So after 4 connections and 24 hours of plane time we finally arrived in Cusco on Friday 4th. We had to spend the night in Santiago's airport. Fun times. So Cusco is a beautiful place but the closest to a third world town that we have ever seen. The streets are cobble stone or mud and the buildings of course are very old. Kent and I felt right at home with the mountains and the greenery. Our hostel cost us $18 dollars a night and was beautiful. We met up with our friend Andrew from Colorado and got right to exploring. We went out for dinner at this amazing restaurant and had Alpaca Steak and the coolest dish of the night was bananas wrapped in bacon. I now it sounds weird but you should try it! We ended up getting a hell of a dinner for around $30 dollars for all three of us. One of the most interesting dishes they serve here is called Kuy (Guinea Pig). We haven't had it yet but will not leave the country without trying it! We be sure to show you a picture of that one.
So the most interesting and unbelievable parts of Cusco was hiking the Inca Trail. This is absolutely, hands down the coolest thing Kent and I have ever done, besides of course getting married. This 4 day trek literally took us back in time and allowed us to follow in the same footsteps as many of the Inca's did some 500 to 1000 years ago. The history, symbolism, and meaning of their life was just beautiful to see and experience. I would recommend this trip for all ages at any time in your life. Just to give you a brief description of the trek and then I will just show you photos to explain the rest. We trekked for 4 days a total of 27 miles, 3 passes, and camped in the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The first night we camped in the back of a small village with the donkeys, chickens, and tarantula's. The second night we camped out at 12,800 feet just below the first pass we had to climb the next morning. That night we saw more stars that we ever have, and for the first time the "Southern Cross". The 3rd night we camped at 12,200 feet right beside the tallest mountain "Salcantay" standing at an enormous 21,000 feet. We stayed in Aguas Calientes on the fourth night and returned back up to Machu Picchu for the 5th day. The food was amazing and our guide Edison had 18 years of experience under his belt and taught us so many things about the Incas as well as the environment. We had 6 porters that carried everything (50 lbs) up and down these passes, RUNNING in sandals. These guys are beasts. The record time for a porter completing this hike with no weight is a little over 4 hours, insane right. On the 5th day we went back up to the ruins early in the morning and climbed Winapichu and then got a 4 hour of the ruins.
Well I could write a book about this trip. But I will just show you pictures for now.
So the most interesting and unbelievable parts of Cusco was hiking the Inca Trail. This is absolutely, hands down the coolest thing Kent and I have ever done, besides of course getting married. This 4 day trek literally took us back in time and allowed us to follow in the same footsteps as many of the Inca's did some 500 to 1000 years ago. The history, symbolism, and meaning of their life was just beautiful to see and experience. I would recommend this trip for all ages at any time in your life. Just to give you a brief description of the trek and then I will just show you photos to explain the rest. We trekked for 4 days a total of 27 miles, 3 passes, and camped in the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The first night we camped in the back of a small village with the donkeys, chickens, and tarantula's. The second night we camped out at 12,800 feet just below the first pass we had to climb the next morning. That night we saw more stars that we ever have, and for the first time the "Southern Cross". The 3rd night we camped at 12,200 feet right beside the tallest mountain "Salcantay" standing at an enormous 21,000 feet. We stayed in Aguas Calientes on the fourth night and returned back up to Machu Picchu for the 5th day. The food was amazing and our guide Edison had 18 years of experience under his belt and taught us so many things about the Incas as well as the environment. We had 6 porters that carried everything (50 lbs) up and down these passes, RUNNING in sandals. These guys are beasts. The record time for a porter completing this hike with no weight is a little over 4 hours, insane right. On the 5th day we went back up to the ruins early in the morning and climbed Winapichu and then got a 4 hour of the ruins.
Well I could write a book about this trip. But I will just show you pictures for now.
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