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Machu Picchu Pilgrimage Dawn & Diane

By : Dawn Ross
Trip Begins May 11, 2011
Trip Ends May 21, 2011

I went on this adventure with my friend Diane. We are 55 years old and have known each other since university. This was a fabulous trip that I will never forget. I hope some day you'll be able to travel the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu also!
See my photos : Machu Picchu Pilgrimage Dawn & Diane

Want to go? Machu Picchu Pilgrimage

I went to: Peru, Lima, Costa del Sol, Cachiccata Trek, Inca Trail, Cusco, Machu Picchu Ruins, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail Day 1: Huayllabamba, Inca Trail Day 2: Pacaymayo, Inca Trail Day 3: Phuyupatamarca
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May 11, 2011
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Toronto, Canada to Lima Peru

Toronto, Ontario canada

Today we started our big adventure. Diane and I are 55 years old with 3 grown children. We had read about hiking the Inca Trai to Machu Picchu and decided it was something we would like to do. We knew it would be a challenge, but also a great "Bucket List" trip. Many people didn't think we could do it , but we proved them wrong.
Our day started early with me picking up Diane at 5:15am and heading to the Toronto airport park n' fly.
Our first flight was at 8:30 am from Toronto to Newark, New Jersey, and then at 2:20 Newark to Lima, Peru.
Both flights were great and passed quickley.
We got our luggage, had many offers for a taxi, but our hotel, Costa Del Sol - Ramada, was right across the street from the airport. How convenient that was. Our room was great and we enjoyed a welcome Pisco Sour at the bar. It was very good.

May 12, 2011
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Lima to Cusco

Costa del Sol, Lima

We were up at 6am to a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel. Our flight to Cusco departed at 10:10 am via TACA airlines. They served nice sandwich and danish. The view on the flight was spectacular! The scenery was endless valleys & snow capped mountains. Truly beautiful.
Our guide Vidal met us as the Cusco airport with a van and driver. They took us to the Taypikala hotel, got us registered and agreed to meet around 2 when the other couple arrived. The hotel is very nice, beautifully decorated and peaceful outdoor garden. They always had Coca tea in the lobby. Our room was great ! I was feeling a little light-headed so I started my Acetazolamide. We went out for a walk around the cobbled narrow streets.
We met up with Vidal and the other couple Peg and Chris and walked to the Qorikancha Museum and Church of Santo Domingo. It was a very interesting introduction to the Inca's. Thru the Spanish invasion and earthquakes, the perfectly fitting Inca walls and structures have survived Vidal has a wealth of knowledge. We then had a wonderful lunch/supper at a great restaurant Vidal knew about. I had a delicious potato, mushroom stew. After lunch we visited the Cathedral in the main square, Plaza de Armas. The cathedral inside is beautiful, with many altars of silver and gold and often with fresh flowers. The paintings have been adapted to reflected the Inca Peruvian way of life. We said goodbye to Vidal after that and that evening Diane and I went to see a Traditional Dance and Music show. It was great. We then wandered back to our hotel and were in bed by 8:30pm, as we were quite tired.

May 13, 2011
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Sacred Valley

Cusco

After a good buffet breakfast we all met Vidal. We rented a van and driver today . We decided to drive out to the farthest point and work our way back.
We drove out to Pisac. The scenery along the way was beautiful. We all decided on a longer hike around Pisac. It is a spectacular Inca Ruin area high up on a hill with many terraces and steep paths. I think this was the test to see if we would be able to handle the Inca Trail. Vidal and Chris and Peg were in no rush and very patient with our bit slower pace. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm. You for sure need lots of water and sun screen! At the end of the trail there were a lady selling orange juice which really hit the spot and also one selling some woven ribbons to tie around our Tilley hats so we bought one of those also. Our driver was waiting for us and we then headed into the town for lunch. We had a very delicious buffet lunch at Dona Clorinda. We then stopped at a few more Inca sites with our final one being Sacsayhuaman, sounds like sexy women. This is a huge site with huge rocks and hard to imagine how they ever built this. We returned to our hotel and reviewed the next days plans.
After we walked to the main plaza , had supper at Yucca Mamma Grill, bought a few souvenirs, returned to the hotel to pack to leave the next morning. In bed early again. Cusco is a very clean, safe feeling city and we had no hesitation going out in the evening, as it was dark by 5:30 pm

