Most Inspirational Moment
Walking the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Despite seeing many photos previously I wasn't prepared for the hugeness of the siteAmazing food whilst campingRiding in the dune buggy and sliding down the sand dunesSeeing the Humboldt penguins in Ballesta IslaTalking to the Peruvian peopleTravelling with a great group of people
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fabrizzio was an excellent guide, very friendly and very caring. He has a very laid back attitude but is extremely well organised. Fabrizzio was very concerned for our well-being and ensured that we drank plenty of water and rested well and always checked how we were doing particularly when people had been unwell but he was never obtrusive. He was clearly very proud of his county and shared his knowledge with us. He also took us to some excellent restaurants.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Things I would have liked to know:If you fly from Lima to Puno be prepared for feeling extremely tired for the first couple of days even if you take it easy and also be prepared for headaches, almost everyone in our group suffered headaches for the first 2 or 3 days.Wear waterproof trousers on the boat trip to Ballestas Island - the sea was very choppy and we all got wet - it was like a theme park water ride.Do the Dune Buggy optional excursion and sand boarding it's great fun and excellent value but don't put sun cream immediately before or you'll get plastered in sand.The long coach trips are inevitable and the roads can be very winding making it difficult to read so audio books or Ipod will help pass the time. We had someone who knew lots of games so we were kept entertained. A pack of cards might also be useful particularly when you are camping. Take dollars and change into soles - you will need both, your guide will advise how much to change and there are many opportunites. If you are travelling with United Airlines via Houston they do not do vegetarian meals on the Houston to Lima stretch so make sure you buy something at the airport if you're likely to get hungry. If you don't like your room for any reason politely ask to change as the guide and the hotel are keen to ensure you are happy.Take a swimming costume for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. Towels can be hired and you can buy soap and shampoo very cheaply. It's just what you need after 4 days trekking and they even serve you a beer in the pool - heaven! There was also a pool in the Nazca hotel.Poles were a must for coming down the many steps on the Inca trail. Hire a sleeping bag then you only have it for the days of the trek, you also get a thermorest mattress and the sleeping bag is a four season so keeps you snug and warm.
Suggestions
If you're thinking of doing this trip go ahead and do it. If you enjoy walking and are reasonably fit you'll be able to cope with the trek. There is no need to rush as there is nothing to do at the campsite so take your time, enjoy the views and put one foot in front of the other and you'll get there.I am scared of heights so had some concerns about edges but there was no need the paths are wide and there aren't any exposed edges.
