The Jungle Trek

So, with knowledge we got back from our Jungle trek in one piece, you may be wondering what we experienced along the way. It went something like this:

Day 1: We boarded the bus in Cusco and began the long 3 hour journey into the mountains. All started well, the sun was beaming down, the windows open to ventilate the increasing temperatures. Some time later it became clear our guide Geòrge, and the bus driver had been on the beers until 4.30am (the chilli chicken and rice they were consuming for breakfast at stupid o'clock was apparently the perfect hangover cure). Now up to 3,500m the weather was unrecognisable, raining, freezing cold and 50m visibility - awesome! Eventually we arrived at the drop off site; we togged up, grabbed a bicycle, helmet and soggy,smelly gloves and with some expert advice from our guide "watch out for crazy drivers" were on our way!

It sounds hideous but actually was so much fun. When you're soaked, what does a bit more water matter! Our group consisted of a mixed bunch; Swiss guy, Austrian girl, couple of Aussies, couple of French, and an Irish guy ranging from 18-30 yrs. Generally a really nice mix of people who you'd happily have a drink with. After the drenching we arrived at our hostel managed by a six year old boy we dubbed Chuck. We collectively imagined it would be a bit of a flea pit, but actually turned out to be ok. Everyone sat around in a weird array of clothes as most had only 1 pair of (very wet) shoes, which we'd since put by Chuck's fire (£1 of course) hoping our boots and clothes would dry for day two.

Day 2: Prior to embarking on the trip there was a ten minute briefing on the trek and I think it's fair to say no one in the group was prepared for day two; a hard slog in the unbearable heat up an enormous mountain and down the other side! After two hours of ascending and as we climbed to high altitude I made a rather interesting discovery; altitude is not my friend!! To cut a long story short, after a mini asthma attack, the ability to walk no more than 10 paces without having to stop and some serious consideration regarding turning back, I eventually (with some help from my fantastic boyfriend*) made it up and down.
*edited by James and in no way the words of the author!

The treat at the end of the day was finishing at some hot springs. We all pushed on for the last two hours for what we anticipated to be a trench the size of a paddling pool and to everyone's total surprise it looked more like a spa than the former. A number of pools of differing temperatures, sun loungers set on a backdrop of breathtaking mountains... and a large sprinkling of mosquito's, heaven! No, really, it was!

James (et al) had the brilliant idea to release their inner cheerleaders and make a three storey human pyramid. The Inka Pyramid took a lot of discussion about weight and balance. After what seemed like hours of arguing and planning, they eventually had a crack. A number of attempts later and to the huge amusement of the locals, they eventually made it. Photographic evidence to follow!!

Day 3: The third day was 6 hours of 'andean flat' as our guide Geòrge liked to put it, and compared to day two it was a long, dull but easy stretch. The fact it rained (with varying ferocity) for the vast majority of the day didn't help, neither did the fact that three hours of the walk was spend walking along railway sleepers, somewhat brain numbing. I think we were all relieved to make it to Aguas Caliente - a small town at the base Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Involved a 3am wake up then off treking to the summit of Machu Picchu. We dragged our tired bodies out and started in the pitch black. Geòrge warned me that I'd probably find the climb an issue but luckily with plenty of stops I managed to control my breathing and get to the top.

The site itself is extremely well preserved with some interesting views on it's history. The striking thing for me is how much skill and precision went into building this city and the events that led to these people leaving and abandoning the site must have been pretty significant.

The views from the site are breathtaking and we were extremely lucky to get a sunny day in rainy season! We're both really pleased with the photos and would have been gutted if it was in any way reminiscent of the day before. Thankfully that early mist lifted off and exposed the blue skies for a few hours.

James, being brave decided to scale another mountain from the top of Machu Picchu called 'Waynapicchu' 2634m which involved another stint up. He got some great pictures and a quote from the climber "they quote an hour but we made it up in 25 minutes. My lungs felt like they were going to explode but the view from the top made it all worthwhile (see pictures)".

Now, if I couldn't breathe getting up the first mountain, I would have had to be airlifted off the second so quite happy with my decision to stay behind!! I went to the tea shop with Richie, a farmer from Cork and we talked about cows and his total aversion to a girlfriend for the next decade stating he had enough women 'giving out to him' at home without adding another to the list!

The lazy people who don't want to walk up Machu Picchu can get a bus up. Whilst we were practically spitting on them when they arrived up at the top, we all made use of the shuttle bus to get down off the mountain.

All in all a fantastic experience that we'll remember forever.

Tired but happy explorers.
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