Bucket List: Machu Picchu

Happy April Fool's Day. This post is not a hoax. Though I'm sure if you're looking for a good one, Google's got one on their site.

So.

Have you been to Peru?

Have you trekked the Inca Trail?

Have you seen Machu Picchu?

This week my wanderlust is in full swing. Because this time of year I'm normally out traveling. And this year... I'm not! AKKKKKK!!! (Going a bit stir crazy right now.)

So of course, this overactive wild-hair has got me looking into new trips. This week I'm thinking about hiking in Peru to see the gorgeous Machu Picchu. I mean, doesn't that sound fabulous?

I've found a number of great ways to do it.

REI offers this amazing trip:


10-day lodge Trek
http://www.rei.com/adventures/trips/latin/mpl.html

You hike from lodge to lodge, about 8 miles per day, and are rewarded each evening with things like hot tubs, massages and wifi internet (ALL extreme luxuries while traveling, believe you me!)

Or if you want something more basic (and affordable), GAP Adventures offers this Seven-day Inca Trail hiking tour:

http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/the-inca-trail/SPIT/2011/

Tour Description:
One of our most popular trips in the region for those looking to combine the cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley with the challenge of one of the world’s best known hikes. The four-day Inca Trail trek will reward you with a stunning combination of the region’s ruins, mountainscapes and cloud forests. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment so that you’re free to enjoy the beauty of the region.

You'll hike the same (roughly) 8 miles per day and camp each night along the trail with what experienced hikers have called "masses of 500 other campers."

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NB:
These hikes along the Inca trail are not for the faint of heart! Or the out-of-shape! (Which, I admit, I am.) You've got to be in SERIOUS fit condition to take on Inca Trail. Read the trip reviews. They'll tell all.


So if you can't manage that trek, I'd suggest something like this tour, offered by GAP:

Amazon Riverboat Adventure and The Inca Sacred Empire

http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/amazon-riverboat-adventure-and-the-inca-sacred-empire/PFIIA/2011/

Trip Description:
From the heights of the Andes to the Amazon, experience Peru's diverse landscape, culture and cuisine in one comprehensive adventure. Float through the heartland of the Amazon aboard a riverboat while exploring the Ucayali and Marañon rivers. In the company of an Amazon Reserve Naturalist guide, board small motorized skiffs for excursions that will bring you face to face with the Amazon’s wildlife—and two full days of exploration at Pacaya Samiria Reserve will put you in the thick of the action. From the Amazon, ascend to the Andes and explore ruins and delight in views of the Sacred Valley from your coach as you travel by rail to Machu Picchu. This is adventure in style!


I'm not gonna lie. This last option really tickles my fancy. The boat travel, seeing the Amazon, Still getting to see Machu Picchu and Inca civilization ruins. Not spending ten WHOLE days just hiking. (I backpacked quite a bit in my younger years - from experience, I personally like about three days of proper hiking/backpacking. Then I want a shower, a hot one, and some home-comforts.)

This trip is Super Appealing. Which I find odd. Because I haven't had a big desire to see much of South America. Well, until now, I guess. Perhaps I'm broadening my horizons.

How about them apples?