs, full pack and all, with ease. We are, in fact, slowing him down. He smiles constantly and you can tell, he loves his job! That smile is contagious and we all appreciated him for it. We are all freezing up here on the pass as the wind is blowing like crazy and the temps are in the 40's. But Lucio is not even shivering in his short sleeve soccer jersey. Later, at our third nights' campsite he tells us this his 200th time on the trail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">After a few pictures and a well deserved short rest, we begin our descent and the clouds continue to move rapidly in and out of the peaks. The other side of the pass reveals a wide stone path and it is wild looking and beautiful. Frogs sing in the light rain but you cannot see them in the tall swaying grasses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And now, a new strategy, as we deal with the tall steps Eddie suggests stepping sideways down them to transfer the pressure more onto our hips instead of our knees. OK, we''ll do it and thank goodness for the walking sticks. What a blessing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As we descend we see a Huemul, an northern Andean deer (Hippocamelus Bisulcus) on the side of the trail. Also known as the Taruka, these barrel chested, short legged deer are a treat to see in the Andes. It doesn't seem to be bothered by us watching before slowly trotting off up the side of the hill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we hike around the last bend and over the peak we are treated to a beautiful waterfall along the path. We have been hiking for about an hour and a half and we can see the campground in the distance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We arrive to Pacamayo a bit after 5:00pm. The elevation here is approx. 11,900 ft. Of course, everything is set up when we arrive and we are served tea and brownies, yum! I settle in and start to feel the climb of the day and realize that I haven't been drinking enough water and I'm a little dehydrated. I can't stress this enough, especially about this day! You are expending a lot of energy and sweating profusely but when the cool wind is blowing and the scenery is a fantastic as this, you are a little distracted, to say the least. Keep drinking! I skipped the wonderful dinner of minestrone and chicken with salad and went to the tent. After a few notes I was fast asleep.</span></div>
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Laura Hare travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380991061327582754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261411525572920421.post-37738135490667222192011-04-07T16:23:00.000-04:002018-03-06T10:10:25.788-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u><strong>Day 1 - Inka Trail - Piskakucho to Huayllabamba</strong></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Today is the big day as we begin the famous trail to Machu Picchu this morning, and it can't happen fast enough for me! I'll admit, I didn't sleep very well last night, I was so excited.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">On a previous trip to Peru in Oct. of 2010, I was standing with a group in the Machu Picchu sanctuary listening to the guide talk about the Intipunku, the Sun Gate, as the place where hikers enter the park at the end of the trek, I imagined myself coming through that gate one day. Perhaps years later this dream might come true for me but here I was! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">It doesn't seem real to me yet. OK, maybe I have some romantic ideas about this whole thing anyway. Camping in high elevations..... ruins along the way..... fantastic Andean plant life and orchids everywhere..... no shower for 3 days? No problem! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">After 2 or 3 times of packing and unpacking, I just go with the last bunch of things I've decided on in my duffel (18 lbs) and I know it will not be enough. I'm so excited I really don't care and would have traveled in the same clothes for 4 days to do this hike! really!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I would bring one more complete change of lightweight clothes for the last day in my backpack were I to do it again because of obvious reasons. This is tough and you are going to sweat, a lot! Rain gear is a must, you never know in the Andes and you are in a cloud forest. One of the best things I did bring though was a down vest that kept my core warm and dry and mashed down to nothing in packing. And my shoes, of course, the single most important thing to get right, were waterproof and comfortable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We transfer from the Sacred Valley to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we have breakfast before arriving to the trail head. The town is bustling in the early morning as other porters are waiting for their groups to arrive. Vendors are setting up for business and the smell of breakfast is in the air. This is also an excellent place to get last minute supplies, snacks, memorable photos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">There is an incredible fortress in this town that served as a stronghold for the Manco Inca Yupanqui in the final days of the Spanish conquest. This impressive archaeological site can be visited if you stay in Ollantaytambo a day before the trek or after. It is incredibly beautiful and not to be missed! Full of history and an amazing architectural feat of the Inca. It is also located in a town of original dwellings of ancient Inca times, still inhabited today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">After breakfast we drive about 30 minutes to the staging area for the trail. Everywhere there are fields full of deep red quiñoa, fava beans and potatoes, waiting to be harvested. It is green and lush in this last week of March and flowers are abundant in the yards and gardens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The porters arrive with all of the supplies and begin to methodically fill their satchels, talking quietly and working swiftly. The chef is in charge and he directs the men with smiles as they work. You can see they have done this many times as the supplies disappear quickly into the bags. I am happy to see eggs being loaded into plastic camping egg cases. Yippee, no powdered eggs on this trip! