Just returned home from vacation in Peru and Bolivia. My husband and I hiked the classic Inca Trail!!! We camped out for 4 nights, climbed 3 passes that were over 12000 feet (including one that was close to 14000) and went up and down thousands and thousands of stone stairs on the official trail paved by the Inca. We saw probably a dozen different ruins in all, plus thousands and thousands of Inca terraces....they were truly genius architects, and farmers.

The whole trip was amazing, beyond words. Of course, the biggest accomplishment for me is completing the trail. It was approximately 30 miles of hiking over 5 days, so from that point it doesnt sound like much, however it was pretty much constant ups and downs - they didnt seem to believe in making anything flat, besides the terraces! It was a challenge.

The payoff was reaching the sun gate above Machu Picchu and seeing the most spectacular of all the ruins laid out before us.

In addition to hiking, we spent a couple days in the Amazon, a few days in Cusco, a couple days at Lake Titicaca, and a couple days in Bolivia. We had a great time. We managed to avoid malaria, any serious illnesses or stomach disorders, and for the most part we avoided injury, although my husband has been complaining about his leg since we got home and has been resting and icing his knee.

I will try to post some pictures at some point. Had an incredible time though, and I'm really so proud of myself! :)