Inca Jungle Trek | Part II

Monday, February 16, 2015

A continuation from our last post. Here are more photos from the second day of the Inca Jungle Trek. It was a long day of hiking along an Inca pathway—10 miles (16km) and 9 hours, first uphill, and then a little easier toward the end when we walked along the river. Most of the hike was very hot, sweaty, and dusty. It was hard to breathe, and our guide stopped for too many breaks.

The craziest part of the day was crossing a river in a man-operated cable car. In other words, we flew across a raging river in a wooden crate and then waited for someone on the other side to reel us in by pulling on a rope. At first it was a native boy, probably around 10, who was pulling us in (we paid a small fee to cross)! After he struggled for a while, a couple of the guys in our group took over.

At the end of the hike, we arrived at a big hot springs with several steaming pools. We were so satisfied soaking our tired bodies in hot springs as the sunlight disappeared. It wouldn't have been nearly as wonderful if we hadn't traveled 10 miles by foot to get there.

After the hot springs, we piled into a bus for a short ride into the small town of Santa Theresa and spent the night in another hostel. That night we had dinner at a restaurant with our group and stayed late this time to have drinks with everyone and get to know them. I just love backpackers. Everyone was very kind, open-minded, and interesting. Our group consisted of a bunch of Chileans, a handful of French, a couple Swiss guys, one Norwegian girl, and a Dutch guy. And us, Ukrainian-Americans. Where else can you get this much diversity but a common interest in traveling and adventure? Despite the fact that we come from such different places around the world, speak different languages, we could easily be friends with any of them. Of course, the fact that everyone knows some English helps immensely.

One more day of hiking, and then Machu Picchu!

- Julia



Break time. Refueling.
A Peruvian woman we passed by on the trail.
Smoke break.
Crossing a river in this man-operated cable car. The guy pushing them off is our guide.
Our view from the cable car. Getting pulled in by a French guy with a cigarette in his mouth. Amazing.
Zhanna and I, approaching the end of the hike. Good thing you can't tell how sweaty we are!
Not sure if I'll ever wear this rad combo again, but it was perfect in these conditions.
Santa Theresa hot springs. Couldn't think of a better reward after a full day of hiking.

24 comments :

  1. This looks like an amazing hike and your photography is just beautiful. Abby xx

    Eärendil

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  2. this looks incredible! your adventures seem to just get better and better each day! x

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  3. Amazing photography looks incredible!

    thriftylilpixie.blogspot.com

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  4. you gals are such babes even when hiking! looks like an awesome day.

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  5. seriously amazing! ....i think i'll just tag along on your next adventure, if you don't mind. ;)

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  6. wow, that cable car is awesome! and love your dress too Julia, it looks really comfy for a hike!

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  7. Love this! Your pictures are amazing!

    www.freedupgirl.com

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  8. looks like such an awesome day. you guys always post the most beautiful pics. in love with your blog. curious what kind of post processing you guys do or if most of it is done in camera. the colors and contrast are always just so stunning.

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  9. That looks amazing! And you look pretty nice while hiking...
    xx,
    E.
    www.theslowpace.com

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  10. Wow. I am so enjoying following this adventure of yours. Beautiful photos, as always.

    http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com

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  11. This looks so amazing - definitely on my wish list of places to visit!

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  12. Well I've to say it : your blog is definitely my favorite one ! :)

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  13. magical. love your photos, as always

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  14. Such a great trip! Nice photos =)

    http://www.thelisboners.com/

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  15. Ah shit now I'm going to have to add Inca jungle trekking to my list. Your photos are crazy beautiful! Great post.

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  16. Looks amazing! So jealous!!!

    xx Leesa & Kate

    www.wanderlustchronicles.com.au

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  17. Wow, trekking really interests me but I haven't actually tried it yet. Your adventure looks really really fun and how you took those photos really inspires me! <3

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  18. I always go to you guys for amazing photo and travel inspiration :D

    https://itsjpei.wordpress.com/

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  19. Thank you for letting me fall in love all over again with Peru through your pictures.
    Never have I seen a set of pictures that fully grasp the beauty of this beautiful country that will always have my heart. Yet, pictures will never be able to capture the full awe of Peru, but that's okay because your pictures came pretty darn close. ;)

    My heart will forever be in the shape of a llama.

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  20. Really loved hearing about this trip, it's a place i need to visit soon.

    Buckets & Spades

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  21. Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is a recommended route for adventurous people who are not afraid of heights, as well as being full of adventure sports like zipline rafting and a trek, a route where the incredible landscapes are accompanied by the Vilcanota River .
    I would like to give some recommendations for the Inca Jungle Trail:
    1.- The best time to visit the Inca Forest Trail is from April to November. The rest of the year there is less influx of tourists because the climate is very humid, cold and raining constantly.
    2.-It is advisable to carry a good supply of lemon candies, as it counteracts dehydration.
    3.-Bring protector and repellent.
    4.- All companies offer the Inca Forest, look for the most economic. One that I recommend is: http://www.incajungleoperador.com/ offers affordable prices.
    regards

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