Adventures in 2010

The train leaves at 9:00am, and we were supposed to be at the station at 8:30am. It seems an interminable time to wait 30 minutes, especially since I arrived at bit earlier at 8:15am.  I was supposed to go to Ollantaytambo, but the tracks have been wiped out of existence for a few km due to landslides. We get a bus transfer on station prior.

4:00am, I am almost used to this time slot. Luckily Jan and I elected to have an early night last night. I wanted to get to Machu Picchu by foot, rather than by bus and be there for the opening time.

Today's walk was a mixture of pleasant sites, not so pleasant sites and adrenaline pumping adventure.

Yanama goodbye.  I fell in love with this place and it was time to leave. What a pleasant exit with a wonderful extended view of the meandering rio Yanama valley and the rural scene on its banks

It rained last night, tents were wet but the morning bright. We were in for a treat with a dramatic walk into the fertile valleys of Yanama.

A big day ahead. At 6:00am we arise to a sunny morning with some residual cloud in the valley below.  At 7:30am we break camp and return along the track towards Choquequirao. I feel revived, but still a bit tired after yesterday's mammoth effort. It was an easier sleep on the grassy base rather than the stone floor of yesterday's camp site.

Choquequirao is a very pretty set of ruins and it has a great aspect, set on a ridge that captures the sun efficiently. This real estate would be worth a fortune in the Western world with the divine views from all dwellings.

After a hearty breakfast, at 8:00am we say our goodbye to Jan's wife and I meet Ucco our arriero (mule handler and cook). Jan's daughter sheds a brief tear and it is time to begin our journey.

Cachora elevation 2850 metres, bearing 13.43806S 72.82568W. Somewhat lower than Cusco, is easier to acclimatise. I had a sound sleep, and am looking forward to relaxing in a quiet town.

I wanted to get out of Cusco (or is it Cuzco ? the spelling is not fully ratified on any place name in this country !). It is too full on for my first day, and the altitude is a bit much. Cachora for me seems a better option as it is quieter and at 2850m, a better height to start from than Cusco's at 3300m.