Most Inspirational Moment
There are probably two moments. The first was reaching the top of Dead Women's Pass - I'd been really nervous about whether or not I'd be able to do it but I shouldn't have worried. Holger and Monica made sure that everyone managed it and the euphoria on reaching that point was immense. The second moment was finally reaching the Sun Gate and getting that first view of Machu Picchu - quite simply an epic moment, probably made even more so by the final '50 steps' that we had to climb to get there. Quite surreal meeting the day trippers who were all in awe of what we'd just achieved.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Holger was great, made sure everyone knew what was going on and was always calm and assured. Can't be easy dealing with a dozen different people, all with their own issues, expectations and demands! Good sense of humour and good company too.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Split your clothes into three sections as per the itinerary. Jungle - take long trousers, long sleeved tops (preferably not of the bright coloured variety), sun hat, plenty of bug spray, sun screen. It is really hot and the humidity is 100%. The showers are cold (plenty of squeals to be heard!) and there can be times without any water. Don't forget your head torch. Don't bother taking any snacks with you as you have to give them up on arrival (you do have access to them and get them back on departure) so that you don't get mice nibbling away at your bag during the night. We were given wellies on arrival and pretty much wore them for the whole time apart from in the evenings. Be prepared for lots of very early starts! You can recharge things in the evening in the main building and there is a bar for you to buy drinks. When you get to Cusco make sure that you get all your clothes laundered as this is pretty much the only opportunity you will have. Our hotel took 24 hours but there were places nearby that would do laundry quicker if you really needed it. Inca Trail - clean t-shirt for each day, clean trousers/shorts for the final day at Machu Picchu, warm down jacket, woolly hat for night time, thermals to wear at night, warm sleeping bag, wet wipes (plenty!!), fleece and spare fleece. I took my waterproof jacket/trousers but, for the time of year we went, a poncho bought in Cusco was the best thing (don't buy the cheapest but get one that's a bit harder wearing). If it had rained more than the one morning then I might've used my waterproof trousers. During the day, it got pretty warm (partly due to the sun and partly to the exertion!) but it was pretty chilly at night, especially at camp 3. We all upgraded to a hotel in Machu Picchu and it was one of the best decisions we made - we really needed those showers! Take pair of flip flops or similar for the evenings - you'll want to take off those walking boots. Puno/Lake Titicaca - just normal clothes needed for this which for us really came down to what was still clean. Fairly warm during the day but, again, pretty chilly at night. You do need an couple of outfits for going out in the evenings in Lima/Cusco/Puno but nothing fancy.