Jusr made it to the flight.. berry's faulty boarding pass.. miss allen's bag search.. delays in passport control..... even with best negotiating effort they closed the gate leaving 12 on the wrong side.. that is until a wild henry came screaching along just in time then all was well.. reopened and we're on our way😊 see you soon!
Time to come home...
Today's travel day!!! Don't know if that's good or bad. We're all in agreement that it's gonna be nice to come back but at the same time we will all miss it here. Over the past two weeks we have all become so much more attached to everything here. The day started calmly with a nice morning paddle over the lake to the start of the hike. From here we back trekked 3 km to the river where we took a boat upstream for half an hour. But the real travel stress kicked in when our first flight was delayed by two hours. We're now all on our final approach to Lima airport where our 3 hours stop has turned into a 45 minute stop. But I think everyone is ready to sleep on the next flight. See you all tomorrow!!!!!!!
Mathias
The trip is coming to a close. We are on the plane to Lima and will soon be home. None of this would have been possible without Ms Jewitt! A huge thank-you to her for organizing everything and being an amazing teacher and friend throughout the trip! Thank you so much for everything!
A thank-you also to Mr Huber, Mr Frans & Miss Allen for making sure we survived the trip mostly unscathed!
Lastly, a thank you to the parents who supported us all in this trip and made it possible for us to go!
Philip
Today's travel day!!! Don't know if that's good or bad. We're all in agreement that it's gonna be nice to come back but at the same time we will all miss it here. Over the past two weeks we have all become so much more attached to everything here. The day started calmly with a nice morning paddle over the lake to the start of the hike. From here we back trekked 3 km to the river where we took a boat upstream for half an hour. But the real travel stress kicked in when our first flight was delayed by two hours. We're now all on our final approach to Lima airport where our 3 hours stop has turned into a 45 minute stop. But I think everyone is ready to sleep on the next flight. See you all tomorrow!!!!!!!
Mathias
The trip is coming to a close. We are on the plane to Lima and will soon be home. None of this would have been possible without Ms Jewitt! A huge thank-you to her for organizing everything and being an amazing teacher and friend throughout the trip! Thank you so much for everything!
A thank-you also to Mr Huber, Mr Frans & Miss Allen for making sure we survived the trip mostly unscathed!
Lastly, a thank you to the parents who supported us all in this trip and made it possible for us to go!
Philip
Sandoval Lodge
Yesterday we flew to Puerto Maldonado, a chaotic town. Next we hopped on a canoe-like motor boat which looked amazing. We had been expecting lunch but what arrived was fantastic. They delivered to each of us a basket containing a something wrapped in a large banana leaf tied with some vine. As I untied the vine and opened the leaf I was amazed. It was a delicious serving of stir fried rice. It was amazing. We sped along for roughly 30 minutes before arriving at the shore. We then walked along a jungle track in the extreme humidity for 2 miles where we stopped to get in another conoe. While we waited there was a shake in a tree. A long gaze revealed 2 small monkeys hopping in the trees. After everyone caught up we jumped in the boats an were paddled slowly towards the lodge. We saw a baby cayman (alligator) along the shore and amazing birds and monkeys along the way. our journey to the lodge had been amazing. It was an expirience that I will never forget. We've now continued our adventurous trip and seen so many other animals.
Jack
This morning we woke up on the side of the misty lake. We got a plan for today's proceedings. We were on the boat by 06:00! experiencing the sounds and the sights of the waking jungle. amongst many things we were lucky enough to see 4 giant otters next to us fighting about fish. on the lake there is a famiy of 10...4 young and 6 adults. the babies are only 3 months old, so they were learning how to feed on fish.
Emma-Sunshine
Yesterday we flew to Puerto Maldonado, a chaotic town. Next we hopped on a canoe-like motor boat which looked amazing. We had been expecting lunch but what arrived was fantastic. They delivered to each of us a basket containing a something wrapped in a large banana leaf tied with some vine. As I untied the vine and opened the leaf I was amazed. It was a delicious serving of stir fried rice. It was amazing. We sped along for roughly 30 minutes before arriving at the shore. We then walked along a jungle track in the extreme humidity for 2 miles where we stopped to get in another conoe. While we waited there was a shake in a tree. A long gaze revealed 2 small monkeys hopping in the trees. After everyone caught up we jumped in the boats an were paddled slowly towards the lodge. We saw a baby cayman (alligator) along the shore and amazing birds and monkeys along the way. our journey to the lodge had been amazing. It was an expirience that I will never forget. We've now continued our adventurous trip and seen so many other animals.
Jack
This morning we woke up on the side of the misty lake. We got a plan for today's proceedings. We were on the boat by 06:00! experiencing the sounds and the sights of the waking jungle. amongst many things we were lucky enough to see 4 giant otters next to us fighting about fish. on the lake there is a famiy of 10...4 young and 6 adults. the babies are only 3 months old, so they were learning how to feed on fish.
