Day 14: Lares

After an uncomfortable night, longing for morning, we were awoken for the last time with a cup of coca tea served in the tent. Breakfast came complete with cake to celebrate the end of the Lares Trek.

In a rather grumpy mood from a bad sleep and a sick tummy, I trudged along with the group until we reached our first stop - an Inca ruin. Sun out in force again and strong even at only 9am, I layered down and lathered on the sun cream. A tedious lesson on the environment ensued, as if we were 10 year olds, before marching down the rest of the wooded trail and reaching the end of the Lares Trek. Out of the wilds of nature and onto a local road, we were greeted by a mini-bus and escorted a short distance to a field with modest outdoor dining facilities.

A glorious few hours were wiled away chilling out in the sun while lunch was prepared. A traditional feast was presented to us and all (except myself due to a sick stomach) got stuck in and enjoyed.

After that, it was time for our farewells. Gathered in a circle, we, the tourists, the porters, the guides and the cooks, stood in a circle. Using our most basic Quechua, we introduced ourselves. Then we were invited to ask questions of the support team and in return questions were asked of us. In the classic directness I've encountered throughout my time in Peru, we were asked about our relationship status. And one by one we had to answer. For every person who said "In a relationship", they booed and hissed, and for every person who said, "single" they cheered and whistled! It was mortifying but also hilarious! After sharing a few words of gratitude (as well as a tip) we hugged and said farewell to the people who brought us safely through the mountains for the previous three days.

On the mini bus once more, we made the very short journey back to Ollantaytambo and were happily reunited with our much loved tour guide, Gino. There we boarded the train for Macchu Picchu town: a luxurious train ride, with windows that merged with skylights, posh dining service and through more landscape that looks like a fantasy.

It was dark when we arrived into Machu Picchu town, expensive and touristy and reachable only by train.

Gino led us to dinner (where I only had a camomile tea in an effort to feel better) and all exhausted from the trek made their way to bed for an early morning. Besides... early start for Machu Picchu tomorrow!

Accommodation: Kantu Inn
Weather: hot, hot afternoon; cool but not cold evening in Machu Picchu
Distance covered: 10km