Peru 2- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

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At the Inca Trail start. I had a bit of Atahualpa's revenge this morning, and was dragging up the trail most of the day. Fortunately, we did not have to do much climbing yet.Hikers, from left, me, Sue, Peter, Candy, Joanna, Becky, Susan, Laurie, Jeff and Wendy.

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This pedestrian bridge across the Urubamba River is used by both hikers and locals.

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Mount Veronica, 18,640 ft, the highest peak in the Urubamba Range. In Qechua, it is known as Waqaywillca, and is associated with the feminine counterpart to Salcantay.

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Incan terraces, with the railroad running alongside

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Patallacta. I've also seen it called Llactapata, but that refers to another site as well. The scalloped terraces were designed to reduce erosion from the river. The town was burned by Manco Inca during his 1536 retreat from Cusco.

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Hiking past nother ruin, just above Patallacta, perhaps used as a lookout.

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Just over 6 miles and 1500 ft to our first camp. We were pleasantly surprised by how nice the tents were. Also, at this camp, there are no other groups nearby. Best of all, the porters always had the tents ready for us when we arrived.

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Our tent: it's a 4 person tent, for the two of us. Our sleeping bags are on nice thick Thermarest pads and small cots. Very comfy. Note the Peruvian rug at the entrance.

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Here's a Google Earth overview of our trek, based on my GPS tracks. Each day is color coded, so camp sites are where two colors meet. The view is looking towards the great peak of Salkantay. Machu Picchu itself is the small red track at the far right.

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I wnt to bed early and felt better the next morning. Here, the porters are collecting our gear for the 2nd day of the trek

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Some of the gear the porters will carry between camps

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Lots of chickens along the trail

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This part of the trail passes by a number of small settlements.

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Looking at this elevation profile, you might guess we have a lot of climbing to do. Good guess!

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A view from the trail, looking up towards the area of our first pass. It's a long climb!

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Lots of bromeliads along the trail; a favored food of the Spectacled Bear, we were told.

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Looking down at the trees, you can see part of the trail stepping up the slope on the left.

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Our assistant guide, Juan, striking a pose for Candy

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Lunch time. As we arrive, we're offered a cool drink, and a moist towel to wipe the sweat from our faces.

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Pre-lunch wash up. You use soap at one of the center bowls, then sequenitally rinse toward the end.

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Our guide Jomathan with our chef, Cerillo (not sure about the spelling). He did a really excellent job of feeding us!

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View from our lunch stop

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Some jagged rock outcrops on the way to our first pass, Warmi-Wanuska

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Sue and I atop Warmi-Wanuska, or Dead Woman's Pass, 4200 m (about 13,800 ft).