Starting Altitude: 7,003 feet
Ending Altitude: 6,232 feet
Total Distance: ~10 miles
It's hard to believe I spent all morning and part of the afternoon hiking, as I sit here in this amazing hotel with a hot tea. Still, I did, and it felt like the hardest day yet.
The numbers above really don't tell the story very well. We actually began the day by ascending about 2,000 feet at a rate of roughly 1,000 feet per hour. We took minimal breaks along the way; eventually reached the scenic overlook I mentioned yesterday. On clear days, Machu Picchu is very visible from this point; today we caught occasional glimpses through the mist surrounding the area.
This is also where we stopped for lunch. Lunch started with an unusual appetizer made of avocado stuffed with tomatoes, carrots, and other vegetables, as seen below. (Don't worry, we added the eyes for the photo.). We were then served trout and potatoes.
After lunch, we started to descend. Our first stop was an archaeological site which was apparently once a lookout post. It was our first taste of Incan ruins and did not disappoint.
After a short visit, we continued the 3,000 ft. descent to the train station. It was rough going, mostly due to mud, but we all made it down without issue.
From there, we pretty much boarded the train and took about an hour ride to town.
At any rate, I hope you enjoy the pictures. Tomorrow we head into Machu Picchu!
Ending Altitude: 6,232 feet
Total Distance: ~10 miles
It's hard to believe I spent all morning and part of the afternoon hiking, as I sit here in this amazing hotel with a hot tea. Still, I did, and it felt like the hardest day yet.
The numbers above really don't tell the story very well. We actually began the day by ascending about 2,000 feet at a rate of roughly 1,000 feet per hour. We took minimal breaks along the way; eventually reached the scenic overlook I mentioned yesterday. On clear days, Machu Picchu is very visible from this point; today we caught occasional glimpses through the mist surrounding the area.
This is also where we stopped for lunch. Lunch started with an unusual appetizer made of avocado stuffed with tomatoes, carrots, and other vegetables, as seen below. (Don't worry, we added the eyes for the photo.). We were then served trout and potatoes.
After lunch, we started to descend. Our first stop was an archaeological site which was apparently once a lookout post. It was our first taste of Incan ruins and did not disappoint.
After a short visit, we continued the 3,000 ft. descent to the train station. It was rough going, mostly due to mud, but we all made it down without issue.
From there, we pretty much boarded the train and took about an hour ride to town.
At any rate, I hope you enjoy the pictures. Tomorrow we head into Machu Picchu!
No comments:
Post a Comment