The hard way to Machu Picchu!

That was the toughest trek I have ever done in my whole life! Not that the Inca Trail itself was so demanding, it was because of the circumstances... I was told to be prepared for hot weather during the day and therefore I brought lots of suncream, a sunhat, sunglasses and shorts. But I did not expect to end up hiking in endless rain and even snow and hail!

The first day was an easy hike with just a little bit of rain. I was highly impressed by our porters who carried everything that we needed on the 4 days trek on their back, which means kitchen tent, our tents, cooking equipment, food, chairs, table and even some of our stuff. They prepared our food (which really was delicious) and when we started walking, they packed everything and started running all the way in just sandals, overtaking us and when we got to the next campsite everything was already set up. (hmmm, I wonder whether the Coca leaves did the trick?!)

On the second day we walked up the pass to 4200m. First I was all optimistic as the rain had stopped, but as soon as we got closer to the pass it started again and was heavier than ever. On the pass we even had to fight with snow, hail and sort of a blizzard. I was soaked from top to toe! I can tell you I really did not enjoy this. Some actually turned around as they could not handle the weather. That would not have been an option for me and therefore I just walked and walked and tried to reach the next campsite as quickly as possible. I ended up needing 4,5 hours even though it is said that the second day takes 7 hours. I have to say I am a little bit proud...

Unfortunately the rain did not stop at all. So we ended up drinking hot chocolate and playing 'Shithead' all evening long in the tent (yes, I am now on a mission to spread 'Shithead' all over the world ;-). In an attempt to dry our shoes we held it over the open propane fire that the porters use to cook our food. I was not really successful and rather burned some bits of my shoes instead of drying them. Hmmm...

(Please pay special attention to my shoes... ;-)

(My small and nice group - thanks for the fun guys!)

(Our porters - still smiling regardless the terrible weather)

On that night we decided that we will combine day 3 and day 4 and will walk all 22 km in one go to reach Machu Picchu in the afternoon of the third day and then go down to Aqua Calientes (village close to Machu Picchu) in order to get dry again. Even though it was a though and long hike and my knees were hurting by the end of the day it was the best decision ever to do the whole way in one go!

My first view of Machu Picchu:

But it got better and better:

On the forth and last day we got the big reward as Machu Picchu was waiting for us in the sunshine. WOW!

God knows how, but because of the amazing view I somehow got so much energy that I walked up the mountain behind the ruins (Wayna Picchu) and also walked up half way Machu Picchu Mountain.

Looking back at this adventure I have a big smile on my face as I somehow feel like an Inca on a mission to reach Machu Picchu - no matter what... and I succeded! :-)