kellioreilly

Physically and mentally (especially the day up to 4200m) this was tougher than I expected, but defintely feasible. I did it with full pack, you can hire a porter for your stuff for something like $8/day and only carry a day pack. I went over New Year’s – weather was perfect, a little rainy but never too warm, but unfortunately foggier than I would have liked, and we missed out on alot of great views especially on the last day coming down into Machu Picchu. Once you get to Machu Picchu if you have the time and the legs (it’s mostly up stairs/steep hill) go up Wayna Picchu. I’ve been to Machu Picchu twice and did Wayne once – definitely worth the climb. More on the trail – make sure you have a pair of nicely broken in boots, and a set of hiking poles helps on both the steep downhill and uphill.

I’d been down to the city twice already, but the third time I went down I felt comfortable enough to love it. The first two times I loved the city, but mostly because it was new and big and exciting. The third time, I fell in love with the city and the people. I’ll be down again for sure!