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In May 2001, I went with Wilderness Travel on their trip,
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
As its name implies, this rigorous six-day hike takes you from Cuzco to
Machu Picchu through the gorgeous foothills of the Andes Mountains. With
spectacular views of snow-capped mountain ranges and grass valleys so
lush and green that you gasp in amazement, even the most experienced
linguist would run out of disposable adjectives. Yet, as one passes
through some of the most beautiful scenery in world, one can't help but
marvel at the huge mountain-tops that go all the way to the ground.
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The trip starts in Cuzco, the ancient
capital of the Inca Empire and the oldest continuously inhabited city
in South America. Despite evolution of technology and culture, the
city still has some of its old temples built by the people of the Inca
kings. Only now, the rooms have been upgraded with showers, telephones
and satellite television. Camping along the trail during the 6-day hike
is not as luxurious. Passing through many inca ruins, some more ruined
than others, we finally arrive in the mysterious city of Machu Picchu,
well-known for being built on a terraced mountain top. It's fascinating
to think that very little is known about the Inca or the city itself,
and while it isn't entirely clear what this city was initially built for,
one thing is clear: the Inca had no fear of heights.
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