I did the Inca Jungle trek which I recommend, had woken up at 4 AM for the last part of the trek, to be the first ones at Machu Picchu.
Cusco
Most treks to Machu Picchu will start at Cusco
I flew from Austin to Lima Peru, after a over night stay in Lima at an Airbnb, I flew to Cusco. Due to late night and early morning flights Airbnb worked out good and the host for some extra money picked and dropped me off to the Airport.
In Cusco with an altitude of over 11000 feet, Give yourself a day or 2 in Cusco, to get used to the higher altitude before starting the Machu Picchu Trek. You can also buy oxygen Can with a mask if needed.
Few Pictures I took in Cusco. I did a free walking tour of the city provided by my Hostel, I have started to like guided tours as you can see things you might have otherwise missed. The tour took us through the city, museum and markets.
The walking tour ended at the San Pedro Market where they sell fresh farm produce to bakeries, also any souvenirs and things you might need for your trek.
Machu Picchu Trek
Day One the tour van was at the hostel early morning to drive us to the Andes mountains, my start of the Machu Picchu Trek was a mountain Bike ride in the Andes mountain, it rained on us and it was freezing. Regardless it was a great great time, once in a life time experience.
Get a good slip resistant hiking boots before going on a hike, my advice is to spend the extra money and get a good pair. Break them well before starting the hike. I paid US $200 for mine and were slip resistant and water proof. I plan to use them on several other mountain Hikes. Hopefully to Kilimanjaro.
Travel Light, shed the extra pounds. Besides a change of clothes, a rain poncho, the few other things I carried on the hike was Energy bars, hydrating gels, band aids, flash light and alarm watch. Band-Aids came handy as with all the walking I started to get blisters, nothing to bad though. You can also buy coca leaves and chew on them for energy and help with altitude sickness.
Picture Below, our tour guide put some kind of a henna tattoo on us, the tattoos are washable and they symbolized Inca warriors, Picture below - The Group I was part of that did the trek with me, showing our tattoos. The sheds in the picture is where we stayed the night with a local Peruvian family.
Did white Water Rafting in the Urbamba River, the rapids were not too bad compared to rafting in the Himalayas India
Zip Lining in the Andes Mountains, I did zip-lining across 6 lines in the mountains. Little nervous on the fist one, but by the 3rd and 4th, I let go off my hands. This was day three.
The trek is something that cannot be described, it needs to be experienced, the beauty of the Mountains, rivers and streams along the way. One of my best travels.
What a great feeling
If you have the energy left, I highly recommend doing the Huyna Picchu climb, below me at Huyna Picchu. Awesome view of Machu Picchu can be seen from Huyna Picchu, you will need to book the additional Huyna Picchu trek when booking your Machu Picchu trek as additional ticket is needed.
Lima
Last Day before returning to Austin I spent the day in Lima, from the airport I took a cab to the city center.I was tired and the cab driver charged me maybe 3 to 5 bucks extra, I didnt want to argue and didnt actually care. Spent a few hours walking, seeing the museums and Churches. Most of them will have some kind tour.
After having lunch with Inca Cola, I decided to go to Miraflores, its by the ocean. I took the tour bus. By the end of the evening, I took a cab to the airport. If you are flying business class and get a voucher to the VIP lounge like I did, and after all the walking, its just the best way to end your journey, worth every penny spent.
Above Picture I took in Lima along the Ocean in Miraflores Lima
Pachacuti above. Wiki page on Pachacuti
Have you been or planning to go to Machu Picchu, Comments?
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