During the kids vacation break, besides driving to Lima for paperwork we did a hike to Choquequirao which is an Incan ruin near where we live. To get there you drive 1 1/2 hours from Curahuasi to the the trailhead and then it is a 3o mile hike (15 miles in each direction) with a gain of 17,000 feet in elevation to reach the ruin. We did it in 4 days, and I was successful in uniting my family in their temporary dislike of me and my ideas. I have to say they all did well, and I am glad (and maybe they are) that we did it. The hike is impressive for the views, and possibly more impressive for the difficulty. Day 2 was hours and hours of uphill hiking without end. Like going up stairs. Day 3 we reached the ruins, and then backtracked all the way to the campsite from the first night of the hike. We met our step count for that day! On day four we hiked out to the trailhead, were blessed to see some condors, and then even more blessed to sleep in our beds with hot showers!

The route with elevation gain, miles walked, and the sadly slow pace

Lots of ups and downs!

Getting ready to head out. We could not have made it without the mules.

Beautiful!

Crossing the river the first time

Crossing the river in the opposite direction a day later as the sun set

Finally reached the campsite after a full day of uphill hiking

So glad to be flat on my back

Allison and some of the kids glad to be at camp. Allison feels good about her hairdo!

Annie talked to me the whole time we walked uphill while I took breaks and begged for mercy

The famous white llamas of Choquequirao

At the ruins

The group

The family

Making sure Allison still loves me

Walking down to view the llamas

David and Peter on the the llama terraces

Dinner on the second night in a small restaurant. There are no roads to Choquequirao, and so all the provisions are brought up by mules for the people who live here.

Getting some eggs and rice for lunch before the long descent

A trail with a view

The trail

I think we hit our step goal. This is from David’s watch.

We saw Andean condors!