Reflecting on Peru: Going off the Grid with Friends

This Monday I set off to guide a group of 8 college kids through two weeks of hands-on development work. While thinking about that role and responsibility, I have continuously reflected on the last time I went off the grid. Over Spring Break a group of friends and I hiked the four day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The hike was strenuous, the views were breathtaking, and upon eclipsing our goal, we all agreed the journey was spiritual. 

The best part of hiking Machu Picchu with friends, outside hiking Machu Picchu with friends, was focusing on one common goal, as a group for five days. We were able to push ourselves and each other and the results and views were astounding! 

Hopefully our goal of providing first time access to rural villages enables my team of interns, team Iniciativa, to similar ends. Regardless, here are some photos for you to enjoy as we go off the grid for a little while. 

Spanish walls on Incan walls

Traditional techniques

Natural dyes and inks

Old colonial walls

Intimate Street Photography 

David and I adventure again!

View after lunch on day one

Day two's ascent

An Incan site that few visitors to Machu Picchu ever see

The landscape changed constantly along the way

Beginning of the trail

The team!

Another incredible site, off the beaten path!

Many locals still use the trail as an access route today

The elevation changes along the trail

Water headed to the sacred valley 

The view in the morning on day three

The view from an Incan military outpost on day three

More militant views

The view from above the outpost

Our second summit in as many days

Llamaste! 

Landscapes changing

Pachamama, the most beautiful landscape along the way

The first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate

Carolyn and I 

Pretty incredible 

Temple of the three windows

An agricultural site for the village

The descent down Huayna Picchu, Jack hates heights

But we did it!

Pisac, a small Peruvian town

Tupanachiskama!! (Until we see each other next) 

Saludos!