Rough Itinerary

By Meg S. 


We have three months left until our departure and our trip planning is well underway. So far we have booked our flights and paid our $250 deposit to SAS Travel to hike the Inca Trail. Our goal is to hit two or three locations before arriving in Cuzco. We have tentatively decided on Ica/Huacachina, Arequipa, and Puno/Lake Titicaca (titty-caca hehe). Here is a rough version of our itinerary with ideas for hostels:

May 20th	Newark → Lima, Night in Lima (1900 Backpackers)
May 21st	Bus Lima → Ica (5 hrs), Night in Huacachina (Banana’s Adventure)
May 22nd	Day in Huacachina, Night Bus Ica → Arequipa (11 hrs)
May 23rd	Arrive in Arequipa in morning, Night in Arequipa (Wild Rover)
May 24th	Day/Night Arequipa (Wild Rover)
May 25th	Morning bus Arequipa → Puno, Night in Puno (Pirwa)
May 26th	Day/Night Puno (Pirwa)
May 27th	Morning transport to Cuzco, Night in Cuzco (Pariwana)
May 28th	Night in Cuzco (Pariwana)
May 29th	Night in Cuzco (Pariwana)
May 30th	Night in Cuzco (quiet hostel)
May 31st	Inca trail
June 1	Inca trail
June 2	Inca trail
June 3	Inca trail, Night in Cuzco (quiet hostel)
June 4	Flight Cuzco → Lima → NEWARK

One very important lesson we learned while booking our Macchu Picchu trek is that you NEED a passport before you book the hike. This is one tiny, yet very important detail Meg S. noticed while looking at tour sites. Yes, I have never been out of the country (well besides Canada but who counts that) and needed to get my passport. Most tour groups will NOT, I repeat NOT allow you to book with them unless you can provide your passport ID number. Fortunately, Meg S. found one company who was understanding of our situation and allowed us to register as long as we sent them my information ASAP. Phew... it was a very close call! Learn from our mistakes and book 5 to 6 months in advance. Happy trekking :)

-Colleen

Trek Training 2/1/12

By Meg S.

With 3 months to go until our trek, we are getting serious about our training. We will be hiking about 6-7 hrs a day up some pretty rigorous terrain in high altitude. 

I am absolutely clueless when it comes to fitness! My first month at the gym was limited to Zumba and the elliptical machine (not exactly the hard core training one needs for the Inca Trail). Luckily, Colleen is a PRO at this kind of stuff and has whipping me into shape! Last night we snagged an open room at our gym, blasted some music and did the following routine: 

1.       Cardio Warm-Up: 20 minutes

2.       Leg Extension: 3x10

3.       Kettlebell Swing: 3x30sec

4.       Medicine Ball Squat and Slam: 3x30sec

5.       Kettlebell Clean and Press: 3x10 (each arm)

6.       Ice Skaters*: 3x30sec

7.       Medicine Ball Woodchoppers*: 3x10 (each side)

8.       Snowboarders*: 2x30sec

9.       Hindu Squats: 3x1min

10.   Burpees: 3x10

11.   Partner sit-ups: 3x10

12.   Stability ball ab tucks: 3x10-20

13.   Stability ball pass: 3x8-10

Notes: 30 second rest between each set. *Planks and side planks during 30 second rest period.

My most exciting purchase (minus the plane tickets) for our trip and thanks to Grouponious, it was half off....  now that's how smart chicas shop! Check it out:

http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/PLAYSPORT_Video_Camera__Zx3/productID.169976100

Our Travel "Bible"

By Meg S.

Just got The Lost Girls in the mail. I got a new hard cover copy from Amazon for $10! I'm saving it for my 5hr flight to Costa Rica in a few weeks. I can't wait to read it after hearing Colleen and my mom rave about it!

Peru Purchase - Vasque Breeze Lite GTX

By Meg S. 

Let me start off by admitting that I have never owned proper hiking boots. My past hiking experiences haven't called for anything more than trail-running sneakers and low "hiking" shoes. I think that says something about my experience....yes, novice.

I found a pair of Vasque Breeze Lite GTX Boots on LeftLane Sports for $64 (retail price $130). They are lightweight and waterproof with a leather and Gor-Tex outer and a Vibram sole. After reading some fantastic reviews online, I decided to buy! I'll be sure to review these boots once I test them out.

Vasque Breeze Lite GTX - Chinchilla/ Mock Orange