Hiking the Inca Trail
Hiking the old Inca Trail can only
be done now under the control of recognized trail guides with local
porters carrying the camping gear and food as well as a large portion of
our pack (we were allowed 6 kilos). Our hike was organized as part
of our overall trip with GAP (Great Adventure People) with "Wilbur", our
local trail guide leading the way. It was a very rewarding hike
for CWH members Larry and Karen Fisher and John and Betty Alliston.
Day 1 (May 7, 2006)
OLLANTAYTAMBO (Km 82) to LLULLUCHAPAMPA. Starting out about 8 AM on
the trail we cross the Urubamba River and follow it west to the
Cusichaca River at the Inca ruins at LLAQTAPATA and then hike SW to our
first camp site at LLULLUCHAPAMPA – a distance of about 15 Km and 1250
metres elevation gain. We arrived at our first camp site tired and weak
from the climb at this high altitude at about 4:30 – 5:00 PM (elev 3800
m or 12,600 ft.)
Day 2 (May 8)
LLULLUCHAPAMPA to CHAKIQHOCHA. We are on the trail early (7:30 AM)
and climb 400 m to Dead Woman Pass (4200m). After a short rest we
descend to 3800 m and then climb again to 3950 m before dropping down to
our next camp at Chakicocha. We stopped at the Inca ruins at Sayacmarca
and looked down onto the old Inca refuge at Conchamarca. Most of the
day we hiked in mist and light rain and covered about 16 Km.
Day 3 (May 9)
CHAKIQHOCHA to AGUAS CALIENTES. Because of a recent mud slide near
Machu Picchu we were forced to descend 1650 m to Aguas Calientes. We
followed the traditional Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna where we had lunch and
a visit to the well preserved ruins.
The porters were able to carry
very heavy loads and passed us several times as they moved camp ahead
and set up lunch. The meals were excellent – hot soup even at lunch as
well as fried chicken, rice and hot coca tea. Each morning they brought hot
tea and warm wash water to our tents.
INCA TRAIL MAP
INCA TRAIL
PHOTOS
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The start of the hike
Betty & John - Karen & Larry |
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Looking back along the trail near Llaqtapata |
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LLAQTAPATA discovered in 1911 |
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Local children offer cold drinks as we pass by |
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Starting to climb up the seemly infinite number of stone steps on the way to our first camp at Llulluchapampa |
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Starting out on day 2 toward Warmiwannusa (Dead Woman Pass) at 4200 metres |
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John enjoys the view from the pass
(4200 Metres) |
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A Porter moves his heavy load down the trail |
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We enjoy a lunch break at Pacamayo |
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Climbing the old Inca stone steps to the pass near Runcu Raccay ruins |
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Looking down to the old Inca refuge at Conchamarca |
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The Inca Trail as we near our camp at Chaquicocha |
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The Tunnel - Day 3 of the hike |
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Stones steps as we descend from 3800 metres |
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The "group" waits for lunch |
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The Inca village of Winay Wayna ("forever young")discovered in 1947 |
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Another of the old Inca ruins on the Urubamba River |
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We arrive at Aguas Calientes after a short walk along the railway |
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At Machu Picchu, our guide Wilbur, explains how the Inca split large stones - note the wedge points in the crack in the stone |
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Typical Inca stone wall at Machu Picchu |
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The early morning mist starts to lift |
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Machu Picchu comes to life as the overnight mist starts to clear |
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The Old Inca Bridge on the trail near Machu Picchu |
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