Inca Trail - Day 1

The morning before the Inca Trail we boarded a bus and met our Inca Trail guide, Gerson. After a 40 minute bus ride that included a very scary looking drop off very close to our two left wheels, we arrived at "Kilometer 82" where our journey began. 

Team Loco: Mary, me, Marg, Stephanie, Zeo, Ines, Matt, Jo

The beginning of the trail was lovely. The sky was blue and the mountains were green. The first day, there were a number of places along the trail where you can purchase something to drink or use the restroom (for a price just like almost everywhere in Peru). 

The Beginning of the Trail - Uphill

Mary and Gerson

Marg on the Trail

A few miles into the hike, it began to rain. During the next four days, my poncho would be my best friend. As we hiked along, Gerson told us all about the Inca Trail and the Inca.

Mary Enjoying the View

Our first lunch was a big surprise. I really had no idea what to expect. As soon as we walked up, we were shown the bowls for hand washing and then handed some juice. The porters had the tent all setup, and I would call it down right fancy considering we were out hiking!

Mary, Marg, and Matt: Time for lunch!

Approximately 7.5 mile later, we arrived at camp for our first night out on the trail. Our tents were set and ready to go, and the porters had made tea and coffee and little snack. I have to say, we were seriously spoiled when it came to food and care by the porters. The bathrooms on the trail, however, were another matter. (More complaining about that later.) During dinner, the group sat around chatting and getting to know each other. It was nice to be away from the city and enjoying the great outdoors.

Day 2 would be a completely different story and one of the toughest days on the trail: ascending Dead Woman's Pass. 

Day 2: 2.5 Miles after Lunch

Day 1: First 5 Miles