Peru Day 4 - Sacred Valley

And we're off... today we leave Cusco for the Sacred Valley for a final day of visiting with locals, seeing the ruins of Ollantaytambo and getting everything ready for the Inca Trail tomorrow.  It's also the last day with any wifi connection until we return from Machu Picchu.

Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the valley has been a source of livelihood to the locals for hundreds of years. The valley walls are covered in terraces filled with maize crops (although we are at the end of summer here in Peru).  For lunch we had a chance to visit a community that lives in the valley where they taught us about the local lifestyle and language.

The main job tonight is to minimize our bags.  We have each been given a small tote that will be carried by the Porters along the trail.  BUT  they can only carry 6 kg (approximately 13 pounds).  It sounds like plenty until you realize that includes your sleeping bag and mat.  Luckily it does not include food or tents as there are separate porters who will be carrying these as well as a cook to prepare all our meals.  I started researching back in December what I would need and planning how to pack as little as possible but still have all the necessities.  My family kindly helped fill my packing list with my Christmas presents so I was set.

My complete packing for the IT - 4 days, 3 nights, no showers!