Juan and we hit the trail after breakfast, carrying only our day packs. Aurelio our chef, Francisco and Andres the horse wranglers, come behind carrying all the gear.
To describe today's activity as a mere ''hike'' would be so not right. I could write a short book about the landscape, the local peoples and animals we encounter along the trail, and about the Inca trail itself.
At the barren summit, there is a stone carrion where we celebrate having arrived at 14,432 feet. Chef Aurelio has a thermos of hot tea and snacks waiting for us. ''Tea is served, madam.''
On the descent, the flora changes dramatically -- green, lush with vast fields of lupine.
Our camp for tonight is at the Inca ruins of Huchuy Cusco.
With our delectable dinner this evening, Aurelio produces a bottle of Peruvian wine! Much appreciated after a big day on the trail.
Two 65-year-olds looking for Adventure! in Peru
- Photos (63)
- Carol Thuerbach
- Active & Extreme, Biking, Camping, Community Stay, Cultural Immersion, Fishing, History, Light Hiking, Luxury & Indulgence, Multisport, Peru, Spa & Relaxing, Traveler Stories, Whitewater Rafting, Wildlife Watching
- Next stop: LIMA!
- We're in Starting Gate . . . and we're off!
- Cusco on Palm Sunday
- Rafting the Urubama River
- Biking at 12,000 + feet
- Hiking Tres Cruses
- Down, down, down we go . . .
- Machu Picchu
- On the way to Puno and Lake Titicaca
- Easter Sunday on Uros Islands, kayaking, Isla Tikonata
- Sailing to Amantani
- Taquile and back to Puno
- In to the jungle!
- Bird Watching and Jungle Walking
- Good-bye to Heath River and Hello to Sandoval Lake Lodge
- The Giant Otters of Sandoval Lake
- May Day! May Day! May Day! We have to leave!
