Peru > Start of the Inca Trail

Today is the Inca Trail. Quite exciting! Breakfast is available from seven o’clock, but not earlier at the hotel. That’s why we only set off at half past seven. At the hotel entrance, the porters are already handling the luggage. Our guide, Lucio, explains the day’s program on the bus, which comes in handy since we didn’t remember all the details from yesterday. Rita realizes on the bus that she forgot her train ticket for day four — it’s still in her hotel room.

Peru - The Inca Trail steps to the top of Warmiwanusca the first pass at 4200 m also known as Dead Womans Pass

Lucio contacts Kristina and asks her to bring the ticket to Machu Picchu. We drive for over two and a half hours by bus to Ollantaytambo. Along the way, we stop at a viewpoint to take photos of the beautiful scenery. Ollantaytambo is bustling with activity. Many vendors try to sell the last-minute necessities for the trip — walking sticks, ponchos, flashlights, etc. We make our way through the crowd, making sure to visit the restroom. Meanwhile, the other porters arrive and begin loading the food supplies into the bus. From Ollantaytambo, we drive along the Urubamba River toward Machu Picchu. At kilometer 82 along the nearby railway line is the starting point of the Inca Trail. All luggage is carefully weighed, since each porter may only carry 15 kilograms, and this is strictly checked at the starting point. Together, we have slightly too much luggage. Two bags have to be carried by hand past the checkpoint. Afterward, the porters take over again. At the suspension bridge over the Urubamba River, we receive our trail tickets and get a stamp in our passports.

Peru - First overnight stop on the Inca Trail in Wayllabamba at 3000 meters

The Inca Trail has officially begun. Along the way, Lucio provides explanations about the trail, as well as the local flora and fauna. At the lunch stop, the porters who went ahead have set up a tent for us. At first, the tent is blown over by gusts of wind, but once it is secured properly, we can eat. We enjoy a full meal with soup, a hot main dish, and tea and coffee. The dining tent — including two tables, folding chairs, full tableware, and much more — has been carried over the mountains. The porters have an incredible amount of equipment with them, which explains why we have twelve porters and two guides for just ten travelers. In the afternoon, we walk toward Wayllabamba. Along the way, we enjoy a great view of the ruins of Llactapata, an ancient Inca town built with terraces against the mountains. Wayllabamba is the first campsite. Here, we notice for the first time that many more groups are on the trail; until now, we’ve mostly walked alone with our group. At a farm, the tents are set up, and we are welcomed with tea, coffee, and popcorn. In the evening, we are served a three-course dinner and then go to bed. Dennis feels unwell upon arrival, so hopefully a night’s sleep will help him feel better.