I’m getting ready by doing a little homework for my trip and I’ve found plenty of information on hiking the Inca Trail. The popular section of the trail to Machu Picchu takes four days and three nights, beginning at Km82 or Km88 below the town of Ollantaytambo. There is also a two-day hike starting at Km104. I am arriving to Cusco two days early to acclimate to the 11k elevation and hopefully give my lungs and legs a little practice for what I am about to put them through. I will visit some nearby ruins each day in preparation. Day two of the hike is the most difficult section and features a gain of almost 4,000 feet, hiking from 7 a.m. to lunchtime. This is the part I’m worried about, for being the flat lander that I am, I know it will be there in the morning for some more exercise!

More homework and more info later…