July 23, 2012

Machu Picchu

7/21 IMG guide Kelly Ryan reports that all is well as the Salkantay trek draws near completion.  Kelly and two members hiked over the llacapata pass today. Kelly reported absolutely stunning views of where the team had come from, Salkantay, and where they were going, Machu Pichu, from a clearing near one of the Inca sites on the trail. They enjoyed the cool morning air on the climb up the old inca trail and saw large flocks of parrots, coffee and bannana farms, and great views. The rest of the team opted on a  a slower morning and breakfast before heading  on a shorter option out. The entire team will meet up again  for lunch and the train ride to Aguas Calientes.

7/22 The group is all back safe and sound in Aguas Calientes and ready to say their goodbyes to their local lead guide in the morning.  Two members and the guide got up early to catch the sun rise and climb Machu Pichu Peak. They were the first ones to the top and had the summit to themselves for a while. The rest of the team headed up later and met up with the others for a great tour of Machu Picchu. The afternoon was spent checking out the markets and eating lunch in Aguas Calientes. One member tried guinea pig and reported it tastes like chicken…..sort of.

The team will be flying to Lima today, then connecting for flights back to the US.

What a great ending to a spectacular adventure!

George Dunn

July 19, 2012

Great days on the trail to Machu Picchu! (Kelly Ryan)

Kelly Ryan checked in from just below Salkantay Pass (15,180ft.) on their trek to Machu Picchu. While I couldn’t see it, I could hear the smile on her face! The beautiful views and amazing weather dampen the slight headaches they surly have. After taking a nice break at the Pass they’ll head downhill to about 14,000ft. to set up camp.

Tomorrow, they’ll switch ecological gears and drop into a warmer climate featuring some waterfalls, exotic birds and fruit trees. They’ll eventually make their way back uphill to an Andean community named Paltaybamba, where a bus will be waiting to transfer the group to their campsite in the small town of Santa Teresa.

All is well in Peru!

Tye Chapman

July 18, 2012

One of many views along the trek.

The group had an excellent first day in Cusco on July 16. Here is a report from guide Kelly Ryan.

“Hi George, the group enjoyed this afternoon’s perfect weather by exploring the ancient city. We were impressed by the historical layers of the city where modern day buildings are built on top of Spanish colonial buildings on top of perfectly crafted Inca foundations. We were lucky enough to see a parade in the Plaza de Armas. The evening was topped off by particularly good flan. This evening we did gear checks and only have a few items to find tomorrow. In the morning we will head to the Inca military fort above town, Sacsayhuaman, where stones the size of pickup trucks where moved by human power to build the defensive walls. We will then head to the famous Pisac Market.”

The team is enjoying their tour today, July 17 and will be in position to start the trek early on the morning of July 18. All is well.

George Dunn