Wow, this was a life changing experience that's for sure. I knew that I'd love the trek, but never in a million years did I think it would affect me the way that it did. We were so lucky, we did a path less travelled, not the main Inca Trek but the quarry trail which takes you to Machu Picchu but you go through remove villages and see different ruins along the way. Best part ever? No other tourists. Literally, nobody.
On the way there, I met so many beautiful people. Such a simple yet happy life. But my goodness they have it tough. Climbing the mountains, working the fields, tending to the animals and looking after hoards of children. The elements take their toll too. The kids all have windburn on their cheeks, their feet are callused and their clothes are ill fitting. But thankfully the land is fertile and they're all well fed.
I love that our trek took us to these parts. The kids loved to chat (and yes, so do I!) so it was a perfect match. We had the most beautiful boy join us on our four day hike, he was the son of one of the horsemen. Beltran is his name & i'll never forget him. So full of energy, smiles and laughter. Every morning he'd greet me with a hot basin of boiling water to wash my face (in the absence of a shower). But he wasn't the only one who made an impact. The kids all wanted to be in the photos, so I had many a photo opportunity! Love the three kids above who decided they'd pose for me while walking down the trail to play.