Emma-Sunshine
Biking by Emma-Sunshine
When I embarked on this challenging and awarding trip I would have never thought that I would get so close with so many people. I feel that this trip has really benefited me emotionally and physically due to the togetherness, loyalty,devotion and large gradient of the hike. I really feel that all of us, students and teachers have come together to make us feel as one. One team, one family, one race. Though tough times (up hill biking, up hill hiking, and hyperthermia). We all make each other show our bests. When one is naive the other will be there to help just in case. Let's just say even though we can find each other annoying at times we will be there for each other. We support each other when one is struggling, and celebrating when one is achieving. This trip has really emphasized on our schools Motto. Respect, motivate and achieve. Respect for when one makes decisions that others don't. Motivate when one is tired and needs some moral support to push them to achieve their goals. Achieve when we all make our goal and reach it. I fully support this Motto and feel that living by this will push me to do my best in everything and I'm pretty sure this goes for everyone else. In conclusion we have proved our school Motto to be beneficial.
Emma-Sunshine
When I embarked on this challenging and awarding trip I would have never thought that I would get so close with so many people. I feel that this trip has really benefited me emotionally and physically due to the togetherness, loyalty,devotion and large gradient of the hike. I really feel that all of us, students and teachers have come together to make us feel as one. One team, one family, one race. Though tough times (up hill biking, up hill hiking, and hyperthermia). We all make each other show our bests. When one is naive the other will be there to help just in case. Let's just say even though we can find each other annoying at times we will be there for each other. We support each other when one is struggling, and celebrating when one is achieving. This trip has really emphasized on our schools Motto. Respect, motivate and achieve. Respect for when one makes decisions that others don't. Motivate when one is tired and needs some moral support to push them to achieve their goals. Achieve when we all make our goal and reach it. I fully support this Motto and feel that living by this will push me to do my best in everything and I'm pretty sure this goes for everyone else. In conclusion we have proved our school Motto to be beneficial.
Emma-Sunshine
Biking by Mathias
If you a real thrill seeker and looking for a real adrenalin rush, then today was the perfect day. We went on a wonderful 30 kilometer bike ride taking us 700 height meters down into a small valley to the salt fields. Bikes, gloves and helmets were all provided and we all hopped on the saddles and went for a thrill seeking ride. Upon arriving at the salt fields everyone was amazed by the difficulty but also how amazing the ride was and I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone when I say we all enjoyed it! We're now all in the busses and on our way back to Cuzco and looking forward to a nice evening with shopping and a nice dinner including more cultural food!
Mathias
If you a real thrill seeker and looking for a real adrenalin rush, then today was the perfect day. We went on a wonderful 30 kilometer bike ride taking us 700 height meters down into a small valley to the salt fields. Bikes, gloves and helmets were all provided and we all hopped on the saddles and went for a thrill seeking ride. Upon arriving at the salt fields everyone was amazed by the difficulty but also how amazing the ride was and I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone when I say we all enjoyed it! We're now all in the busses and on our way back to Cuzco and looking forward to a nice evening with shopping and a nice dinner including more cultural food!
Mathias
Biking by Henry
Today was an amazing bike ride facing steep and narrow paths with random rocks everywhere...we all managed to live. We were all taking our own paces sliding left to right dodging rocks with difficulty but with smiles on everyones face. It was so much fun we wanted to go again. Showing the beauty and fun side of peru.
Henry
Today was an amazing bike ride facing steep and narrow paths with random rocks everywhere...we all managed to live. We were all taking our own paces sliding left to right dodging rocks with difficulty but with smiles on everyones face. It was so much fun we wanted to go again. Showing the beauty and fun side of peru.
Henry
Biking by Jack F
An hour ago we finished what could have been my new favorite day this trip. I tried something new and loved it. Today we did a bike ride over the hills and mountains, through farm fields and rocky narrow paths. We started with a gentle slow up hill in the most amazing scenery. Colorful hilly fields with a back drop of astounding snow capped mountain peaks. The bike ride was gentle until me and Henry decided to try some mini jumps on the sides of the road. We had a lot of fun messing around and pushing ourselves to do bigger jumps. I taught myself to jump on flat ground which when added a bump created a pretty clean and elegant jump. We passed the most amazing sites including mountain lakes, farmlands miles long and towns with animals and people running around busily. We stopped for lunch after 2 hours of biking and then we met our biggest challenge but most fun part. This was of course the downhill biking. I was near the front and we would go fast. When we saw a bump we would jump and get the most amazing feeling of insanity. The course gave us such an adrenalin rush that carried on though out the ride. The feeling of slamming your hydraulic back breaks and skidding around a tight corner to only continue seamlessly was crazy. You felt insane but graceful at the same time. I think I have found a hobby I would like to continue and do more of. After the end we begged for another round but our hopes were lost because our time being too short. We visited a salt farm next. This was unexpectedly amazing. The system was a stream running from a salt water spring that would be channeled into pools where the sun evaporated the water leaving salt crystals. If you thought this wasn't quite cool enough just realize there were 4000 pools. The pure vastness blew me away. I now find myself on a 2 hour bus ride back to Cuzco. Today was fantastic and the weather turned out to be fantastic.
