Chat on WhatsAppThree hours before I had to get on the bus to start the trail I had a 40C fever, shivers, chest pains and stomach pains due to a bad infection.
But there was no way I was missing this adventure. At 4am I got a fever shot from the local doctor and pumped full of medicine I was off 2 hours later. The first day is the easiest, you're still among civilization, you pass by local villages and the only challenge is avoiding the donkey poop on the trail. By the second day you finally leave civilization and go through a more challenging climb, though at the top you will still find a lady happy to sell you coca-cola and Pringles.
The organization is immaculate and it's easy to forget you are camping. The tents are set up for you, porters carry most of your luggage and the cooking is done by professional chef and the food is amazing. The food in particular could have been served in a restaurant, it was incredible what the cook could make in the middle of a mountain. But especially by the 3rd day you really just appreciate the amazing views, the trails, the ruins and the permeating spirit of the Incas.
I began my adventure barely able to walk but by the end I had fully bounced back and as my skin, burned by the sun, peeled away, I felt reborn.
It was a fantastic adventure! But bring lots of sunscreen.
