Day 1 - 7 miles

 Inca Trail

Today we started the Inca Trail!  Just a few days ago Lara didn't think she would be able to join because of her pulled hamstring, but she's been feeling better, so we all started off together.

Before we headed out on the trek, we made a quick visit to the small town of Ollantaytambo.  

We had a leisurely start to our day as we waited for Dave and Irene to arrive from the US, so we didn't get on the trail until 11:30.  In fact, our guide was worried.  He said he had never started a hike so late in the day. 

Today we hiked 7 miles with an elevation gain of 1500 Ft.  the trail is dryer that one would have thought with cactus all over.  It's also pepper with little communities that sell water and treats.  Amazingly, despite the basic accommodations, they have electricity and satellite TV.

We started the trek by following the Urubamba River for a couple of miles through a beautiful canyon.  Behind us we could see a glacier topped mountain rising to 19,000 ft.  It's spectacular.  Afterward we headed into another canyon leaving the Urubamba River.  Being surrounded by the towering mountains is majestic.  At one point we came around a bend and below us in the canyon was an impressive archeological site.  Although last used by the Inca, some of these sites are thousands of years old.  We even saw a burial cave that was discovered by National geographic.  We are traveling with our guide, plus a crew of 16 others.  14 Sherpas and 2 cooks.  It feels pretty posh to be trekking and camping while a crew carries our gear, sets up our tents, and cooks our food.

The food is both amazingly delicious and beautifully prepared. When we arrive for lunch, it was all set up with a tablecloth and then served from a lovely platter. It's hard to imagine feeling pampered on a camping trip.  Bet we do.