Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail!

I just got back from an amazing week in southern Peru hiking the Inca trail with Gabby on our way to Machu Picchu. The whole trip was not entirely what we expected, partially because we both ended up getting sick right before we left, and partially because it was far more stunning than we ever could have imagined! We decided to go the very touristy route and take the 4-day Inca Trail hike from Ollantaytambo (outside of Cusco) to Machu Picchu. 500 people (200 tourists and 300 porters and guides) a day start off on the 43-km hike and although at times it feels like you're in the middle of a log-jam, for the most part the trail is scenic and peaceful and a offers a wonderful possibility to view - and meander through - andean scenery. If you look closely, you'll see a little line of people trekking along the bottom

The trail itself is manageable, although not an easy hike in the woods. We climbed over four mountains, and at our highest point crossed a 4,200 metre pass before descending to sleep at 3,600 metres (it got to -2 that night)

First you go up...and then hike right back down

It was so fun to go with Gabbs, and I'm sure we were helpful at entertaining our fellow tour group members with our incessant giggles, snotty faces, card playing and photo ops at every turn. I miss you already Gabbs!

A few reasons why I am infinitely cooler than Gabby, as exemplified in these photos:
1. Rain pants from 1987
2. Tilley hat
3. Florescent orange water bottle holder
4. Bright purple poncho strapped to my back
5. Thumbs up.
You'll note that Gabby looks like she could be modelling for a Peruvian alpaca wool outdoor adventure company - who looks that good after hiking up 4,200 metres?

Anyways, after passing through some beautiful Incan archaeological sites and agricultural terraces,

we arrived at our final destination - Machu Picchu!

It was really cloudy and foggy when we got there, so you'll have to trust that we really are standing in front of the famous Machu Picchu postcard scene. For those of you who aren't so sure, I'm adding another photo of after the sun burned off some of the mist and you can actually see the mountains in the background

Machu Picchu itself is definitely over-touristed (apparently 1,500 people go a day, although UNESCO has declared 500 to be the maximum sustainable number), but it's easy to see why it is such a sought-after site. It is strikingly beautiful, and quite big, and surrounded on all sides by imposing green mountains. It was more than amazing to arrive there after four days of hiking through the andes, and so inspiring to have a place be so much more than I had imagined.