Inca Trail completed - Arrived at Machu Picchu. 17th April 2017

Monday 17^th April 2017

Complete Inca Trail

Both Iain and I woke up with something having bitten both of our left eyes. The eyes had swollen up so that we could hardly see out, but not painful.  Diane was helpless with laughter when she named it ‘Shrek 4’. The porters were mortified and supplied little tied plastic bags with ice-cold stream water to relieve the swelling.  We said goodbye to 5x of the younger porters who had to disappear and get ready to meet the next group – they were all very happy with their tips, and also to be running down the mountain which was a lot easier than going up! Lovely group of lads.

 

We started down a vertiginous trail which was not one for the feint-hearted, but we were by now committed. I felt sorry for anyone who tried to manage it in the dark!  Part of the trail took us through a long cave, and passing Incypata.  Uneven and deep stone Inca steps helped us descend quickly for about 3 hours to the ruins of Winaywayna, a lovely Inca site in dense forest.  The complex had been used by farmers who used the terracing system to reclaim the steep slopes for agriculture. 

Lunch was alfresco, but still at a table, with a full three course lunch of soup, meat/pasta/vegetables and pudding.  Extremely hot weather.   We said goodbye to the remaining porters and Alfredo our cook, and had a photo taken with them all. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the afternoon, we walked another 2 hours through more spectacular scenery and seeing the back end of the Machu Picchu mountain. The river was far below and gradually we were getting lower in height. Sadly though, after again having to climb some steps we found the ‘Gringo Killer’ steps – 50x steps which are not wide enough to put your foot on fully, rounded, and Very steep. I abandoned my walking poles and crawled up using hands and feet. Pathetic!  

Finally. Finally… we reached Intipunku, the Sun Gate, from where we had our first glimpse of Machu Picchu.  I could hardly breathe and actually didn’t take much notice until I had a chance to collect myself. A nice American girl saw me and asked where I had arrived from, as she saw the small walled gate we’d crawled through. I explained that it had taken four days to get there and she said it had taken her about 40 minutes from the other side main entrance!!! 

We took the statutory photos, and luckily the weather was still glorious.  Eventually we walked through to Machu Picchu and took a shuttle bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes.   

Found out we weren't booked into hotel we thought had been booked! Ran out of time to get a massage or use the hot springs. Shifted all our gear to new hotel which immediately had a power cut. Walked up 5 floors to room. Sorted laundry out and gave it to lovely man who was waiting in reception (arranged by Walter). Further power cut when wanted a shower.  Incredible.  Went for a quick pizza and pisco sour. laundry returned 10.30pm. Luckily Iain was still awake to receive it. I was asleep!