Inca Trail, Peru

Happy feet

Standing next to the Watchman's Hut was the perfect perch for me to see one of the world's greatest wonders. It's past 7 this morning when I finally reached this very spot after hiking all 45 kilometers of the trail. My excitement was sky high. Fog was still covering the ruins and the sugarloaf mountain behind it, giving us a peek-a-boo experience of what we came here for. When the fog finally lifted up, the ancient ruins of Macchu Picchu revealed itself in its full glory. What a goose-bumps moment! It's like seeing a celebrity in flesh. My jaw dropped. I'm awed.

Inca Trail, Peru

 
Having made it this far at the last campsite has all the more heightened my anticipation of finally seeing Macchu Picchu for the first time. I've always told myself that there's nothing better than seeing this magnificent ruins after doing the 4-day trek on the ancient Inca trail used long time ago by chasquis (or Inca messengers). Macchu Picchu, for those not physically-inclined, can be reached by a 4-hour train ride from Cusco combined with a 20-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes. Thank goodness, the Peruvian government banned helicopter rides for good.

Inca Trail, Peru

Early morning pampering

I was snuggled comfortably in my sleeping bag when I heard my name being called early this morning. I unzipped the door to my single-tent and out in front of me was Luis and two porters offering me a selection of tea. Oh, am I being spoiled on a supposedly rough adventure?

Inca Trail, Peru

 
Our guide Luis reminded us last night of our pick-up time between 5:10 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. in order to get an early start to the trailhead. Even if my headaches hasn't stopped and my sleeping wasn't good, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and was ready with my daypack and the sack with the rest of my personal stuff for the porter to carry. After depositing the rest of my stuff at Hostal Amaru, I began to worry as by 5:45 a.m. I wasn't picked up yet by one of Andean Life's staff. Did they forget about me? Just as I was about to call their office, somebody showed up at the lobby at 6 a.m. and off we rushed to meet everyone else on the bus that will take us to Piskacucho (or Km. 82), the start of the trail.