Jack F
An hour ago we finished what could have been my new favorite day this trip. I tried something new and loved it. Today we did a bike ride over the hills and mountains, through farm fields and rocky narrow paths. We started with a gentle slow up hill in the most amazing scenery. Colorful hilly fields with a back drop of astounding snow capped mountain peaks. The bike ride was gentle until me and Henry decided to try some mini jumps on the sides of the road. We had a lot of fun messing around and pushing ourselves to do bigger jumps. I taught myself to jump on flat ground which when added a bump created a pretty clean and elegant jump. We passed the most amazing sites including mountain lakes, farmlands miles long and towns with animals and people running around busily. We stopped for lunch after 2 hours of biking and then we met our biggest challenge but most fun part. This was of course the downhill biking. I was near the front and we would go fast. When we saw a bump we would jump and get the most amazing feeling of insanity. The course gave us such an adrenalin rush that carried on though out the ride. The feeling of slamming your hydraulic back breaks and skidding around a tight corner to only continue seamlessly was crazy. You felt insane but graceful at the same time. I think I have found a hobby I would like to continue and do more of. After the end we begged for another round but our hopes were lost because our time being too short. We visited a salt farm next. This was unexpectedly amazing. The system was a stream running from a salt water spring that would be channeled into pools where the sun evaporated the water leaving salt crystals. If you thought this wasn't quite cool enough just realize there were 4000 pools. The pure vastness blew me away. I now find myself on a 2 hour bus ride back to Cuzco. Today was fantastic and the weather turned out to be fantastic.
Jack F
Biking by Berry
Today we went mountain biking through the Peruvian Andes. We spent 2 hours biking up to our lunch place were we sat, overlooking the most amazing view. After that quick stop we set off again on our downhill adventure. 45 minuets of fast paced cycling down a rocky path. Everyone enjoyed it and most of us would have loved to do it all over again.
Berry
Today we went mountain biking through the Peruvian Andes. We spent 2 hours biking up to our lunch place were we sat, overlooking the most amazing view. After that quick stop we set off again on our downhill adventure. 45 minuets of fast paced cycling down a rocky path. Everyone enjoyed it and most of us would have loved to do it all over again.
Berry
08.07.2016 // Day of biking
35km maras moray mountain biking... started 3'700 now 3'500 nearly all uphill and everyone going well.. guides are impressed
35km maras moray mountain biking... started 3'700 now 3'500 nearly all uphill and everyone going well.. guides are impressed
07.07.2016 // Ecoan by Mathias
Day 11 of our wonderful Machu Picchu trip is now coming to an end. The day was all about giving back and the plan was to spend the day doing service work, working with Ecoan. Upon arriving at the location at 9 o'clock this morning we were greeted by all the locals who manage the tree plantation. Unfortunately today also had a more negative side to it. It was the first day at which it was cloudy for the whole trip, and only short after arrival it started raining, but it was only lightly so we set off wearing all our waterproofs. The first task was for all of us to carry one large wooden lodge half way up a nearby mountain where the tree plantation could be found. After a tough walk up with heavy lodges on our backs we were meet by heavy rain and this would prove to be a challenge, but for the moment we kept going. We separated into two groups, where the majority went to start pruning the trees whilst a smaller group went to collect more lodges. The pruning was not easy due to the harsh weather conditions. It was all about working with your hands and before we had even started most of the group were already cold and the hands which were most valuable to the pruning were freezing up for most people. After half an hour or so the leader, Paul had to stop the work and we were all forced to retreat back down into shelter where we could regenerate heat. But an hour of work was more than enough to make a small difference on the already amazing work the locals had done! We all arrived back down in the local hall were food had been prepared by our yet again wonderful chefs and everyone enjoyed hot beverages and a tasty but early lunch. The weather never seemed to improve and in the end we ended up returning early back to the hotel here in Ollantaytambo. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing in the hotel and watching the football game. Some students took the opportunity to go explore the local city. We ended the day off with a nice dinner at one of the local restaurants where students enjoyed everything from Alpaca meat to a nice pasta and much more. Everyone has their fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow as it will be essential for a nice mountain bike ride to the salt pans.
Mathias
Day 11 of our wonderful Machu Picchu trip is now coming to an end. The day was all about giving back and the plan was to spend the day doing service work, working with Ecoan. Upon arriving at the location at 9 o'clock this morning we were greeted by all the locals who manage the tree plantation. Unfortunately today also had a more negative side to it. It was the first day at which it was cloudy for the whole trip, and only short after arrival it started raining, but it was only lightly so we set off wearing all our waterproofs. The first task was for all of us to carry one large wooden lodge half way up a nearby mountain where the tree plantation could be found. After a tough walk up with heavy lodges on our backs we were meet by heavy rain and this would prove to be a challenge, but for the moment we kept going. We separated into two groups, where the majority went to start pruning the trees whilst a smaller group went to collect more lodges. The pruning was not easy due to the harsh weather conditions. It was all about working with your hands and before we had even started most of the group were already cold and the hands which were most valuable to the pruning were freezing up for most people. After half an hour or so the leader, Paul had to stop the work and we were all forced to retreat back down into shelter where we could regenerate heat. But an hour of work was more than enough to make a small difference on the already amazing work the locals had done! We all arrived back down in the local hall were food had been prepared by our yet again wonderful chefs and everyone enjoyed hot beverages and a tasty but early lunch. The weather never seemed to improve and in the end we ended up returning early back to the hotel here in Ollantaytambo. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing in the hotel and watching the football game. Some students took the opportunity to go explore the local city. We ended the day off with a nice dinner at one of the local restaurants where students enjoyed everything from Alpaca meat to a nice pasta and much more. Everyone has their fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow as it will be essential for a nice mountain bike ride to the salt pans.
