Inca Trail

After exploring Cusco for a day or two, we were ready to start our Inca Trail hike. The official trek is a four day hike and we couldn't make it work with everything we wanted to accomplish on our trip. Instead we chose what's called the mini-Inca trek. We took a bus from Cusco at the crack of dawn, then took a train.

About an hour into the ride the train stopped in the middle of nowhere. The conductor called 'Scott and Nancy', they let us off, then the train kept going. Apparently that's where the hike begins!

Efra was our knowledgeable guide.

The impressive Winay Wayna from afar.

Getting closer!

Efra was not only our guide but helped us take plenty of pictures. At a waterfall along the way. After denying how necessary they were, I caved and bought a pair of zip-off pants. I learned that everyone on the trail wears them-it's apparently the uniform, and I have to admit they did come in handy. Scotty bought a pair as well, in the same color. How dorky are we?

We've arrived at our first Inca ruin Winay Wayna, which means Forever Young.

It's hard to tell from these pictures, but the ruins are built on a steep hill.

Taking a lunch break. You can see I've already turned the pants into shorts. If only the rest of my wardrobe was this practical!

The terraces were built to sustain crops, and had a system built in to avoid flooding-which is why they are intact after all these years.

Main street.

On our way to the next stop.

This part of the trail is called the 'Gringo Killer'-it's STEEP. The Inca's were apparently daredevils and not at all afraid of heights.

Next stop-Intipunku, or Sun Gate.

Our first view of amazing Macchu Picchu.

We are almost there!