Inca Trail- Conquering Day One

Stacey and I woke up early in our Ollantaytambo hostel and I thoroughly enjoyed my last shower for the next 4 days.  We packed our duffle bags to give to the porters (with 6 kilos), packed our daypacks and got some water- we were ready for the Inca Trail!

We got off the bus at kilometer 82, overjoyed and ready to dominate the Inca Trail… Today’s post is called “Conquering Day One”, but let me assure you, this is the only day we felt like we conquered.

The group ready to get our hike on! Most of us had been together for a few days, and we all got along really well, and we bonded over this trip! Such a great group!

Crossing the bridge over Río Urubamba. Taking our first steps on the Inca Trail!

Stacey and I taking our first steps on the Inca Trail, we’re super-stoked and showing off our Camino Inka passport stamps!

Our first archaeological site of the trail – Willkarakay – we were only able to see it from across the river. The Inca Trail is more than just a hike to Machu Picchu, there are NINE archaeological sites on the way up to the top! In-freakin’-credible!

Even without the archaeological sites, you can’t beat views like this! I quickly became a fan of hiking in the Andes!

We made a stop to rest in a Quechua village along the trail.

Llactapata (Patallaqta)- our second archaeological site. This site is stunning and I would love to get to explore this first hand after the descriptions in Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams.

Patawasi Archaeological Site

Stacey rockin’ the Inca Trail

We made it and conquered Day One of the Inca Trail!

Our first night we thought we were a little tired, but surprised that our bodies didn’t hurt as much as we thought they would. That night we met our amazing porters and chef. I don’t think that I can express my gratitude to our porters adequately. They were incredible and I couldn’t have done it in four days if I had been carrying all my camping supplies and food. Then, on top of them doing all the basics, they went way above and beyond for us. Providing “happy hour” of coca tea, hot chocolate and coffee with a popcorn, having our tents set up with our duffles in them when we got to camp, and so much more!

Things I Loved About Day One:

✴︎ Seeing Llactapata- I’m an anthropology nerd… what can I say?

✴︎ Seeing the Quechua villages and having those interactions

✴︎ Completing the first step of the Inca Trail and getting to hike with my best friend!

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