Another early start - seems to be the way of it this holiday! Breakfast at 5.15 while still dark, but the fire was on and it was really cosy. We were sad to check out and say goodbye to this lovely place. We were picked up about 6.15 and driven to the train at Ollantaytambo. Our cases were left with the driver to be taken back to Cusco to await our return on Wednesday evening. We had with us our back packs and an overnight bag for Machu Picchu. We also were given packed lunches for ourselves,our guide and our porter!
The blue train is ours - only 2 carriages
The train left at 7.10 and the journey was really exciting. I can see why Michael Portillo does it! The high mountains all around, and only the railway, no road. There was only a small driver cab at the front so room for 2 seats and a huge picture window with a stunning view. A guide was sitting on one and when he heard me asking about the seat, gave up his seat for me! He said he often has that seat and I was welcome. After a short while I changed with Howard so he could also enjoy it.
At 106 km the train stopped and those that were walking for the day got off, just beside the tracks, no station. We were met by Victor our guide and Roberto our porter. Our overnight bag was relatively light thank goodness as Roberto was carrying that all day with us.
Lots of paperwork and stamps, passports shown and finally we were off. A long step zig zag up the mountain climbing 600 metres up to a campsite for lunch. We took it slow and steady. Victor and Roberto stayed mostly behind to allow us our own pace. They looked like they were out for a morning stroll while we sweated and panted our way along. Victor would sometimes catch us up to show us orchids on the trail - his passion. Some were so tiny you would miss them if you didn’t know what you were looking for.
We made it to Camp in 2 hours (10.30am) -Victor was very pleased with our pace (aw shucks I bet you say that to all the girls) but we weren’t passed by anyone and passed at least one group, not that it was a race or anything! Once we had rested Victor then took us on a side trail to see another Inca site Winya Wanya. Another beautifully terraced area, all part of the food producing system for this area.
Back to Camp for our packed lunch and then we set off again just before midday. As promised this was a much more even path except for the 50 steps you had to ascend using your hands and feet - the Gringo Killer Victor called it!
And then the Sun Gate. Kenny and Julia would have stayed at the same Camp on their last night, en route to the Sun Gate and Macchu Picchu. The difference is that they walked the same trail in the dark leaving at 3.30am to see the sunrise through the gate. Having walked all that way we were disappointed to find many tourists with no packs all up there, having come up directly from Machu Picchu (a Mont Caesar moment for us!) the easy way. Amazingly at the Gate we met a couple from Dalgety Bay!
Looking back up to the Sun Gate
After many photos we headed down with Victor. It is no easy walk up or down, and it took us at least an hour to descend. Pretty tough on the knees by this time. We stopped to take a few pictures but mostly headed for the bus - we would be back tomorrow.
It’s about 30 mins on the bus down, on graded road with really twisty bends. Then a walk to the hotel which seemed like a long way when you’re tired. Checked in, arranged to see Victor at 6.30 tomorrow and were shown our (upgraded to) suite. Very nice and, importantly, a soft bed! Dinner and a Pisco Sour were included so we relaxed for a couple of hours, went and got our drink at 5.45, dinner at 6, a short stroll afterwards and asleep by 7.30
