I got to Cuzco last Saturday, yet given the limited schedule of my travel partners, we had to head out on the trek to Macchu Picchu ASAP. The traditional Inka Trail route costs over $300 and requires a reservation months ahead, and so we opted to the equally interesting, if a bit harder Salkantay route. A 5 day trek that spans mountain passes at over 3500 meters as well as routes through jungles, the Salkantay trek a beautiful path to the lengendary Inca ruins. I'll spare you all the details regarding the trek, as my mind is a bit fried from fever, but i'll jot down random highlights and (of course) the pictures:
Walking up to Salkantay Mountain, considered a protector (Apu) of the Inca people
1) Shvaffle: recognized as national word of the year 2008 in The Netherlands, the word actually means using one's phallus as an object to slap or whip with. The two Dutch travelers on our trek were fiercely proud of this fact, to the point of proving its popularity on youtube (check it, its all there). Needless to say it quickly became the theme of the trip. Unfortunately i have yet to be sent a wonderful picture of a communal shvaffeling of Macchu picchu, but check back with the blog...it'll be uploaded soon.
2) Mules: we all know about mules from playing 'Oregon Trail' on the computer or reading something about the pioneers, but how many of you have actually seen one? they actually look like horses! only stouter and more docile. Incredible! no? how unfortunate that you've lost the zest for the simple things in life...especially when its a mule carrying your gear for most of the trek instead of you.
The true stars of this trek...
3) Bus people vs. walking people: there should be some law or regulation providing those who worked their ass off to get to a site with V.I.P entrance, or atleast some preference. Climbing up to Macchu Picchu only to get into line behind 2 bus loads of people all dry and warm...sloth should not be rewarded!
Day 3 of the trek, from ice to primery forest
That's about it, all else is a mix of inside jokes and facts interesting solely those who were there. Oh Yea, the site is quite impressive. We climbed up to to Macchu Picchu in 35 minutes (they recommend 1.5 hours) and up Huayna Picchu in 25 minutes (first ones there). We began damanding 5 soles a photo from the other tourists, or else we'd ruin the magic moment with a monstrous shvaffling session...they didn't enjoy the joke.
partial view of the site, with Huayna Picchu in the background
View of Macchu Picchu fro Huayna Picchu
Yea, i know Natinal Geographic´s photos are better...
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