Walking to one of the marvels of the world.

Hey lads! We are back to Cuzco after four days trekking and ticking off Machu Pichu of the must see places list! Hanging around the Incas ruins was a highlight, but what made it more special was the way we got there, after walking on the ancient Inca Trail and passing through amazing landscapes and Inca constructions. Of course the physical effort was significant and that increased the feeling of self-fulfilment.
The Inca trail is basically a 43 Km. walk through an ancient Inca path that leads to the sacred city of Machu Pichu. It is an alternative to the train and buses to get there and is extremely popular, so we had to book it 3 months in advance as only 500 people per day are allowed to walk it.
The first day of the Inca trail was the easiest and shortest but we finished dripping wet! We walked about four hours through flat terrain just to get to the camp site. In a way was good to warm up for the next days and to get to know the people in our group of twelve; 4 Uruguayans, 4 French and 2 Americans with whom we built up a good connection and enjoyed so much.
The second day is considered the hardest one as we had to climb from 3,000m to the first mountain pass at 4,300m. It was all the way uphill and very steep but we made it quite fast and without many problems. We guess that the fact that we had been in Bolivia for a month and a half, and doing walks in high altitudes helped us to acclimatize, and boys, we are getting fitter and fitter!
The third day was perhaps the most tiring one because it was a long day. We got an early call at 5am and we walked until 5pm stopping for lunch and visiting a couple of minor Inca ruins on the way. We had to climb two more mountains pass until we got to the last camp, where we had the privilege of access to showers and beers! It was a special night lads, we slept just behind Machu Pichu, two hours away of achieving the final target! The willing of getting there was stronger than the hangover when we had to wake up at 4am, so we rushed ourselves to the Sun Temple and doorway to the Machu Pichu to enjoy the sun rise. And uhhhhhh, we could barely see each other faces!! It was foggy and raining. We did not get a glimpse of Machu Pichu, we were about to cry! All disappointed we walk down to the base of the ruins and did a short tour around. And then, when we almost had lost all the hope, the weather cleared up and ohhhhhhhh we were in the middle of one of the
most awesome scenarios! No matter how many times you have seen in it pictures! It is one of these magic places that we have on earth, a marvel of engineering located in a wonderful spot. Ok, the ruins are impressive, but it is the setting with towering mountains and vegetation what gives them something extra.
We decided to struggle and with a final effort we climbed Wayna Pichu, the mountain you see behind the ruins on the typical picture and where they build the Moon Temple. That was a one hour climb up stone stairs to finally get to the summit and enjoy a different perspective of Machu Pichu. Back down there was time to hang around and take more shoots.
Overall the Inca Trail was great, we did not like the way the agencies handle it, but we definitely enjoyed it! The worst part of it was seeing the porters carrying 25Kg or more and the treatment they receive. Their role is part of the circus. The agencies could easily improve their situation, but instead of that, they push the tourists to tip them for the tough job. They treat them more as a beast of burden than humans.
Now back to Cusco, we decided to spoil ourselves with a nice hostel and tasty meals. We will stay around for 5 days visiting the surroundings and getting ready for the next hike to Choquekirau.
All the best!