WOW, time flies! It's been really busy at work and I've been preoccupied for a bit. My co-worker, Bernadette has been traveling and I've been following her in Panama and her transit through the Panama Canal. All went well and the group had a wonderful time! The Grit and Glory is one of our most popular programs and continues to be a hit! Follow her at http://www.bernadetteinpanama.blogspot.com/

Yesterday I received the final itinerary for the trail section of the trip and I have listed it below.
I am so excited about this trip and my chance to experience a portion of the famous Inka Trail!

Day 1: Piskakucho (km 82) to Huayllabamba
Begin at Km 82 of the Machu Picchu railroad. Hike to Llaqtapata on the banks of the Cusichacha River. Climb to the Cusichacha Valley to Huayllabamba, the last inhabited village on the trail. It is here that we camp.

Day 2: Huayllabamba to Llulluchapampa
The trail climbs into the mountains through the last inhabited village of Huayllabamba and through a native polylepis woodland. Polylepis is a group of endangered tree species belonging to the Rose family. 15 species of the Polylepis genus grow in South America from northern Venezuela to northern Chilé and Argentina. The highest number grows in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. The Peruvian Polylepis forests contain three of South America's endangered birds; the Great Colored Parrots and Toucans, and the Royal Cinclodes.
This night we camp below mighty crags, looking eastward to the snowy peaks of the Huayanay.

Day 3: Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca
The trail climbs to the first and highest pass, Warmiwanañusca, 13,776 feet with spectacular views of the trail. Then onto the forested Pacaymayao Valley where we pick up the Inka stairway and onto the ruins of Runkurakay. After the second pass we view the snowy peaks of the Pumasillo Range. We then descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba Valley. At the third pass we camp at Phuyupatamarka.

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu
This morning we explore Phuyupatamarca and then begin the long descent through the changing layers of cloud forest and growth to arrive at the magical site of Machu Picchu!

After a visit of the site we will transfer to Aguas Calientes for what is sure to be a most wonderful shower and sleep! We will have the chance to visit Machu Picchu again early in the morning and I hope to be there before the crowds.

Day 5: Machu Picchu - Cusco
After a night in the hotel at Aguas Calientes, return to Machu Picchu for the sunrise and site lecture.