Huaraz, Lima, and the Sacred Valley

Hello Everyone!

It has been a while since our last update so we have lots to tell! Last time we wrote we were about to embark on a 4 day trek through the Cordillera Blanca (the highest and most scenic mountain range in Peru). The trek was amazing and it was a great trial run for the Inca Trail (which we start tomorrow!) as it was similar in time (4 days) and distance (about 43km).

On day one, we woke up early and made our way to the tour company office for 6:30am where we met the other 4 tourists we would be trekking with, as well as our Peruvian guide. We all hopped in a van along with our gear and made the 6 hour drive to the trailhead. The drive was beautiful as we climbed to 4800 meters above sea level (masl) before descending to 3700 masl at the trail head. The 6 hours went by quickly as we stopped at a few scenic spots along the way.

Us at a lake on the way to the trail-head

We began walking around 1pm and day one of the trek was fairly easy. The walk was relatively short (about 4 hrs) and flat, and we had the luxury of donkeys carrying all of our heavy gear (tents, food, etc). We arrived at our campsite about an hour before dark and set up camp while our guide cooked us a delish dinner (chicken-pumpkin-carrot soup and Peruvian chicken stirfry).

Day two was another shorter day as we walked from 8:30am until just before noon. However, we made some gains in altitude going from 3700 masl to the second campsite at 4400 masl. The second campsite had some breathtaking views and we spent the afternoon relaxing and getting used to the altitude in preparation for making a pass at 4750 masl the next day. We also spent the afternoon putting out a grass fire that had started about 50 meters from our campsite! We noticed some smoke coming from the other side of the trekking path and went to check it out.... and we found a full blown grass fire! So the 8 of us combined our efforts: some people retrieving water and some people trying to smother the fire and 20 minutes later we had prevented a potentially devastating fire! (Our theory is that the fire started from the cigarette butt of a group of hikers going the opposite direction that had passed about an hour before).

Campsite #2

The firefighters after the fire was extinguished!

Unlike day 1 and 2 of the trek, day 3 was a serious challenge! Our group decided that instead of breaking up the remaining 30km of the hike into two days of walking, that we would tackle the entire distance on day three so that we could enjoy the final day relaxing in some local hot springs. So we started walking around 8:15 heading straight up to the mountain pass at 4750 masl where the views were amazing!

Us at the top of the mountain!

We then proceeded down into the valley for a LONG way and some beautiful scenery. Along the way we passed the Paramount mountain (the mountain they use as their logo in movies)! Unfortunately the peak was covered in cloud. When we finally made it to the end of the trail it was sunset and we were exhausted! However, the long walk on day three was well worth the early morning trip on day 4 to the natural hot springs in the mountains which eased all of our muscle aches. After the hot springs it was back into a van and back to Huaraz where we killed some time with our new friends from the trek, until taking the night bus to Lima at 10:30pm.

We arrived in Lima at 5:00am and took a taxi to the MARRIOTT HOTEL! After sleeping for 3 nights in a tent and one night on a bus, the luxury hotel almost brought tears of joy!

The Marriott Hotel in Lima

We spent our two days in Lima enjoying the luxury of the hotel (breakfast in bed, gym & steam room, etc) and eating some great food (Lima is renowned for its cuisine....especially ceviche). On Sunday, we left Lima on a flight for Cuzco (we had found a flight for $15 more than the bus ride costs and saved ourselves from a 20hr bus ride!). Cuzco is pretty touristy as it is the home base for everyone going to see Machu Picchu. So we met up with our friend Barry (from Shaina's work) and headed into the Sacred Valley for 3 days. First stop was Pisac where we spent an afternoon shopping for Alpaca (amazingly soft wool) products. The next morning we explored some Incan ruins just outside of town.

One of the stalls filled with Alpaca at the Pisac Market

Marsh walking in the Incan Ruins

We then headed to Ollantaytambo to check out more ruins and enjoy the scenery in the sacred valley before heading back to Cuzco this morning. Tomorrow morning we head out on our trek on the Inca Trail ending at Machu Picchu on Monday! We are very excited!

Hi to everyone at home! We miss you all!

Love Marsh & Shaina