There has been series of stories about Machu Picchu, Its beauty, and wonders. Yes, they are all true, and I got to have a feel of it. Like many of you, I read the stories and became inquisitive on what was so captivating about the place that attracted thousand of people from all over the world to go on tours and visit it every year. Told me “get ready for fun and adventure”. I went ahead and booked my ticket to Peru, packed my bags and on the D-day set out in high spirit ready for days of adventure.
Peru, a beautiful country in South America, home to a part of the Amazon forest. The country filled with beautiful Peruvians was warm and welcoming. I spent my first two days in the country’s capital Lima going sightseeing and acclimatizing myself to its weather. By the third day, I was ready to see the beautiful Trek.
Booked a tour company, the previous day to make my tour less stressful as I chose to go on the four days trek. The tour company sent a representative to pick me up from my hotel to the train station (the fee paid to the tour company covers transportation and any other fees).
Before embarking on this adventure, it is advised by the tour company that tourists go on altitude training over hilly terrain and get medication in case an altitude sickness might occur.
These are the list of things I packed for my Inca Trail trek:
- Camera and lenses
- Bag pack and bag pack rain cover
- Hiking pole
- Waterproof hiking boot
- Socks
- Towel
- Swimsuits
- Shirts
- Undergarment
- Rain jackets and umbrella
- Bug spray
- Headlamp
- Light jacket
- Flip flops
- Toiletries
- Toothbrush and paste
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Pain relief drugs
- Light weight hat
- Passport
- Coins for the restroom
Since 2014, a rule was put in place restricting tourists from going on treks on their own. Due to this rule, the tour company arranged for a tour guide to accompany us and also to lend insight into the area’s culture and history. Additionally, porters and horses that will help in transporting a large part of our luggage and cooking staffs were also assigned to us.
In other to get access to hike on the trail, we had to arrive early as only 500 people are given access to use the trail at one. We were given tickets, allowed access, and our journey began.
It was four days of fun, bonding with loved ones, sightseeing, adventure and connecting with nature. We were opportune to visit the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial and Burial Grounds.
