Archive for December, 2011

Day 7 – Inca Trail, Day 3, Pacaymayu to Phuyupatamarca

Monday, December 12th, 2011


This morning we woke up to fog and it rained as soon as we were done with breakfast. Of course! We started the day with porridge and buns with butter and jelly.

Today, we would go over a pass (not as high as the last one!) at 13,041 ft. The hike would be moderate and we would pass a few ruins along the way, so it would be very scenic and thought provoking. Excellent.

The first set of ruins, Runcu Raccay, were originally thought to be a kitchen so it was called Cucina. Later on though, they decided the place was a lodge where the important people would go and stay to prepare before going to Machu Pichu. The ruins were quite small and physically unimpressive. It was the situation of the ruins and the forethought of design which was quite interesting. From this lodge, one could see the approach trail as it winds it’s way up to the pass, so it was very easy to defend. (more…)

Day 6 – Inca Trail, Day 2, Huayllabamba to Pacaymayu

Sunday, December 11th, 2011

I woke up around 5am from the sound of the Brits, who were up chatting and laughing. I tossed and turned all night, so I was not feeling very well. Staying in bed as long as possible, I hoped to get in a few more moments of shut eye. But, the fun outside my tent lured me up.

Today would be the most difficult of the entire Inca Trail hike. We had to ascend 4,200 ft to the Dead Woman’s Pass, at 13,891 ft. Then, we would drop 1500 ft to our camp at Pacaymayu. There was no question in my mind that I could physically handle the exertion…But, would I enjoy these challenges, when I was so sleep deprived? (more…)

Day 5 – Inca Trail, Day 1 – KM 82 to Huayllabamba

Saturday, December 10th, 2011

At 5am, we jumped out of bed and into action. Actually, that was Brenda. I slept in until around 5:30am and headed upstairs, the last one to arrive! Everybody was eating already and I just sat there in a sleepy stupor. I had my New Mexico tech mug filled up to the brim with coffee, so I could sip knowing that I wouldn’t need to get a refill.

I had most everything all ready to go. So, I was just waiting for Carlos to arrive with the bus. I forced myself to eat a little bit since I knew I would be needing the calories. Everybody was so amped up. So was I, even though you wouldn’t have thought that looking at me!

When Carlos got there, we piled into the big green bus and drove out of Cusco. I fell asleep until we arrived at Urubumba, which was about 1 hour from the drop off spot. We stopped in Ollantaytambo for odds and ends. I bought a couple of bananas (they really are amazing in Peru…small but delicious!). (more…)

Day 4 – Cusco Archeological Ruins Tour

Friday, December 9th, 2011

On Friday morning, Brenda and I met the rest of the Exodus tour group at breakfast. They were all from the UK: Laurence and his son, Alex, Alasdair, Ciaran, Alasdair G., Alex H., Steve, and Fiona. It was a lively and talkative bunch and I knew we were all going to get along just grand. (more…)

Day 3 – Sacred Valley Tour

Thursday, December 8th, 2011


Brenda and I were amped up to do the Sacred Valley Tour. We had both heard fascinating things about this region. The night before, we secured a private tour with Glacial Travel who put together a custom itinerary.

The plan was to start out in Cusco, stopping at Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, Awana Kancha (Palace of the Weaver), Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and then Chinchero.

Our Sacred Valley Guide Daniel

For a reasonable fee, we got an awesome English speaking guide, Daniel (see his picture above!), and our own driver, Maestro. The concierge attendent at our hotel, Joseph, also came along as he was training to become a tour guide.

Clare & Brenda at Pisac
Brenda and I at Pisac Ruins
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