Mathias
07.07.2016 // Ecoan
Our day working with Ecoan was quite an adventure! Light drizzle early morning cleared until we arrived with the community in the hills... each armed with a pair of secateurs and weighed down by a hefty eucalyptus fence post we trudged up the mountain to 4'100m.. Rain soon became icy snow.. very unseasonal.. and hands froze as we tried to prune the small queuña trees on the hillside. Not quite as planned but we managed to prune 50 of the trees and left a huge pile of posts for the community to begin the fence rebuild in the next days. Retreating to the village hall, our cooks reappeared and prepared yet more amazing food. All freezing but a great atmosphere of camaraderie!
Amazonas Explorer together with ecoan planted 50'000 trees on the slopes of the laras valley and patacancha valley over the last year, working closely with the local communities, providing environmental training and financial support,also giving 1% of all profits to the cause
Our day working with Ecoan was quite an adventure! Light drizzle early morning cleared until we arrived with the community in the hills... each armed with a pair of secateurs and weighed down by a hefty eucalyptus fence post we trudged up the mountain to 4'100m.. Rain soon became icy snow.. very unseasonal.. and hands froze as we tried to prune the small queuña trees on the hillside. Not quite as planned but we managed to prune 50 of the trees and left a huge pile of posts for the community to begin the fence rebuild in the next days. Retreating to the village hall, our cooks reappeared and prepared yet more amazing food. All freezing but a great atmosphere of camaraderie!
Amazonas Explorer together with ecoan planted 50'000 trees on the slopes of the laras valley and patacancha valley over the last year, working closely with the local communities, providing environmental training and financial support,also giving 1% of all profits to the cause
The trek...
A brief word from me on the trek in particular...An amazing 6/7 days in the wild in a totally amazing place with a totally amazing group of kids... strong, supportive, creative, great fun to be with...every one;) The hike was seriously tough! Very, very proud of them all. Liz
A brief word from me on the trek in particular...An amazing 6/7 days in the wild in a totally amazing place with a totally amazing group of kids... strong, supportive, creative, great fun to be with...every one;) The hike was seriously tough! Very, very proud of them all. Liz
06.07.2016 // The last day of hiking...
Today was our last day of hiking! We made it to Machu Picchu.
For those of us who decided to climb to Machu Picchu Mountain, we woke up early at 4:45 and had a quick breakfast at 5. We had to leave by 5:30 though we were delayed by a few stragglers. The line was huge and we by the time we left, it was 6:15. We managed to reach our slot and began climbing Machu Picchu mountain while the others slept.
Mathias, Philip and Alex V. sprinted to the top, taking only 44 minutes versus the usual 1.5 hours! Eventually 26 of the 32 made it to the top! After taking many pictures and enjoying the breathe-taking view, we began heading back down, which was almost as tough as going up, since the stairs were steep and small!
We made it down and had a tour of Machu Picchu, looking at the important buildings such as the temple of the sun or temple of the condor! Following this tour, we headed back down into Machu Picchu Pueblo (Machu Picchu Town) and spent some time there buying souvenirs and getting ready to leave.
Following that we left for Ollantaytambo and took a train ride accompanied by some dancers who spiced the ride up!
After arriving late, some of us went to a pizzeria to enjoy a late dinner and then retired to bed to prepare for another busy day!
Philip
Have a look at all the photos!!
Today was our last day of hiking! We made it to Machu Picchu.
For those of us who decided to climb to Machu Picchu Mountain, we woke up early at 4:45 and had a quick breakfast at 5. We had to leave by 5:30 though we were delayed by a few stragglers. The line was huge and we by the time we left, it was 6:15. We managed to reach our slot and began climbing Machu Picchu mountain while the others slept.
Mathias, Philip and Alex V. sprinted to the top, taking only 44 minutes versus the usual 1.5 hours! Eventually 26 of the 32 made it to the top! After taking many pictures and enjoying the breathe-taking view, we began heading back down, which was almost as tough as going up, since the stairs were steep and small!
We made it down and had a tour of Machu Picchu, looking at the important buildings such as the temple of the sun or temple of the condor! Following this tour, we headed back down into Machu Picchu Pueblo (Machu Picchu Town) and spent some time there buying souvenirs and getting ready to leave.
Following that we left for Ollantaytambo and took a train ride accompanied by some dancers who spiced the ride up!
After arriving late, some of us went to a pizzeria to enjoy a late dinner and then retired to bed to prepare for another busy day!
Philip
Have a look at all the photos!!
Mathias on the first day of the hike...
