Cuzco, Then...Trek Time!
Our small hotel in Cuzco (can't remember the name) was within walking distance of the Cathedral on the main square, La Plaza de Armas. It was well situated, and the various restuarants in Cuzco were pretty darn good. Peru is known for its "Cuy", roasted (or stuffed) Guinea Pig. It's supposed to be quite a delicacy, but that was one word we memorized to avoid on menus. Once again, I don't eat "Bambi", "Little Bunny Foo Foo", or pet Guinea Pigs.
Chris took us on a walking tour which included the Inca wall of Hatunrumiyoc; Cuzco's fortress citadel, Sacsayhuaman (it took 20,000 workers 90 years to finish); and Tambomachay, constructed on top of a natural spring, which is why it was called "Bath of the Incas."
Our guide reversed this part of our itinerary, cutting out one day in Cuzco, because he found out that a fabulous Corpus Christi celebration was going to take place, after our trek. This way, we'd be there for all the festivities instead of completely missing it. What a flexible guide.
The next day, we drove to the start of our Inca Trek at Chilca (or Kilometer 77) though most trekkers usually start at Kilometer 88. The stone-paved trail was built by the Incas to get to the citadel of Machi Picchu, and was first explored by Hirman Bingham in 1911, opened to walkers in 1970.
Our porters and camp crew were waiting with all the equipment. All we had to carry were our daypacks.
Day One/Camp One - The trail started out "flat" and led to Wayllabama (Huyayllabamba), a quiet village and the last settlement on the route. It took 11-12km's of walking to reach this Camp 1....huffing and puffing while Indian women and children raced beside us selling Inca Kola which they had schlepped from their villages.
Day Two/Camp Two - We thought this was going to be the toughest day on the trail. A three- to four-hour climb up and over Warmiwanusca Pass, aptly named "Dead Woman's Pass", at 13, 600'. Steep and straight up. It was a rainy day and cool so instead of going on, climbing to the SECOND PASS, Chris decided to make camp down at Runkurakay, and see what the weather God had in store for tomorrow.
Cloud Forest Camp Two
No argument from our group.....