May 14, 2011
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On the way to Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo

Today Peg & Chris were off on a White Water rafting adventure so Diane and I were alone with Vidal.
Our driver took us to Chinchero first. It is a neet Inca town at 12,000' It has narrow cobbled streets going up the hill, so many stairways again, and agricultural terraces. There was a beautiful church with many paintings on the ceilings and walls and also framed paintings. Vidal is very knowledgeable about everything!
We had a demonstration for the weaving, and saw how they spun the wool, got the colours to dye and then weave it. Very interesting! Vidal ran into a family he knew that was headed out to their potato farm so we gave them a ride and helped out a bit. We helped gather big clumps of earth that they used to build an oven, in which they started a fire and would cook some potatoes and bean. I tried some corn beer with strawberry , It was really good. It was very interesting to interact with a local family. It is great to be in a small group, with a great local guide, to give us such opportunities.
After visiting the Salt Mines we drove to Moray, where there are round terraces, like an amphitheatre. Vidal told Diane and I to go wander around and he would get a snack ready. Actually he set up lunch! A table, chairs, tablecloth, dishes and the most delicious lunch of pasta, chicken, bread, pasta, pop, mango cake and tea. WOW! Also in a beautiful mountain setting! You really couldn't ask for anything more. We then took a long, winding,narrow road to Ollantaytambo. The Inca fortress here goes up the side of the mountain. There were great views from the top, but many stairs to get there. Another pre Inca Trail test!
After we checked into our hotel, El Sauce. It was very nice. As we sat in the lobby they brought us a nice pot of coca tea. Actually we didn't seem to have a problem with the altitude. After we wandered the narrow streets of town, had supper at Heart Cafe and then back to our room. Again we were very tired by 8:30pm.

May 15, 2011
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Cachiccata - Healthy Breakfast Program

Cachiccata Trek, Peru

We woke to a beautiful sunny day. After a simple breakfast we met our guide for today, Alberto and our driver George. Today is our Healthy Breakfast Program excursion. We are very excited about this. We will be going to a market to buy some food for breakfast to take to the children at a nearby school.
Alberto took us to the local market in Ollantaytambo. It was really interesting. We bought apples, cheese, buns, oatmeal, sugar and milk. We then drove along a narrow, rickety road across the valley and river and up to Cachiccata. Alberto had called ahead so they had a very large pot of water on the fire ready when we got there. Because it was Sunday , and not a school day, it was set up in a yard. Soon after we arrived word got out that we were here and the children started arrriving, with a cup in their hand. They ranged in age from 2 to 16 and there were about 35 children altogether.
While waiting for the oatmeal to cook we handed out the apples. Diane and I had brought school supplies . Canada souvenirs and some fun things. We had 3 bottles of bubbles which they enjoyed trying to catch and also some balls and a soft football which the boys enjoyed playing with.
Then the oatmeal was ready, they make it more as a drink. They all sat around eating and drinking. We took lots of pictures of the children and they liked seeing themselves on the camera. They sang a couple songs for us. They were all really polite and happy and laughing. We then had to say goodbye. It was a great experience visiting with the children and we would highly recommend to everyone.
We had a fabulous lunch at a nearby community restaurant and then had some free time in town.
We watched some local costumed dancers and bands that we happened upon. They were very good.
We had a delicious supper at the Heart Cafe in the main plaza of Ollantaytambo. I will miss this town, it is very peaceful and beautiful.
Tonight we pack for our hike! Vidal had given us each a duffel bag for our things the porters will carry and we get our daypacks ready also. There is a full moon tonight, and FYI the phases of the moon rotate the opposite way on this side of the equator.