Today was the first day of our 6 day trek to Machu Picchu! The day stated early for everyone as we had to leave the hotel in Cuzco at 7 in the morning and drive 5 hours to Cachora were we were meet by our trekking team near the trailhead. After a nice lunch at 2 we started to descend the switchback trail, 1600m into the Apurimac canyon until we arrived at our camp for the night, namely Chikiska. Currently we are joined by the most beautiful and stunning start night with a perfect view of the Milky Way. Moral is high in the camp as we are all ready for the next few days of hiking and all excited to arrive in Machu Picchu on the 6th of July!
xxxx
Mathias
Today was the first day of our 6 day trek to Machu Picchu! The day stated early for everyone as we had to leave the hotel in Cuzco at 7 in the morning and drive 5 hours to Cachora were we were meet by our trekking team near the trailhead. After a nice lunch at 2 we started to descend the switchback trail, 1600m into the Apurimac canyon until we arrived at our camp for the night, namely Chikiska. Currently we are joined by the most beautiful and stunning start night with a perfect view of the Milky Way. Moral is high in the camp as we are all ready for the next few days of hiking and all excited to arrive in Machu Picchu on the 6th of July!
xxxx
Mathias
04.07.2016 // Day 5 of the hike
Best Day Yet...
Today was my favorite day yet. I loved the challenge, the views, the terrain, the hilarious moments with friends. Today was an allround good day for me. It started out with an early wake up, I'm used to them now, and an early start to the hike. We began uphill. It was tough but I kept going because I was chatting with my friends and completely oblivious to the challenging aspects. After a while we found a mine shaft that our guide informed us was sometimes used to mine silver and lead. We stopped for break at an amazing site where the view went on forever. Ms Jewitt had an unfortunate but hilarious accident with her knife and the unripe oranges we had come to call lemanges. She fought on and was brave after she had to get the "emergency use only" first aid kit out. After some disinfectant and a plaster she was good as new missing only the function of her finger print scanner for her phone. We continued up higher and higher as we continually chatted and laughed at stories and experiences. We broke the tree line and the whole of Peru seemed visible. The terrain became less muddy and the weather turned for the better. When we arrived at the top of our path when we waited and took a brake. Ms Jewitt had a few panics as children found their way closer and closer to the edge. But as we continued the hike her nerves seemed to settle ;) . I loved our path down. We found ourselves on a grassy path surrounded by beautiful blue berried bushes. The sun was out and everything seemed perfect, until the flies. Flies swarmed us and we swung our poles in defense as if protecting our lives. We had the time of our lives laughing at Henry hilariously charging down the mountain path. We arrived at lunch which could not have been more needed. The hike for the day was over but it had been amazing with the most stunning views. It was now time for the 3 hour bus ride. Me and my friends found our way to a bus and played games in the back. We stopped at our new highest altitude which was 4643m and hopped out, took photos and ran back in. We could now say we had been there and done that. The bus ride continued and from then on only became more eventful. We were stopped in our tracks by Wild bulls fighting it out. When the sun set and it became darker we started playing music as the entire bus sang along laughing and dancing. When we arrived at our campsite, a coffee plantation, we found our bags and tents and relaxed. The day was fantastic but now over and we could anticipate tomorrow.
Jack F
Best Day Yet...
Today was my favorite day yet. I loved the challenge, the views, the terrain, the hilarious moments with friends. Today was an allround good day for me. It started out with an early wake up, I'm used to them now, and an early start to the hike. We began uphill. It was tough but I kept going because I was chatting with my friends and completely oblivious to the challenging aspects. After a while we found a mine shaft that our guide informed us was sometimes used to mine silver and lead. We stopped for break at an amazing site where the view went on forever. Ms Jewitt had an unfortunate but hilarious accident with her knife and the unripe oranges we had come to call lemanges. She fought on and was brave after she had to get the "emergency use only" first aid kit out. After some disinfectant and a plaster she was good as new missing only the function of her finger print scanner for her phone. We continued up higher and higher as we continually chatted and laughed at stories and experiences. We broke the tree line and the whole of Peru seemed visible. The terrain became less muddy and the weather turned for the better. When we arrived at the top of our path when we waited and took a brake. Ms Jewitt had a few panics as children found their way closer and closer to the edge. But as we continued the hike her nerves seemed to settle ;) . I loved our path down. We found ourselves on a grassy path surrounded by beautiful blue berried bushes. The sun was out and everything seemed perfect, until the flies. Flies swarmed us and we swung our poles in defense as if protecting our lives. We had the time of our lives laughing at Henry hilariously charging down the mountain path. We arrived at lunch which could not have been more needed. The hike for the day was over but it had been amazing with the most stunning views. It was now time for the 3 hour bus ride. Me and my friends found our way to a bus and played games in the back. We stopped at our new highest altitude which was 4643m and hopped out, took photos and ran back in. We could now say we had been there and done that. The bus ride continued and from then on only became more eventful. We were stopped in our tracks by Wild bulls fighting it out. When the sun set and it became darker we started playing music as the entire bus sang along laughing and dancing. When we arrived at our campsite, a coffee plantation, we found our bags and tents and relaxed. The day was fantastic but now over and we could anticipate tomorrow.
Jack F
03.07.2016 // Day 4 of the hike
It was worth it...
