Peru: Part II - The Inka Trail

Because I am a masochist, I opted to take the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu. I think it was the most physically challenging thing I have done in my life.  I would dare to say that it will probably hold the title until I give birth.  Keep in mind, I had not had a chance to fully acclimatize to the altitude, I was on my period (sorry, this is my blog so I can be TMI if I want), and I had a nasty sinus infection... not to mention I am just generally not that physically fit and did not train.  Regardless, I found it to be very rewarding, beautiful, and even testimony building.

We were such fools to be excited about this.

Just a sampling of scenery

There would be random ruins along the way

There were a lot of steps and a lot of inclines

Day 1 was filled with many pretty stream shots

Day 1 I was in denial about my cold symptoms and tried to attribute it to the dust.  Day 2 was when it really started to hit me.  I could not move more than a few steps without needing to relieve my sinuses.  In case you were wondering, when you already have a weak cardiovascular system, a sinus infection, and are in high altitudes, you get exhausted a lot faster.  Day 2 is when you go over Dead Woman's Pass which is the highest point of the journey.  I thought I was going to die.

Some of the jungly part of the trail

I made it to Dead Woman's Pass... ALIVE!

Cloud forest

Porter carrying all of that crap up a steady incline.  These men were amazing.

Penetrating the cloud forest

Seriously it's hard to capture the beauty of the mountains in a picture

So, our hiking group had a tour guide (Rivileno AKA Papasito - he is giving me the high five at Dead Woman's Pass) and an assistant tour guide (Jesus).  Since I was behind the group, it was a joke that "Allana is with Jesus."  (pronounced Gee-zus rather than Hey-sews).  However, after spending basically the whole 4-day hike with this man, I have to say his mother named him well!  He used to be a porter, and as such insisted on carrying my backpack since I was sick. I of course refused - it was my load to bear, I shouldn't get special treatment, I don't want to inconvenience him, etc.  I was much to proud to accept help.  Eventually, he did not take no for an answer though and stole my bag when I was on a potty break.  He stayed pretty close to me as my pack had my water (we joked that he was giving me the living water).  By the time he took my pack, it was POURING rain.  At this point, I was so overwhelmed by exhaustion, feeling like crap, and gratitude I was practically sobbing as I was walking.  I was just so grateful for this man and his service to me.  And I think the Lord had to give me such an obvious reminder (I mean, really, his name was Jesus?) so I could remember the Savior.  How often do I feel too proud to accept the Savior's help?  I figure I can do it on my own, I brought myself into this mess so I can bring myself out, etc.  However, the Savior is there to help us along the way and relieve us of some of our burdens.  Although the Savior cannot take our trials away all the time, he can make them a little easier if we turn to Him for comfort and guidance.  It was a very profound moment for me and if for nothing else, I was glad that I could go through this tough journey just to have that reminder.

The night between Day 2 and Day 3 I did not sleep at all.  I got so emotional because I did not know how I was going to do it.  Day 3 I even became nauseous.  Ugh... But still, so much beautiful scenery to behold.

Random tunnel - don't I look like such an official hiker?

The crew of porters, cooks, guides, and tourists.

Anyone can fake triumph for a few second.

More ruins.

Take home message for the Inka Trail: very hard, but very rewarding.  If I can do it, most people can.  But of course it would be preferable to train and be in better shape...