Let the hiking begin...

After a very serious briefing about what to expect on our trek to Machu Picchu, we packed our almost-dry laundry into small duffle bags, checked our bigger luggage and got ready to meet our guides, Manolo and Pepe.

  

Although the Salkantay Trail is a steeper climb and descent than the more famous Inca Trail, we chose to hike the Salktantay because it is a much quieter trail.  The entire trail sees about 50 hikers per day versus 2,000 on the Inca Trail.

We would be disingenuous, however, not to not disclose that we were also influenced by the accommodations.  The Salktantay Trail offered lodges along the way rather than the camping alternative of the Inca Trail.  We are not too proud to admit that the offer of warm beds and showers was a pretty enticing perk.

With nerves almost in check, we were picked up early in the morning en route to the starting point of our hike. Along the way, we stopped in Limatambo to visit the ruins of Tarawasi (the mastery of Incan architecture and its "niche" method once again on display). We also made a quick stop in Mollepata to visit a local co-operative selling hand-knitted items. Certainly much less prepared than the other hikers on our trip, we took the opportunity to buy a wool hat and some mittens that might be necessary during our trek.  Worryingly, rain and freezing temperatures were quite possible along the way.  

The first part of our trek was designed to help us get us acclimatized by hiking the calm “Camino Real” (Royal Path) for a few hours to get to our first lodge.  

The hike was beautiful, trekking up and down some small hills, while taking in the beautiful flowers and even spotting a condor, which is supposedly quite rare. We also were passed by numerous mules who were returning home after carrying packs over the Pass.  

Besides suffering an unexpected nose bleed and losing Manolo for half an hour while he played a trick on us, the afternoon was serene and peaceful and certainly helped our nerves fade far away.   

Our trusty hiking group:  Karen and Steve, Kathleen, Terri, Kate, Margaret, Janet and Darlene

Our skillful guides:  Manolo and Pepe