Today we had an amazing hike leaving the site and ruins of Choqiqirau. We started with a roughly 2 hour uphill followed by a 4 hour decent. After the descent however we found our selves hiking up another mountain which we had guessed would be another 4 hours up hill. Unlike the rest of this hike these 4 hours felt awfully long and seemed to go on forever. The teachers (Huber) kept repeatedly saying it was 5 more minutes and reading out the altitudes we were at. The hike felt a long time but eventually we did reach the top. We knew we'd reached the top when we saw our first mule smirking at us as if to say "it took you long enough". The campsite was amazing with an open space area filled with tents and equipment. We had the most amazing view of the mountains and as we arrived the sun set as an orange glaze ignited the scenery. There was a rush for the tents, with a bit of drama deciding who would go where and why some people couldn't have the tents right next to their friends. I think in the end we were all satisfied and pleased with our decisions and made peace with the fact tents aren't worth complaining about when you're as tired as we were. Dinner came along and nothing could have been more satisfying than the spaghetti with meat sauce. I loved the mountains at night under the moon light sky. Every moment seemed as if it had been pulled straight out of an apple screen saver. It was stunning.
Jack F
It was worth it...
Today we had an amazing hike leaving the site and ruins of Choqiqirau. We started with a roughly 2 hour uphill followed by a 4 hour decent. After the descent however we found our selves hiking up another mountain which we had guessed would be another 4 hours up hill. Unlike the rest of this hike these 4 hours felt awfully long and seemed to go on forever. The teachers (Huber) kept repeatedly saying it was 5 more minutes and reading out the altitudes we were at. The hike felt a long time but eventually we did reach the top. We knew we'd reached the top when we saw our first mule smirking at us as if to say "it took you long enough". The campsite was amazing with an open space area filled with tents and equipment. We had the most amazing view of the mountains and as we arrived the sun set as an orange glaze ignited the scenery. There was a rush for the tents, with a bit of drama deciding who would go where and why some people couldn't have the tents right next to their friends. I think in the end we were all satisfied and pleased with our decisions and made peace with the fact tents aren't worth complaining about when you're as tired as we were. Dinner came along and nothing could have been more satisfying than the spaghetti with meat sauce. I loved the mountains at night under the moon light sky. Every moment seemed as if it had been pulled straight out of an apple screen saver. It was stunning.
Jack F
02.07.2016 // Day 3 of the hike
The White Llamas
It was amazing today. It was a short day but we had a lot that we did. Today we visited a series of ruins and terraces. Each amazed me because of its design and location. Each ruin had an amazing view and were lovely to relax at. I would have had more time to relax but I decided to do an extra hike, roughly 1:15 minutes. It was a short hike and most of the time was spent either looking at, or taking ridiculous and silly photos with the amazing white stone llamas built in to the terrace walls. Knowing each of the rocks had to have been carried up from the river, roughly a 1.5km vertically below, only made me love them more. There were extra rocks that would stick out, the guide said the inkas called them sky steps because they were stairs that were built to stick out of the walls and appear to levitate. We also took more silly and ridiculous photos on these. We finished our tour of this particular inka ruin with a 100 meter vertical stair case consisting of roughly 400 steps... Guess what we did with these?... Took silly and ridiculous photos.
Jack F
The White Llamas
It was amazing today. It was a short day but we had a lot that we did. Today we visited a series of ruins and terraces. Each amazed me because of its design and location. Each ruin had an amazing view and were lovely to relax at. I would have had more time to relax but I decided to do an extra hike, roughly 1:15 minutes. It was a short hike and most of the time was spent either looking at, or taking ridiculous and silly photos with the amazing white stone llamas built in to the terrace walls. Knowing each of the rocks had to have been carried up from the river, roughly a 1.5km vertically below, only made me love them more. There were extra rocks that would stick out, the guide said the inkas called them sky steps because they were stairs that were built to stick out of the walls and appear to levitate. We also took more silly and ridiculous photos on these. We finished our tour of this particular inka ruin with a 100 meter vertical stair case consisting of roughly 400 steps... Guess what we did with these?... Took silly and ridiculous photos.
Jack F
01.07.2016 // Night 2 of the hike
Star Gazing in Peru
Tonight was amazing... I stepped out of the dinner tent and was stunned by the view... It was pitch black of course but I had never seen the stars like this. Each star was bright and visible in a way I can't describe. The sky was completely coated with a layer of spots and patches. Something about me trying to comprehend the breath taking distance from me to the stars amazed me. I sat down and watched them from the grass and was stunned to see parts of the night sky I had never seen before. Parts like distant planets such as Mars and even the surrounding Galaxy. The Milky Way stood out and was visible as a ring wrapping around world with enormity. I saw shooting stars for the second time in my life... Oh but not only the second... I saw roughly 6 that night and each just as astounding as the last. We gathered later to star gaze. We each pulled out our inflated mattresses and warm sleeping bags as we laid pressing to one another for warmth. We told jokes and laughed under the star light sky. Tonight was amazing and unlike anything I I've ever seen.
