Birthday Girl
We planed our trip to Peru to hike the Inca Trail during the month of March - which in weather terms is similar to the end of our summer weather. It is also the birth month for Kathy and this would be a significant birthday for her.
I can remember planning a trip to be hiking across England on my 60th Birthday, so it was great when we had an opportunity to do something exciting on her 60th. On our first night hiking the Inca Trail, Kathy celebrated her 60th Birthday. I asked the tour company to do something (I wasn’t sure what) to help her celebrate this occasion. Somehow and I don’t know how, they baked her a cake. That was amazing. I brought along some paper birthday plates and a small banner, and the party was set. Great first night and great way to celebrate her 60th !!
Posts from this trip.
Starting at KM 82, the trek to Machu Picchu takes four days. Each day brings its own challenges and vivid memories. The hike is grueling - no doubt about that. Anyone over the age of 60 is required to submit a letter from their doctor stating they are physically capable of strenuous activity at high altitude. For safety reasons, the guides carry spare oxygen to assist anyone who experiences breathing problems
After breakfast, around 8:00 am we re-start our walk from our camp to Ayapata valley, it takes around 1 hour followed by a soft uphill climb through woods and along a stream (3,300 m / 10,824 ft) Today is our great challenge day but with plenty of time to enjoy, it is the biggest climb of our hike, strenuous because you gain 1,200 meters in elevation planned in 2 stages, but your are rewarded with spectacular views up the mountain.
After breakfast, around 7:00 am. The path climbs very steeply from Pacaymayo camp in a well preserved paved path –Camino Inca and takes 1 hour to reach the ruins at Runcuracay, a circular structure with a rectangular outbuildings perched on the edge of the valley, an old Inca -tambo where chaskis rested, guard post, lookout point or a ritual building, the site is best viewed from higher up the path. The second pass (3,950 m / 12,956 ft) called as well as Abra de Runcuracay, is another hour up, beyond a series of false summits and at the top of a series of steep staircases.
We will get up very early -around 4:00 am -to get to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), overlooking Machu Picchu for the first rays of the sunrise. Your hope is that it is sunny morning not foggy. Unfortunately it was fogged in for us. This will be a hike of 1-2 hours, with significant upward stretches in the last half. You will be hiking in darkness for one hour, so a head lamp is strongly recommended please follow instructions of your guides and watch out your steps.