Day 3 – Chaullay to Lucmabamba
July 20, 2019
The next two days would be spent crossing over mountains and through the jungles to get to Machu Picchu. The temperature was definitely warmer and the terrain was a drastic change from where we started the day before. This day was probably the easiest of the four although there were several steep climbs along with what Jorge called “Inca flat”. Basically, rolling up and down terrain.
We took our breaks at a couple of locally owned rest areas where we could buy drinks and food if we wished. Many varieties of flowers and other plants became abundant and Jorge would give talks about the history of the area. We ended our day at a coffee plantation and decided to skip the excursion to the nearby hot springs in favor of relaxing at our campsite. Here, we had Jungle Domes to sleep in and a fantastic dinner featuring fruit that was carved into the shapes of animals.
Day 4 – Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes
July 21, 2019
Our final full day of hiking had arrived. I was sore! My left IT Band was causing me pain, especially while walking downhill. For this reason, this day was probably the hardest for me even though the elevation was much lower. It was also HOT!
After a particularly long and steep ascent that had me questioning my decisions and abilities to complete this hike, we arrived at Llactapata. These mountaintop ruins sit across from Machu Picchu. The views are breathtaking! After taking a break and learning about the area, we started the long descent down the other side of the mountain ending at a local’s establishment for lunch. We then headed to Hidroelectrica where we caught the train that would carry us the rest of the way to Aguas Calientes.
We were back in civilization. From waiting among the crowds for our train to arrive to walking through Aguas Calientes to our hotel, it was jarring to be around so many people again after 5 days of relative solitude in the wilderness. After a glorious hot shower and dropping off my dirty clothes at the laundry, the Sexy Frozen Asses met for a final dinner together at a local restaurant. The next morning we would visit Machu Picchu!
Photos
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