Jack F
Star Gazing in Peru
Tonight was amazing... I stepped out of the dinner tent and was stunned by the view... It was pitch black of course but I had never seen the stars like this. Each star was bright and visible in a way I can't describe. The sky was completely coated with a layer of spots and patches. Something about me trying to comprehend the breath taking distance from me to the stars amazed me. I sat down and watched them from the grass and was stunned to see parts of the night sky I had never seen before. Parts like distant planets such as Mars and even the surrounding Galaxy. The Milky Way stood out and was visible as a ring wrapping around world with enormity. I saw shooting stars for the second time in my life... Oh but not only the second... I saw roughly 6 that night and each just as astounding as the last. We gathered later to star gaze. We each pulled out our inflated mattresses and warm sleeping bags as we laid pressing to one another for warmth. We told jokes and laughed under the star light sky. Tonight was amazing and unlike anything I I've ever seen.
Jack F
01.07.2016 // Day 2 of the hike
Today we went up a steep sloped hike with a lot of altitude incline (1700). We had a tough time as the never ending hill seemed unclimable. Crossing short parts of jungle cooled us down and gave us some amazing views. At night staring at the night sky desperatley waiting for shooting stars and gazing at the milkyway and mars. In the end everyone collapsed dead tired ready for a good day of rest tomorrow.
Luca
Today we went up a steep sloped hike with a lot of altitude incline (1700). We had a tough time as the never ending hill seemed unclimable. Crossing short parts of jungle cooled us down and gave us some amazing views. At night staring at the night sky desperatley waiting for shooting stars and gazing at the milkyway and mars. In the end everyone collapsed dead tired ready for a good day of rest tomorrow.
Luca
Poetry
Day 1
Come and sleep my little traveler,
The bed is warm and luscious,
Put your sore legs to rest and your mind to ease,
Lose yourself amongst twinkling stars,
Till you surrender to blissful sleep,
Rest well my little traveler,
For the road ahead is weary.
Day 2
Biting dust,
Hungry fleas,
Treacherous roads,
And blistering heat.
Pounding hearts,
Cramping legs,
Itchy skin,
And sweaty backs.
Over the ridge to reap its rewards,
Phenomenal views,
Fantastic food,
Hearty company,
And nothing to lose!
Day 3
The traveler presses step by step,
Ascending the ancient mountain,
Through fleas and heat,
The heart beats and beats.
Past the branches, past the steeps,
Our feet upon their feet,
Our touch upon their touch,
Over shrubs and under trees,
The Incan city stands in the breeze.
Day 4
Labour upon labour,
Rock after rock,
Sweat and curses by the flock,
Hissing breaths and spinning minds,
What should we do to past the time?
Count the bends?
Or peer at sights?
Point at birds as they take their flight?
Limping through the breaking sun,
Embracing sleep however it may come.
Day 5
Lies and deciet all over my ears,
One hour they said?
No two the other!
Three the charm,
Four the harm,
Five too far, take the car!
Zhi-Feng and Nils
Day 1
Come and sleep my little traveler,
The bed is warm and luscious,
Put your sore legs to rest and your mind to ease,
Lose yourself amongst twinkling stars,
Till you surrender to blissful sleep,
Rest well my little traveler,
For the road ahead is weary.
Day 2
Biting dust,
Hungry fleas,
Treacherous roads,
And blistering heat.
Pounding hearts,
Cramping legs,
Itchy skin,
And sweaty backs.
Over the ridge to reap its rewards,
Phenomenal views,
Fantastic food,
Hearty company,
And nothing to lose!
Day 3
The traveler presses step by step,
Ascending the ancient mountain,
Through fleas and heat,
The heart beats and beats.
Past the branches, past the steeps,
Our feet upon their feet,
Our touch upon their touch,
Over shrubs and under trees,
The Incan city stands in the breeze.
Day 4
Labour upon labour,
Rock after rock,
Sweat and curses by the flock,
Hissing breaths and spinning minds,
What should we do to past the time?
Count the bends?
Or peer at sights?
Point at birds as they take their flight?
Limping through the breaking sun,
Embracing sleep however it may come.
Day 5
Lies and deciet all over my ears,
One hour they said?
No two the other!
Three the charm,
Four the harm,
Five too far, take the car!
Zhi-Feng and Nils
05.07.2016 // They finally have signal!
So..could blog from Kili and Everest Base Camp but defeated here deep in the Andean mountains...totally cut off from the rest of the world and not even able to get the euro cup results! everything is close to perfect..all happy and tired as we come to the last day of the trek. This truly has to be the ultimate Andean trek! Challenging and stunningly beautiful all the way. Kids blogs coming..all written and waiting. photos tomorrow. Love from all the kids to you all..
So..could blog from Kili and Everest Base Camp but defeated here deep in the Andean mountains...totally cut off from the rest of the world and not even able to get the euro cup results! everything is close to perfect..all happy and tired as we come to the last day of the trek. This truly has to be the ultimate Andean trek! Challenging and stunningly beautiful all the way. Kids blogs coming..all written and waiting. photos tomorrow. Love from all the kids to you all..
30.06.2016 // Day 4
Cusco
Cusco is a wonderful and unique place. Its streets are brimming with life and history. One can witness hundreds of years of history in one place. From the Incan ruins to the Spanish cathedrals. A short walk will open your eyes to a different walk of life, where the culture and modernisation live side by side. This is one place no where else can imitate.
