Machu Picchu Trek
Machu Picchu Trek

Walking through the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time, I found it quite emotional but also had a real sense of I’m here now after all the fundraising and training.
Who are you
Tricia McGrath

The Challenge 
The Machu Picchu Hike – Charity Challenge

How long did it take 
10 days

What was the distance 
3,958m climbed on the highest day

How much did it cost 
£2,390 self funded, £4,430 in total
 
Who was the organiser

What was it like
Peru has been on the wish list for some time, mainly because of Machu Picchu and the history of the Inca people. Also of the choice of open charity hikes Peru was top of the list. Some of the people on the Patagonia hike had glowing reports of the Peru trip so that also made the decision easy.

Best thing about the trek? 
Without doubt walking through the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. I found it quite emotional but also had a real sense of I’m here now after all the fundraising and training. That memory will stay with me for ever……………………..but I loved every minute of the trek. 

Worst thing about the trek?
God that’s difficult, if I had to pick something it would be the packing and re-packing of our bags (day pack and duffle bag)!

Funniest moment of the trek?
The doctor’s birthday cake!…………we found out on the day of his birthday that it was the doctor’s birthday and a request was put into the “kitchen” to work their magic on the side of the mountain with very limited resources. Out came a beautifully presented cake, decorated with minstrels (compliments of Johnny) and red “stuff” which we assumed was jam but in fact turned out to be tomato ketchup!!!!!!! (it WAS dark!)

One thing you’ll take away with you?
It’s hard to pick one thing……..but if I had it would be the “long” day and the craic we had as a group
Was there good camaraderie amongst the group?
Absolutely, it was a fabulous group, loads and loads of laughter and fun. I feel privileged to have met and experienced Peru with our gang.

Can you sum up the trek in a sentence…..?
Yes (with difficulty!)…..Peru was a truly amazing trip, stunning scenery and fascinating history, a pleasure to have met and experienced with the group of people on the trip and everything was made easy by ATD, so simply put its a trip I’d highly, highly, highly recommend.
How did you train
For me the challenge of doing a charity hike is in the fundraising (the hiking is the easy bit!)….and yes at times you say to yourself that I’m never doing this again but in the end you reach the target and it all seemed fine! In terms of fundraising I ran the mini marathon, bag packed, ran a table quiz and got people to sponsor me all with the help of great friends and family. As I said the training part was easy. I’m a volunteer ranger in the Dublin Mountains so that helped in clocking up distance walking and then I also jog some afternoons and do some yoga and gym work in the winter.
Any other useful hints / links
I’d been on a previous hike with ATD in Patagonia and really loved the way they plan and deliver the hike. It’s first class all the way, camping, food, knowledge, local guides etc etc. In addition I’ve always felt safe and looked after on the hikes.

Contact Across the Divide for more info.

Best bit of kit you took
The sleeping bag and silk liner……..both really good ones and borrowed from a friend, absolutely essential for the cold nights
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