Day one of the Inca trail was easy going, a warm up day which allowed us to enjoy the sunshine and amazing scenery along the route. Our group consisted of 14 gringos (the local name for white people) 2 guides, 2 chefs and 16 porters to carry everything - the tents, cooking equipment, food, drink and six kg of our luggage (around 25kg in total). They were also expected to beat us to our campsites (although that probably wasnt hard at times!) to get everything sorted for our arrival, including setting up the tents, preparing the dinner tent and food along with warm water outside to wash our hands, and then they were always there ready to greet us when we arrived. Whenever we stopped for lunch they also had a tent with everything laid out ready for us, it was luxury style camping! They were truly amazing people and highly inspirational!
The second day, which is notoriously the hardest day due to the 3000 steps leading to our highest point along the trail at 4225m started at 5 am. The highest point known as 'dead woman's pass' had a fitting name as we were all extremely knackered by the top. The altitude at this height took its toll on everybody but as a group we managed to finish the day knowing the hardest part was over and once again our tents were assembled and a 3 course meal awaiting our arrival in the evening.
The 3rd day was the longest day but was by far the most beautiful. The trail contoured around the mountainside meaning a relatively flat walk could be spent taking in the beautiful views. It was Tish's birthday so at lunch the chefs prepared a cake covered in icing with a birthday message! We were so impressed with how they managed to prepare it up the mountain. The food was always varied and local which was nice. We finished the walk as the sun set knowing that the next day we would arrive at Machu Picchu.
Day 4 started at 3.30am however we couldn't start walking until 5.30 as we had to wait in a queue. The early start was to try and beat the tourists catching the train up. It also meant we got to watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu from the sun gate. We got there at 8.30am and were given a guided tour around the area and told about some of the history. It was extremely hot by this point and we were all tired and in desperate need of showers, but the satisfaction of reaching the end of the trail put everyone in a good mood.
The walk in general was tiring and the days were long, however we were extremely lucky to have had amazing weather throughout and a fun group to spend the time with. Our guide Johan was quite a character and kept us thoroughly entertained - although 4 days was more than enough of him! If nothing else we learnt that Pacha Mamma means Mother Earth and it was never a coincidence that an Inca wall had 2 or 3 lines - it was always two for male and female (which are also represented by champagne and wine respectively) and three for different worlds.
To finish the trip we caught a train and then a bus back to Cusco for a well deserved rest day and had another delicious meal out in the evening.