Today is the day! We are finally starting our four days Inca trail pilgrimage to Machu Picchu.
We met our travel group at 04:30 am in downtown Cusco, loaded our backpacks in the bus and started the drive towards the trail head where the adventure begun!
Our first stop was the porters house. This is the building dedicated to host the team of porters as the majority of them live farther from Cusco.
The guide gave us a tour of the building explaining how porter’s work conditions evolved over time.
After a few hours on the bus, we stopped for breakfast in a small cozy local restaurant, loaded on food and did our last time shopping.
The drive to the trail head was very exciting. Majestic views of the river, glacier, green mountains, farms, animals and people.
I was very excited to dive into this adventure, challenge myself and learn about a culture I am not familiar with.
We arrived to kilometer 82 (The trail head), got introduced to our porters and toured a small natural museum in the site.
All excited for this adventure
We took our first group photo at the famous sign of “Camino Inka”
Our hiking group, besides porters, consisted of 11 people: 9 tourists including my self, a guide and a guide assistant. The diversity of our group made the experience unique. People from different walks of life and from all over the world: United states, Morocco, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Poland and Peru.
The elevation at the start point (Kilometer 82) was 8923 feet (2720 m). This is about 6 times the elevation I am used to in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The goal for day 1 was to cover a good distance of 10 miles (16 km) which takes an average of 7 hours.
We went through our first check point where we presented our passports. We started warming up with a step half a mile hike up hill leaving behind us beautiful views of the river and the train tracks.
As we progressed, I started realizing that my right knee was hurting. Whether it was because of the 24 pounds of weight I was carrying or the distance. I started getting nervous as it was only the beginning and we are not in the real game yet.
We were sharing the trail with other hikers and porters from different travel agencies. Porters were a true source of motivation and inspiration for me throughout the hike. Their strength is admirable. They are fast, patient and organized. We called ours “The red army” and they, indeed, operate like an army. I couldn’t help but tell myself: “If they can do it, surely can too”
We stopped for our first story time to learn from our guide about the Incan empire and the Spanish invasion, while contemplating the beauty of the Andes and our first Inca site encounter.
Each household shelters a group of 8-12 people. The number of buildings helped to determine the population of the Incan people in each site.
We kept walking towards “Hatunchaca” where we stopped for lunch.
Three times faster than we are, porters would set up camp way before we arrive, prepare food an warm up water for us. Our guides communicate with the Chef via talky walky to keep him updated of our estimated time of arrival.
The quality of food was impressive and very well thought. Tables set up, meals and service were all on point.
After a 30 minutes break during which we relaxed, used restrooms and filled our bladders with water, we started hiking towards Huaylabamba located at 9842 feet (3000 meters). This is the end of our first long leg.
Many groups opt for camping in this location for the first day but our travel agency wanted us to be ahead of the curve.
“You might need to consider to think about hiring a porter to cary your backpack on day 2” Our guide said!
I knew deep inside that I need to be smart about the choice I am making, but it was out of question to give up on my goal of hiking the trail with my backpack on!
After an additional two hours or two, we arrived at our campsite for Day 1 “Ayapata” at an elevation of 10829 feet (3300 meters).
Our tents were set up and diner in the making. I was very happy to be done because I was very concerned about day 1.
We met for our first happy hour which is basically time for a lot of hot chocolate, coca tea and popcorn and time spent to get to know our group members.
Then diner time!! Right after that, I loaded on Ibuprofen, went to bed early to get enough sleep and be ready for the most challenging day of the trek (Day 2)