After spending a few days acclimatizing in Cusco, the start of our trek began a 4:30 AM. Some quick packing and then a cab to meet the group (we had a total of 10 trekkers) at the plaza by 6:00 and we were on our way. I snoozed most of the trip with the exception of a quick stop for breakfast, a fogged out view of the Sacred Valley, and a stop in a local village for last minute provisions.

The cab took us to highway marker 82, where the trek begins. We had to sign in at the park entrance, which was a sea of porters and hikers. Unlike many treks, on the Inca Trail the porters are strictly monitored as to the limits of weight they can carry. This greatly increases the amount of porters and creates quite a chaotic scene for the start of what should be a tranquil hike.

The start of the hike was a wide trail with the river roaring to our side. It's a good thing the trail was wide, because even though they limit the number of trekkers, there was an incredible number of people ambling along. I felt like I was in a crowded park instead of a multiday trek into nature and history.

Although my trekmate Matt and I were carrying a heavy load, burden of a photographer, we walked quite comfortably. The effort stayed pretty much the same through lunch (Drop in altitude from Cusco to the start). Lunch was served in a huge tent and by trekking standards was incredible. After a bit of a break, we pushed on. However, our nice even terrain was replaced with a steep incline. Matt, on his first significant trek, struggled a bit, but made it through well considering we were camping at over 3,000m (9840 ft). Dinner, again was excellent, although Matt didn’t get to enjoy much of it. The over exertion on the climb combined with the altitude really knocked him for a spin and he skipped most of dinner. It just meant more dessert for the group. A jello like substance with cinnamon was quite tasty for a trek, although I can say I’ve craved it since.

After dinner, Matt seemed to recover, so we played cards in the tent and called it an early night. However, the night would be far from over. Whether it was the food, the water, the altitude, or the exersion we could not say, but in the middle of the night nature called Matt in a big way. Sadly, he was not very good at opening a tent in the pitch black. I am glad to report he did get out in time.