Sunday Hiking

Well, we've really hit the jackpot here.  Patrick was exploring with Nahele and found some great trails just up the mountain from us that are part of the Inca Trail.  The name for this portion is the Ruta Troncal Antisuyo Wak'a Chillkapujio.

First, theres a relatively brutal climb up from our 'casita' (post to come soon on where we live), but we rise up and out of the city within 15-20 minutes. Here, we are greeted with the sign below.  Shout-out to my GIS friends out there who can quickly see this is a terrible map!!  There are legend items not in the map and map items not in the legend.  Generally, its not helpful because the scale includes Ecuador and Chile (this is interesting but we are on foot here people).

Worthless map

Still climbing out of the city

But luckily, the path is very well marked (which is unsurprising considering it is Incan-built), and its pretty hard to get lost with the panoramic views on every other mountain top.

The first thing you start to notice (besides the green space, tall trees, and clean air) is that there are most definitely ruins here.  Sort of everywhere.  The remains of buildings are the first thing you spot, then major carving work in stone, evidence of the typical Incan water systems, and magical boulders and caves (they are magical...just accept that and its much more fun).

One of the coolest things up here is the Temple of the Moon.  I'd heard of this temple but had not yet had an opportunity to visit. This building has caves that mummified remains of children have been found in, and various alters that are rumored to become bathed in moonlight on certain days. Its currently a bit roped off as there is some archeological work underway. Maybe next hike up we will do a full analysis with some better pictures.

Magic secret Inca caves in the Temple of the moon

Our goal today was to pretty much see the countryside. With Nahele unleashed and only a few small groups of Peruvians washing clothes, picnicking, playing soccer, and laughing loudly, we had this incredible landscape largely to ourselves.

playing in the mountain water,  cut stones in the background

Laundry day (blankets drying in the sun) and lots of laughing and relaxing outside of the city

The trail isn't necessarily easy, and there are few spots where you aren't ascending or descending.  Nahele is able to be completely free up here and its fun to watch him explore and crash into each water source as we come across them.

Then we sit, enjoy some water and nibbles from little black awful flies, and rest our glutes for the haul back.

Following the trail back into the city

Its feels great to have something so awesome to do every weekend. Next time I think we will ask my friend Raul to drive us out to a starting point 7 km away and we will hike the distance back home.

still can't believe he's here!!  love it!