Zhi Feng
Cusco
Cusco is a wonderful and unique place. Its streets are brimming with life and history. One can witness hundreds of years of history in one place. From the Incan ruins to the Spanish cathedrals. A short walk will open your eyes to a different walk of life, where the culture and modernisation live side by side. This is one place no where else can imitate.
Zhi Feng
29.06.2016 // Day 3
On the final day before our trek begins, we went river rafting! We drove for 1.5 hours to a point in the Urubamba River. The weather was on our side as we arrived to the warm sun and a cool breeze. We had a quick introduction to rafting before hopping into the rafts! Along the way we passed through many rapids and had a blast. There were many battles between the rafts including the invasion of another raft in order to push Ms Jewitt in. No one escaped the cool water but luckily we had a warm lunch waiting for us! Chicken sandwiches and warm tea warmed us up as we got ready to head back.
Overall it was amazing and a refreshing experience to cool us down before beginning the trek the next day.
By Philip
Today was an amazing experience for me and Max. Our experiences couldn't have been more different though. I went white water river rafting for my first time ever today and was amazed at the sights and moments I had with my friends. The beginning was slow and we all seemed a bit bored and wanted more. I thought that would be it but to my surprise 20 minutes later we arrived at our first Rapids! It was hilarious when we watched the first raft get stuck as we laughed and mocked them! However our laughter was cut short when soon after we had our raft lodged upon a rock. All of us were terrified but excited at the same time and were eager to continue our chaotic path of getting stuck on rocks and splashing competing rafts. Max on the other hand was an experienced river rafter and had gone a few times before. He knew what to expect from our journey and knew what to do in peculiar situations. He seemed less stressed as he was laughing at the rest of us as we were panicking! Our raft battles were still the highlight in both our perspectives! We had leaped from raft to raft pulling our competing raft members into the cold water along with Ms Jewitt. (A few times) At the end of the day though we arrived at our final destination where we were greeted by our warm dry clothes as well as a delicious lunch. The day was my highlight of the trip and was an amazing experience that I will remember forever.
By Jack F.
- Go to Photos to see what they are getting up to!
On the final day before our trek begins, we went river rafting! We drove for 1.5 hours to a point in the Urubamba River. The weather was on our side as we arrived to the warm sun and a cool breeze. We had a quick introduction to rafting before hopping into the rafts! Along the way we passed through many rapids and had a blast. There were many battles between the rafts including the invasion of another raft in order to push Ms Jewitt in. No one escaped the cool water but luckily we had a warm lunch waiting for us! Chicken sandwiches and warm tea warmed us up as we got ready to head back.
Overall it was amazing and a refreshing experience to cool us down before beginning the trek the next day.
By Philip
Today was an amazing experience for me and Max. Our experiences couldn't have been more different though. I went white water river rafting for my first time ever today and was amazed at the sights and moments I had with my friends. The beginning was slow and we all seemed a bit bored and wanted more. I thought that would be it but to my surprise 20 minutes later we arrived at our first Rapids! It was hilarious when we watched the first raft get stuck as we laughed and mocked them! However our laughter was cut short when soon after we had our raft lodged upon a rock. All of us were terrified but excited at the same time and were eager to continue our chaotic path of getting stuck on rocks and splashing competing rafts. Max on the other hand was an experienced river rafter and had gone a few times before. He knew what to expect from our journey and knew what to do in peculiar situations. He seemed less stressed as he was laughing at the rest of us as we were panicking! Our raft battles were still the highlight in both our perspectives! We had leaped from raft to raft pulling our competing raft members into the cold water along with Ms Jewitt. (A few times) At the end of the day though we arrived at our final destination where we were greeted by our warm dry clothes as well as a delicious lunch. The day was my highlight of the trip and was an amazing experience that I will remember forever.
By Jack F.
- Go to Photos to see what they are getting up to!
28.06.2016 // Days 1 and 2
All is well in cusco. easy journey yesterday and an evening eating together in the main square. good dancing performance by some😉
Today everyone enjoyed a relaxing day of inca culture around cusco rising to 3'800m..noone running but little problem. Beautiful open air lunch. now to the market...
Tomorrow we raft and prepare for the trail.. lovely group of kids😊
All is well in cusco. easy journey yesterday and an evening eating together in the main square. good dancing performance by some😉
Today everyone enjoyed a relaxing day of inca culture around cusco rising to 3'800m..noone running but little problem. Beautiful open air lunch. now to the market...
Tomorrow we raft and prepare for the trail.. lovely group of kids😊
Lima - checking in 63 bags minutes before take off!
26.06.2016 // Departure from Zürich Airport
Zurich - Madrid: IB 3471 : 18:35 - 21.05 Iberia
Madrid - Lima: LA 2707 : 00:35 - 05:40 Lan Peru
Lima - Cusco: LA 2023 : 07:55 - 09:15 Lan Peru
Time difference: 7 hours
Zurich - Madrid: IB 3471 : 18:35 - 21.05 Iberia
Madrid - Lima: LA 2707 : 00:35 - 05:40 Lan Peru
Lima - Cusco: LA 2023 : 07:55 - 09:15 Lan Peru
Time difference: 7 hours
huge crowd!!