The Most Amazing Hike in the World

Day 6 – July 18, 2017

A belated Happy Father’s Day to all the Fathers reading this post. Joe, Adam, Barry and I noted that it is one Father’s Day we will long remember. [Note: It is also Father’s Day in Peru.]

There are a few items of interest that I have been saving for now so that I could share them in a list. Who knew that Peru had:

Many forms of cactus (I guess I should say cacti for the Latin scholars among you);

Eucalyptus trees imported from Australia that are now taking over the country;

Bamboo at very high altitudes; and

151 varieties of orchids?

We boarded the Vistadome train (i.e. a train with skylights so we could see the mountains as we rode through the Urubamba Valley) toward Macho Picchu. Note, it is very important to pronounce the place Machu Pic-chu (pick-chu … not pee-chu) for reasons that cannot be explained in this family friendly blog. I will let your mind wander on this one or your curiosity lead you to do some research on the un-preferred pronunciation. The train follows the Urubamba River that is gushing and winding through imposing rock formations. The mountains rise sharply from the River at 80° or more (we joked that it appeared to be more than 90° at times – for the geometrically challenged, that means the mountains were hanging out over the rail line).

There were some interesting views along the way. Once again, we got to see our steadfast girlfriend – Mount Veronica. What a majestic peak! The restroom on the train had an open window (I kid you not) that allowed the inhabitant to continue experiencing the wonderful views along the River. This was a new experience for yours truly – taking pictures while taking care of business.

Mount Veronica from a different angle, viewed from our train seats. 

 A view of the Urubamba River from the window of

the facilities, toilets, bano, loo or whatever you want to call it.

We disembarked the train before getting to Macho Picchu (remember, Pic-chu) station at KM104 (kilometer 104). This was the starting point for our hike to the Sun Gate at Macho Picchu (remember, …). We walked over a rope bridge that spanned the Urubamba River and set off into the Amazon rain forest. Yes, we are officially in the Amazon rain forest. From Ollantaytambo to this point, the ecosystem and climate changed dramatically (in a mere 27 miles). The weather was warmer, more humid and the vegetation was truly a rain forest … but at 8000 feet. We were in the tropics.

The entrance to the rope bridge and the Incan Trail at KM 104.

The Urubamba river from the center of the rope bridge. 

I will try not to gush too much about the hike, but it was spectacular … fantastic … unbelievable … astonishing … indescribable … incomprehensible … breath-taking (in all senses of that word) … stellar. I will let the pictures tell the story, but the sufficient statistics (for you statistical types out there) for the trip were: we hiked 6 miles in 6 hours with an elevation change of 179 floors (according to the indisputable iPhone app). That’s about 2,148 feet of hiking uphill. It was very challenging at times, but the experience was worth every second. It was hot at times (i.e. tropical), but when we were under the jungle canopy, it was actually cool and refreshing (when eating lunch along the trail in a particularly shady spot in an Incan structure that was a ‘rest stop’ for travelers at the time, Joe had to put on his pullover to stay warm). Here are some pictures with captions to help you understand what you are viewing.

An opening in the foliage on an early part of the Incan Trail.

Steve, Adam and Barry who walked ahead of Joe for this shot.

 One of the 100,000 incredible views from along the trail back into the Urubamba Valley.

This gives an idea of the trail. You can see the "line" along the side of the mountain that is the trail as it disappears into the distance around the mountain side.

We are heading toward that "bare spot" on the opposite mountain (eventually),

which is about halfway along our full trek to Machu Picchu.

A selfie along a sunny part of the Trail.

We are getting closer to that "bare spot" which is, of course, an Incan ruin.

Getting closer still, but still a long way to go.

A refreshing waterfall where Joe, Adam and Steve splashed some cool water on themselves.

Note that our apparel may look different since we dressed in layers and were shedding them as the sun intensified and the exertion along the Trail increased. 

Some of the ledges along the trail were very steep and deep

with the Trail narrowing to 2-3 feet wide.

This is the "bare spot" - the Incan settlement of Winay Wayna (translation: forever young).

The number of terraces and steepness was astounding.

The view from atop Winay Wayna, including the Urubamba Valley,

and yes, our girlfriend, Veronica, in the far distance.

Climbing the steps at Winay Wayna.

One view from near the top looking down on Winay Wayna.

Another view from WW (for short).

Back on the jungle part of the Trail.

Our guide Ronnie is ahead.

Here is where you had to "channel you inner monkey" as Joe said, and we got on all fours to climb the indescribably steep steps toward the Sun Gate.

The entire hike ended with an ascent of about 100 steep steps up to the Sun Gate. As you pass through the gate and turn the corner, viola!!!! There lies Machu Picchu (remem …) about 900 feet below. Simply stunning. After tarrying there for 30 minutes with all the requisite pictures, we hiked the 1KM down to the actual city of Macho Picchu (re …), where we once again took too many pictures, but we just couldn’t help it. The weather was absolutely perfect and the views … well, just see the pictures below. There really are no words to describe it. THIS IS A 45 YEAR DREAM COME TRUE FOR STEVE !! In my younger years, I thought visiting Machu Picchu was an impossibility. But, as The Alchemist says, “When you pursue your dreams, the whole world conspires to help you achieve them.” It’s true !!

The final ascent to the Sun Gate (the bright spot at the top of the steep staircase).

The view of Machu Picchu 900 feet below when I walked through the Sun Gate .

Breath-taking !!!

After leaving the site, we checked into the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge right outside the park. Oh my goodness … what a delight. First, it is so convenient … others have to take a bus for 30 minutes down the mountain to another hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town on the Urubamba River below. Second, the restaurant was amazing … alpaca (of course), sea bass, lamb, beef tenderloin, trout carpaccio, … It was a five star line-up. AND, the whole deal is all-inclusive … all the drinks in the bar, dinner, breakfast and lunch (we all agreed the price was worth it). We took full advantage of all of it, and then collapsed in our rooms for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Up at 5:30 AM for our 100 foot walk to the park entrance at 6AM.