May 16, 2011
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INCA TRAIL!!

Inca Trail, Peru

The Big Day. After breakfast we take our van, with Vidal of course,and drive aout 45 min. to Kilometer 82. We met our 10 porters. Yes! 10 porters for the 4 of us and Vidal. The porters even carry a propane tank for cooking. After we all get checked thru the passport control, 11am, we head across the bridge over the Urubamba river and up the first hill. It is a beautiful sunny day. There is a fair amount of up and down hills, we huff and puff a bit. Vidal says this is Peruvian Flats! I don't think Peruvians have ever seen the Prairies back in Canada. They are flat! This here would be considered hilly back home.
The scenery is already magnificient! We see many wild flowers, hummingbirds, and Inca ruins, including Llactapata, which is amazing.
Our snack bag includes an orange, chocolate, oreo cookies and candy. We arrive at the lunch spot around 2 where the porters have a delicious meal of soup, chicken pie, broccoli,cucumber, avocado fruit drink and tea.
We set out again and soon the porters pass us. Vidal teaches us to stay to the mountain side of the path when porters or especially donkeys are passing by , to be sure we don't get accidentally knocked off the side of the hills. A couple more hours and we make it to our first camp. There were a few spots along the way to buy water and gatorade and also at our camp spot. We are camped beside a local families home. We met their little girl, Chiquita. Very cute.
It does get dark here in Peru by 5:30 this time of year and by supper it is getting cooler. Time for the long sleeve top, and fleece jacket and warm hat. Supper was delicious and there is always lots to eat. Soon after we retire to our tents.

May 17, 2011
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Conquering Dead Women's Pass!

Inca Trail Day 2: Pacaymayo, Inca Trail

Our porters came to our tent at 6am offering coca tea or coffee, and 10 minutes later brought a basin of warm water to wash up. This is what I call pampered camping!
After a delicious breakfast and filling our water containers we headed out on the trail at 7:30am.
Today was an uphill day. Again the scenery is spectacular and saw a flock of parrots! There were many uneven stairs. I called it the never ending stairway to heaven. Vidal was fabulous. Very patient and letting us all take our time. Chris and Peg were usually a bit ahead of us so Vidal went between us. It was great to come around a bend and see him sitting waiting for us. He had a peruvian flute,(it looked like a recorder to me), I forget its proper name but it was very inspirational to hear him playing it along the way. We had a great lunch again and after many, many more stairs, a great sense of humour and determination, we finally reached Dead Women's Pass at 3:15. What a magnificient view! The clouds on the other side were flowing up and over the pass, like smoke. It felt great conquering this pass. It was now getting a bit cooler and we still had another 1 & 1/2 hrs to go to our camp site. Downhill is almost as challenging as uphill due to the uneven steps. The walking sticks are a great help.
We were probably the last trekers to arrive at camp, had another delicious supper and a great sleep. and yes I needed my winter hat on this night.

May 18, 2011
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Two Passes to the Ultimate Campsite!

Inca Trail Day 3: Phuyupatamarca, Inca Trail

Day 3 is a little easier with two shorter passes.
We started the day again waking to hot tea and warm water brought to our tent and then an amazing breakfast. Another beautiful weather day.
Todays trek was filled with different lush vegetation and the clouds moving in and out of the valleys below us. The views again were spectacular, with glacier topped mountains. We went thru some tunnels, caves and there were some sheer drop-offs along the side of the trail in some places.
The campsite was fabulous, up high in the mountains. The views were great, with the clouds constantly moving in and out below us and around us. It is so peaceful! The songbirds were singing.
We had another delicious supper and Vidal even had some wine for us.

