In Cuzco it means we have to do the Inca Trail. Unfortunately, no motorbikes are allowed, so it’s 4–5 days walking.
A pretty chill week with some folk we have met over the last couple of weeks.
Goneriden
26
26 Apr 2002 – 2 May 2002
Peru
Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Trip distance23,699 kmWeek 26 of 32
The modern week-by-week edition
Cuzco
to Cuzco.
This week’s route
Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
- 1Cuzco
- 2New stop
- 3Machu Picchu Trail Start
- 4Trail Stop 2
- 5Tail Stop 3
- 6Trail Stop 4
- 7The Sun Gate
- 8Machu Picchu
- 9Cuzco
Week 26 routePeruRegional context
Road sections use current OpenStreetMap roads · ferry and flight legs are direct guides
Week 26 in the full journey
See this week in the complete 32-week route.
The preserved 2002 maps provide full-trip context while the modern interactive journey map is developed.
Memorable moment
Memorable moment.
Getting out of bed at 3.30am on Day 4 of the trek to Machu Picchu, we made it to the Sun Gate before nearly all other trekkers, only to find views of dense cloud.
After watching the other hundreds of trekkers arrive, sit for a while, then continue on, most of our intrepid group of explorers sat to wait it out. It was then that we were treated to a Hollywood-style, Indiana Jones performance by Byron. His numerous hand movements and shouts of 'Inca Show' caused the clouds to lift, giving us a brief but spectacular and much appreciated view of Machu Picchu across the valley.
Next time, we think there may be a more direct route by motorbike; at least then, if it is cloudy, we can go back to bed and ride back the next day.
Original Week 26 accountPictures of the week
Three moments from the road
Quote of the week“You said you would wait for me.” — Upset girl
“But you told us to go ahead.” — Girl’s friends
“Hmmmph.” — Upset girl, as she storms off after a two-hour early-morning trek to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu.
“Free drink now, free drink now!” — the numerous locals trying to get you into one of the many clubs in Cuzco.
And what was our response… “Two free drinks, two free drinks!”
CompetitionWho could pick the most distraught young lady upon reaching what is meant to be the highlight of the Inca Trail, only to be unable to see anything due to cloud?
Winner: Jamie, who saw the Dutch girl shedding masses of tears.
Don’t worry, we have it on video, along with her argument with her boyfriend later in the day.
HighlightAfter a final 1-hour descent, and with weary joints and muscles, the 4 days of trekking were finished by relaxing in the hot pools at Aguas Caliente.
Unwinding in the hot water, alongside a mountain stream, in the rain, with a beer. Nice.
Risk activityDeciding that some sort of alcoholic beverage would be required after the gruelling uphill climb on day 2 of the trek, we took along a bottle of vodka. Sure enough, the group decided a drink would be good on day 2; with no mixers of any type available, we risked adding vodka to the celery tea made by the porters.Risk factor3/10
LowlightOur first visit to hospital for the adventure so far.
After Martin was wheeled around in the wheelchair and refused morphine, we went to check on the real patient: a young English girl who fell from the bar while dancing with Martin and others, and knocked herself out cold.
She was OK and out partying again the next night.
Road tallyThe rather large American (well, she must have been) woman who was going the wrong way at the start of the Inca Trail, on a donkey, only kms in.
Guesses as to the problem at the time ranged from rolled ankle to heart palpitations to just plain lazy.
Week 26 photo diary
The week, in event order
The mosaic follows the numbered sequence in date-and-time order. Select any image for its full-screen view and comment.