Machu Picchu - Day 1

The primary reason we planned a trip to Peru was to hike along the classic Inca trail that leads to Machu Picchu. In order to do it, you're required to go with an approved trekking company and get a permit from the government. After researching many different companies there seemed to be about 5 with consistently good reviews. We chose Peru Treks after comparing pricing and in the end we had a great experience and made some new friends as well. 

We started out with a group of 16, plus our guide, an assistant guide, and about 18 porters. As far as backpacking goes it was pretty cushy. We had our clothing, sleeping bag and pads in our backpacks but the porters carried the tents, food and dishes. Actually, some people hired porters to carry their other items as well. The porters were quite impressive. They carried these huge packs and were so fast, arriving at camp and setting up tents and preparing food before we arrived. In the mornings after breakfast we'd start hiking and before long the porters would have taken down camp and they would pass us along the trail to arrive at the next camp before us. 

The first day was described as the shortest and easiest of the four days, but it was still a challenge for some and the next morning 3 people from our group decided to turn back with the assistant guide and take the train instead. I think living at altitude was a serious advantage for Erik and I. It was a challenging hike but we were well prepared.

We got picked up by a bus from our hotel and they drove our group to Ollantaytambo where we began the hike.

Shortly after we arrived in Ollantaytambo:

The first of many archaeological sites in the background:

A little shop we passed by:

Our group at the start of the hike:

Just starting out:

A cactus in the foreground and a glacier in the background. This day reminded me a bit of Utah:

There were little communities of farmers along the trail so you'd see various animals on occasion:

Viewing an old Inca site from afar:

The dining tent where we ate all our meals as a group. We had the best chips and guacamole that first day as a first course. All of the food during the trip was delicious: