Here starts our adventure on the Inca trail... a four day trek to Machu Pichu.
The best part of the experience was the unbelievable views along the way.
Ok, so sometimes, the view was a little crowded (by porters carrying our tents and kitchen stuff, and by other tourists)... but it was a very pleasant hike.
With great views of more terraced ruins.
Bromeliads... that were lit up by the morning sunshine.
We were the only gringos (non peruvians) to buy some Chicha de Quinua (local brew made from Quinoa grains) at one of the pit stops (the porters typically drink this to freshen up). It was delicious and we didn't suffer for it.
See the bottom of that valley. Yep, we climbed 1000 meters on day 2 -- it took 6 straight hours. It would outdo an electrical stairs-master anytime!!
But again... the view kept me going.
We were glad though when we finally made it! We were one of the first ones up in our group! I couldn't believe it!
Richard, of course though, was dancing to his electronic music all the way up. Even the porters were impressed!
Right after, it was heartbreaking to see that we would have to now climb all the way down the other side. Well, I guess that is mountain climbing for you!
Here are our porters, a bunch of friendly guys that were really service-oriented during the trip. I was very impressed.
Here is Richard and I with some great guys, Wash and Richard, and one of the porters (he doesn't look like he wanted to wait for the picture at all... guess I don't blame him with all that on my back).
We walked up to some other ruins on Day 3. We seemed to constantly be envelopped in clouds.
The view of the trail from above in the ruins.
Another ruin from above.
Misty views of the rough stonework in this small military checkpoint (no interlocking bricks... those were only used for fancy strategic places)
Ahah! More tunnels!
Then on day three we began to descend into the jungle.
More breathtaking views.
