August 10, 2011

Early in the morning, our group reached the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu and watched the sun burn off the morning clouds revealing the end point of our trek. After a terrific tour of the ancient site, we were more than ready to head down to the small town of Aguas Calientes for much needed showers, delicious food, and a comfortable sleep in BEDS.

On Sunday we returned to Machu Picchu and climbed Huayna Picchu, the monolith of granite next to the ruins. It was a tough and steep hike, but the bird’s eye perspective of Machu Picchu was awe inspiring. One more night of celebration in Cusco wrapped up the trip as we all headed our separate ways for home. More than the impressive sights and a great trek, I appreciate the group we had. I cannot imagine a more fun and genuine group to spend time with on an adventure. Even before we departed ways there was talk about a reunion trek or climb in the near future. I am already looking forward to it.

Peter Anderson

August 5, 2011

Machu Picchu. (Photo by Kelly Ryan)

Peter Anderson checked-in after a long day on the trail.  The group is doing well and are getting ready to have dinner before they bed down for the night, so they get some rest before they try for a 4 am wakeup in the morning.  Peter said that today was mystical on the trail as the team experienced better weather with clouds floating up and down the valley as they trekked along.  The team also enjoyed meeting up with the “true Inca Trail.”  As they walked over the path of cobbled ancient stones, they ascended two passes, in addition to descending the large rock steps.  They look forward to their shorter hike tomorrow, and should reach Machu Picchu early in the day.

Clarissa Morford

August 4, 2011

A little snow...

After a strenuous day on the trail, Peter Anderson called at 2:30pm PDT from our Machu Picchu team’s second camp on their trek.

Peter tells us that they had a good day, though it was rainy off and on.  Their challenge for the day was Dead Woman’s Pass (Abra de Huarmihuanusca) at 13,769’ in elevation.  The team started out about 7:30 am this morning and while trekking up the steep incline of the pass encountered about 2 inches snow fall as they hiked.  Peter said that the snow was slightly unusual, but made for good walking as the cooler weather was refreshing.

Currently they’re back at camp and can see just a bit of blue sky.  The team will rest this evening and  they look forward to another great day of hiking tomorrow.  We wish them the best!

- IMG Office

August 3, 2011

IMG’s first Salkantay Trek was a great success and a real adventure. It is hard to believe we were only out of the country for 10 days, we sure packed in a lot of memories, miles, and laughs. Here is a short recap of our trip.

Our local guide, Jamie, clued us into lots of interesting customs and history as we visited Inca sites, Catholic Cathedrals, and open air markets in the Cuzco area. We visited Sacsayhuaman, an Inca military fort above Cuzco, which is made of granite stones, some weighing several tons. These massive stones were all moved there with backbreaking labor of men – amazing. We saw how artwork and religious traditions in the area are a blend of Inca, Pagan &  Catholic. At local markets the group found wonderful gifts and souvenirs, opportunities to interact with local people, and a chance to support the local economy.

The first day of our trek turned out to be pleasantly warm as we climbed up toward the glaciated peaks of Salkantay and Tucarhuay. The next morning we woke up at 5:30AM to a steaming cup of the local coca tea and then hit the trail a little after 7:00AM. The group did well as we climbed higher and we reached Salkantay pass 15,200’ in good style. After a making an offering of a prayer and coca leaves to the mountains, an old Inca custom, we headed down the other side of the pass. We were lucky enough to see two large icefalls and the ensuing avalanches fall from Salkantay’s broad shoulder. After 13.5 miles, nightfall found us a slow mile from camp, an adventurous ending to the day. We all made it to camp safely with sore knees and feet for a long sleep. The next day’s travel brought us down through the jungle where bananas, oranges, and avocados, hung from trees. On the last morning of our trek, our cooks produced a scrumptious cake for Judie and Doyle Hill who were celebrating their 50th anniversary with this trip.  In Aguas Caliente, the logistical base for Machu Picchu, we enjoyed well earned showers and a delicious dinner in one of the town’s excellent restaurants.

As picturesque as Machu Picchu is, there is no replacement for being there yourself. Some of the group opted to climb Mt. Machu Picchu for a panoramic view of the site in early morning sunlight, while others enjoyed a more extensive tour. The sophistication of the Inca architecture, understanding of celestial bodies, and culture can be learned in books but can not be felt until you are actually standing there. A truly amazing experience.

More photos of the Salkantay/Machu Picchu Trek can be found here.

Kelly Ryan

Ruins of Machu Picchu

July 26, 2011

IMG Guide, Kelly Ryan, called in today to let us know that the crew is heading for their campsite in Santa Teresa.  Another great day with simply splendid weather.  Being good is important, being lucky is better.  This means the crew will be in Aguas Calientes and a beautiful hotel tomorrow evening.  Even better is that day after tomorrow, they’ll be up early and heading for the ruins of Machu Picchu.  They’re in for an incredible surprise.  Here’s hoping the good weather continues to hold.

Phil Ershler

July 25, 2011

Peruvian Sunrise

Kelly Ryan called in from the trail yesterday afternoon to report that all continues to go smoothly.  The team is all smiles as they enjoy the trail and the spectacular views along the way.

Today, they will climb up to the beautiful, turquoise colored Suyrococha Lake at 13,900.  After the lake they’ll continue up to the top of Salkantay Pass (15,180 feet), then they’ll enjoy spectacular views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks of the sacred mountain, Salkantay.

The day ends at their campsite at Collcapampa hot springs, located at around 14,000 feet.  A big day but worth the effort!

Tye Chapman

July 24, 2011

The adventure begins.

IMG Guide Kelly Ryan checked in from Peru and reports that the team had a great day touring the local Inca sites and some open air markets in Cuzco. They took particular interest in the layers of history that are literally built on top of each other. Inca stone walls with Spanish mortared walls as the second story and the modern addition of electricity.

The local cuisine they dined on featured several of the thousands of different types of potatoes that grow in Peru. Carb. loading at it’s finest!

They’ll hit the trail today and make their way to their first tent camp at 11,800ft.

All is well.

Tye Chapman

July 22, 2011

View Larger Map

IMG Guide Kelly Ryan checked in from Peru this morning and reported that everybody (and their luggage) made it to Cuzco in one piece.  They battled long lines in Lima but once on the airplane they were awarded views of the Andes and Salkantay which had just been dusted with a fresh coat of new snow.

They’re all checked into their hotel and are off for lunch and a tour of the town.

All is well in Peru.

Tye Chapman

May 2, 2011

The Machu Picchu group finished their trek yesterday with a tour of Machu Picchu and then descended to the town of Aguas Calientes for a well deserved check-in to their hotel after four days on the Inca Trail.

They report the trek was harder than they had expected, but all kept up well and did better than some of the “twenty somethings” they saw on the trail. They journey back to Cusco today with their local guide and then fly to Lima and on home tomorrow.

Nice job, team!

George Dunn

April 29, 2011

On the trail to Machu Picchu.

We got a call from our Machu Picchu team down in Peru yesterday afternoon. They reported that they had a tough day yesterday trekking from the trailhead (7872ft.) up to their camp at Llullchapampa (11,808ft.). The rain didn’t help with the trekking but it sure cooled things down in the evening.

They hit the trail at about 7am this morning to get a jump start on what will be another tough day. Out of camp they’ll make their way upwards beyond Llupachayoc, from there the ascent becomes increasingly steep and the terrain increasingly rugged as they close in on the first pass, the Abra de Huarmihuanusca (“Dead Woman’s Pass”) at 13,769ft.. This will be their toughest day on the trail earning them a second Pisco Sour.

More to come…

Tye Chapman