Machu Picchu, Peru

We first arrived in Cusco with an aim to book at trek that would lead us to Machu Picchu, after struggling to climb stair cases in the city due to the high altitude (approximately 3,400m) we ended up choosing a trekking agency based on a recommendation from a couple we met earlier in Ollantaytambo. We stocked up on snacks and Alpaca jumpers and were ready to go!

We set off at 4am a little nervous about what the next five days will bring. We had heard good and bad stories about how

everyone handled the long kilometres, steep climbs and increase in altitude. The first day was around 18km which ended in a steep climb to a serene lagoon surrounded by snow-capped mountains, absolutely beautiful but extremely challenging. With the altitude we both looked (and felt) like we were about 40 years older than we were. On the first day we both suffered from headaches, not sure if this was a lack of coffee that day or the altitude, but we both felt a little uneasy about the following day – the ascent to Salkantay pass at 4,600m and we were told it was the toughest day of the trek.

Day two was our favourite and longest at around 22km. As we prepared for a tough hike we made it to the pass by mid-morning and were both amazed at the stunning views and our ability to climb in the altitude. The following two days were

totally different, walking through humid rainforest as we descended, spending an afternoon at the hot springs in Santa Teresa and ending up in Aguas Calientes at the end of day four, the town closest to Machu Picchu.

Day five, one of the main reasons we chose this trek, we got to see Machu Picchu. Another 4am start we ascended up steep stairs to reach Machu Picchu by sun rise. Both our expectations of the ancient Inca ruins were blown away by the size and craftsmanship used to build this place in the 1500’s. We explored the ruins for a few hours, seeing the Inca Bridge, walking a section of the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate, Sun Temple and resident alpacas.

We absolutely loved this experience, each day was so different and delivered various challenges. In five days we walked around 78km and met some great people along the way. We made it back to Cusco and spent a few days recovering and catching up with Lani and Brodie, and trying Guinea Pig, a delicacy in Peru, before heading to our next location.