Monday, June 9, 2014

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! 

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