Inca Trail / Machu Picchu Hike

We will be trekking the Cusco Valley from the 29th of April to the 5th of May 2019. Arriving at the Machu Picchu site for the sunrise of Carrie’s birthday the 4th of May. We will be hiking for four days, each day we will hike between five and eight hours from Cusco, though the Andes mountain range, to reach Machu Piccu.

We have decided to try and raise funds for organisations close to our hearts and will divide all money donated as follows:

50% to Brain Tumor Research

25% to The Cube Disability

25% to The National Autistic Society

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Rory: Trekking to Machu Picchu was always a dream of my father who was most likely inspired by the Werner Herzog film Aguirre’s opening scene, one of his favourites. He tragically died of an aggressive GBM brain tumour at the age of 57. By doing this hike, we hope not only to realise a dream of his but also raise some money towards lobbying for greater government research into both treatment and the causes of such a deadly cancer can help future generations.

Website for Brain Tumour Research

Carrie: The Inca Trail has always been one of the seven wonders which has intrigued me, as a child I said I'd hike it one day and raise money for The National Autistic Society in the process. My brother, who has a severe form of autism, was lucky enough to be one of the first clients of The Cube Disability, Daventry (set up in 2001). The organisation provides care services and support for clients with autism and complex needs. The Cube aims to educate and stimulate in a fun, interesting and safe environment where clients are encouraged to socialise and meet new friends through engaging activities such as holidays, sports, art and cultural events, literacy and education.

The staff at The Cube are wonderful and my brother always seems happy to see them, and his peers, when he is picked up in the morning. He has formed friendships and enjoyed shared experiences with others, funds raised will go towards activities for clients at The Cube Disability.

Website for The Cube Disability

Website for The National Autistic Society

Inca Trail Itinerary

We arrive in the Sacred Valley of Cusco two days before the trek to acclimatise.

Day 1: We depart Ollantaytambo for 'km 82' where the Inca Trail begins and ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.

Day 2: We start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft) and perceived the most challenging.

Day 3: We hike down to 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds" and on to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft) where we set up camp for the night.

Day 4: Our final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate for sunrise before hiking down for a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

The next day we board a train to return to Cusco.