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">They weigh each bag as they will have to pass strict rules for porters at the control gate, limiting their packs to a restricted weight. They are allowed to carry 20kg or 55lbs, including 4kg for personal items. Each porter is weighed at the start of the trail and then again at Huallyabamba at the start of the second day. This regulation was introduced in 2002 and is strictly enforced. Companies that are caught overloading their porters receive fines and risk losing their permits or licenses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Many of the porters come from the Patacancha community and have been porters on the trail for many, many years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our guide Eddie gives us the "Let's go!" and we begin the walk down the road along the river to the entry gate at KM 82 to show our passports and get our tickets. As we descend, the roar of the Urubamba River gets louder and louder, churning wildly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A word here about your passport; at the entrance/checkpoint, if you show up with a passport that says something different than what you applied with, you are not getting a ticket...period! Everything needs to be in order, including your name, number and expiration date of your passport. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Give careful consideration to this matter when giving your information for this trip. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We cross the bridge about 10:30 and off we go! Everyone can't help but look back several times as we climb a small incline and move up away from the river. The unknown lies ahead but nothing could be more exciting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We slowly climb and the trail takes us to a lookout point where we stop for a short briefing about our hiking schedule. There are flowers everywhere on the trail and the Urubamba Canyon is lush, green and vibrant! As we hike Eddie identifies some of the plants and what they are used for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The trail evens out and it's flat and easy hiking for awhile. There are small houses along the way and villagers along the trail transporting animals and goods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A little later we turn to see our porters coming up the trail to pass us! The trail starts to climb a bit but they are unfazed as they blaze right past us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">This is where we learn about some important words, derecho and izquierda.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Derecho is spanish for right and izquierda is spanish for left. If you happen to notice the porters coming up behind you it is polite to yell one of these directions so that everyone gets over for the porters, they are carrying heavy packs! Just be sure to always step aside on the high side of the trail or against a wall and never on the open side of the trail for obvious reasons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We pass more small huts and houses and a couple of chicha stands before we stop for a break and at this point we have been hiking for an hour and a half. We come to Llaqtapata (or Patallaqta, both are correct) on the Cusichaca side river and have a small site lecture about the ruins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We continue on and this is where the trail starts to climb a bit. As we move away from the ruins the trail winds and huge rock walls appear covered with beautiful bromeliads in many shapes, sizes and colors! We stop at Satapunku for a snack about noon and then continue on until we reach the first pass at 1:10pm. If the skies are clear you may see the famous mountain Veronica from here but we are not so lucky. However, the views are breathtaking as clouds are moving in and out of the valley and we imagine what is to come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We hike on to our lunch spot, Tarayoc, so named for the Tara plant whose beans are used in a tea for stomach aches and also as a dye for wool. Imagine our delight to see the dining tent set up and the table set for our arrival!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What a site for a lunch stop! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">but it just gets better!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Stuffed avocado & papas rellenas!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After bread, cheese and fresh vegetables for appetizers, lunch arrives and is outstanding and we are all amazed at the dishes that come out of the cook tent! Works of art and art that tastes incredible! S</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">tuffed avocado with papas rellenas; mashed potatoes stuffed with cheese and fried, yummy! The salad is chicken salad but also a dish is adapted for a vegetarian in our group and contained freshly chopped vegetables. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After this luxurious lunch and pampering by Julian, our head waiter, and the incredible cooks, it was time to get going again. Fill up your water jug and put on your pack and hopefully, you didn't eat too much! It's hard not to, the food is so good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Powdered Gatorade is available, btw to add to your water. Coffee and coca tea for breakfast and iced orange tea are also offered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We begin hiking again and hike for approx 1 hour and 45 minutes to our first campsite at Huayabamba, 9,777 ft.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">This campsite marks the last place where people inhabit the trail and animals can be brought onto the trail. It also marks the place where up to this point, the guide reserves the right to send an unqualified, injured or sick hiker back out of the Inka Trail park to the entrance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The reason this is worth mentioning is that t</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">his is the last day that a person can be transported out on an mule or horse and if there is an injury after this point the hiker would have to be carried by the porters if they were not able to walk on their own. The other very important reason is that if the hiker is sent back it is at their own expense.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Huayabamba ruins</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We arrive to a lush valley surrounded by snow covered mountains peaks as the sun is beginning to set. There are small houses and children playing and there in a cleared meadow are our tents, set up and ready with our bags beside the door waiting for us. We can hear the rush of a glacial stream nearby and it looks like a great place to relax!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ed_ELuNPaZk/TjMglCpKMuI/AAAAAAAAB1s/YI5956oUBco/s1600/InkaTrail+776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A word here about the campsite and conveniences. The toilet tents are set up at each camp by the porters. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer are provided. There will be a mens' and womens' tent set up for the groups, as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A great feeling of accomplishment is felt by all as the first days' hike has been completed and the porters clap as we enter the camp. We relax and wash up with hot water and biodegradable soap provided by our amazing caretakers. Now I don't mean to keep bringing up the food but this night we had trout fried in Quiñoa, mashed potatoes and vegetables, preceded by an incredible tomato soup and finished with bananas flambe! Bourdain would be impressed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a pretty warm evening in this beautiful valley and we sit and talk for awhile before heading off to our tents. I am too excited to sleep but drift in and out as </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">it rains extremely hard through the night. Our tents do the trick though and keep us dry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">A word here about the tents and equipment;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Our operator uses new REI equipment, including 1.75 mats, REI Halo bag, sex specific +10F 750 downfilled, 2 man tent for the singles and 3 man tent for the doubles, including fly. This gives plenty of room to move around and also for your duffel. Sleep tight!</span></div>
Laura Hare travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380991061327582754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261411525572920421.post-47225497294642266192011-04-06T20:11:00.000-04:002020-06-08T16:45:26.044-04:00The Pre Hikes of Ollantaytambo, Moray & Maras, Pisac Ruins<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Day 1: Arrive to Cusco</b><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">After arriving to Cuzco for the program, we travel by coach to the Sacred Valley to begin the first of three practice hikes to acclimatize to the altitude and allow the leader to assess our ability to handle this difficult hike. At the end of the three days, the leader will make a decision as to the readiness of the hikers and request that anyone who is not fit enough to complete the hike remain back in Cuzco for the four days of the trek.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">***This will be at the expense of the participant so be ready, be fit and be prepared for an amazing journey***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the best things about these three days of practice hikes, besides the beautiful terrain and ruins, is that they really DO prepare you for the altitude and the Inca Trail! If you are in good shape this preparation will do the trick!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Remember that our leaders are very experienced and pace you well, with rest stops in between meals. Also, know that they carry a satellite phone and also carry oxygen for emergencies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 2: Sacred Valley<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Flight to Cuzco and Coach to the Sacred Valley/Field trip to Ollantaytambo Ruins<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Breakfast at the hotel restaurant and mo</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">rning flight to Cuzco.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Arrive in Cuzco and transfer by coach to the Sacred Valley with a v</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">isit to Ollantaytambo ruins.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ollantaytambo is a town with original buildings of Inca construction where the<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Inca retreated to make their last stand in the highlands against the Spanish.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Running water still flows through the town in aqueducts and the terraces above the<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">town still are farmed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lunch at a local restaurant in the town of Ollantaytambo.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Transfer to the hotel and check-in with afternoon time at leisure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lecture: A Brief Introduction to Peru, the Inca, and the Sacred Valley.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dinner at the hotel restaurant.<u></u><u></u></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 3: Sacred Valley - Moray Inca Ruins/Salinas Salt Pans<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Breakfast at the hotel restaurant followed by a trip to</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Moray, an ancient site of large circular terraces built<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">by the Inca as an outdoor agricultural research station. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As you walk around the terraces </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">they decrease in size to a central point making this hike a wonderful opportunity to </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">acclimate in preparation for the Inca Trail.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then there is an excursion to the Salt Pans of Salinas for a brief demonstration<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">of the salt extraction process. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Walk down to the Ur</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ubamba River and the small town of Salinas for a visit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lunch at a local restaurant and return to the hotel</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dinner at the hotel.<u></u><u></u></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman,bold";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day 4: Sacred Valley - Pisac Market </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Breakfast at the hotel restaurant and then d</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">epart for the town of Pisac.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Enjoy an incredible acclimatizing walk through the Pisac ruins and then down to the town.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Return to the hotel for some free time before</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> dinner.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After dinner your leader will conduct a final briefing session on the Inca Trail in </span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">preparation for the big hike going over all four days and what to expect.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span>Laura Hare travelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14380991061327582754noreply@blogger.com0