May 19, 2011
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The Final Trek to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Ruins, Peru

We woke to a beautiful sunny morning. The glacier across the way is gorgeous. This is our last breakfast with the porters. They all are so friendly and happy and laughing all the time. We will miss them!
The morning is all downhill, hot and sunny. I must admit I was feeling a bit weary this morning. But the great views and delicious lunch soon revive me. Vidal says today is again "Peruvian Flats" or "easy-peasy". After lunch it is a bit uphill, with the 2nd last stairway, like climbing up a ladder. The fellow ahead of me referred to it as having to crawl up like a cat. It was almost straight up so be sure and don't lean back or you will end up at the bottom again starting over.
The next and finally stairway is to the Sun Gate, Intipunku. Here we are rewarded with the most awesome site ever! Down below us is Machu Picchu. It is soooo beautiful, I can't stop smiling! The feeling inside is something I will always remember. There is no better way to first see Machu Picchu other than arriving thru the Sun Gate.
It is still a bit of a hike down, but some llamas joined us and poised for pictures. After taking numerous pictures is was about 3:30 so we all agreed to go to our hotel and return in the morning for a full tour with Vidal. We take one of the many buses down the switchbacks to Aguas Calientes. Our original hotel is booked up so we get upgraded to the most beautiful hotel I have ever been in. Our bags are delivered there. We enjoy a wonderful shower and head over to the restaurant. We enjoy a complimentary Pisco Sour and chat with somne other trekers. After a delicious supper we go to the hot tub and then retire for the night.

May 20, 2011
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Exploring Machu Picchu

Cusco, Peru

After a wonderful sleep and delicious breakfast we met Vidal at 7:00am in the lobby. He had already arranged the tickets to go back to Maccu Picchu and the hotel was to deliver our bags to the train station.
We spent 2-3 hours at the site. It is a very facinating place. Vidal was great at guiding us around and telling us all the facts. He is very knowledgeable. I took many pictures and enjoyed hearing all about the Inca's.
Back in Aguas Calientes we had a great lunch outdoors and some musicians came along a played for a while.
I bought a few post cards and then we were off to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. It is a beautiful train ride along the Urabamba River. We had a great meal and there was even a fashion show.
Our driver was waiting for us at the other end, we got our suitcases from the hotel and then drove to Cusco.
It was very sad to say goodbye to Vidal. He was the best! I couldn't imagine the trip without him. He was so kind, patient, friendly and knowledgeable. Adventure Life is lucky to have him as a guide.
We had a nice supper by the plaza and bought a few things to take back home.

May 21, 2011
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Finding the Ultimate Ceviche

Lima, Peru

We enjoyed the morning sun at the Plaza de Armas, took a few final photos and then headed to the airport to catch our flight to Lima.
In Lima we had arranged a tour with Monica Tours. They met us at the airport and took us for a tour of the city. We went to one museum, Museo Arqueologico Rafael Larco Herrera. It was a wonderful museum and we spent about 1 hour there with our guide. After that we drove to Plaza Mayor. As we had limited time we just strolled around the park area looking at the outsides of the buildings. We then headed to Barranco for supper. We had a fabulous supper overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The surfers we out and the evening was perfect.
For an appetizer we had the Ceviche, and it was fabulous. I had the tuna for my main course , it also was very delicious. Monica then picked us up and took us back to the airport. Our flight home departed at 10:30pm

This was truly to most wonderful trip I have been on. The Andes are breathtaking, the people friendly and the cities very clean. We were lucky that our weather was perfect.
Adventure Life has made sure that every detail was looked after for us. We felt pampered the whole time and it was great being in a small group. Alll of their guides and drivers were wonderful and our accomodations were great.
Tips for future travellers: A day pack that has a bladder/camel pack for your water is great. The porters have lots of water to fill your water holder every morning and it tastes fine. The bag of snacks they gave us each morning were more than enough for the day. There were always bathrooms where we stopped for lunch and of course at the campsites. The sun was hot so a wide brimed hat was great to have, plus good sun screen. We only trained a little before the hike but with a great sense of humour and determination we did the hike fine. We were the last hikers each day, but we truly enjoyed the scenery.
I will always remember this trip and look forward to travelling with Adventure Life again.

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