Our lodge, the Inkaterra Pueblo, has a number of programs available for guests. We decided to take a tour of their ‘Spectacled Bear’ rehab program in the morning. The lodge is in the ‘cloud forest’ of Peru and is an environment favored by these endangered bears (along with a gazillian hummingbird species). Our guide takes us along the trails and provides background on the flora and bird species in the habitat. Seeing one of the bears in the wild is a rare treat and we are only able to observe a few who have been rescued from sad environments in zoos and are now being groomed for re-entry to the wild.
We have another full day in Agua Caliente with privileges to access the Machu complex – both in the morning and afternoon (sans guide). In the late morning, we returned to Machu Picchu. We spent some time wandering the common grounds, then headed up towards the ‘Inca Bridge’. It’s a tight and steep climb up to the checkpoint for entering the path for the bridge. Once past the checkpoint, the trail traverses a cliff opposite the ruins which provided a secret entrance for the Inca army to the royal city. The bridge itself is of grass rope (closed to visitors but visible) and crosses the Urubamba River. Quite a hike!
Tired and sore, we returned to the village and hoisted a few celebratory beverages. Dinner at the lodge was great. Over the last few days we became quite friendly with our server, Diego, a refugee from the wilds of Lima. Meeting nice, hard-working folk is one of the rewards of travel.
D.
We are staying at the Inkatera Pueblo Machu Picchu complex which has numerous activities available besides visiting the ruins. Inkatera funds the restoration of an endangerd local species known as the “spectacled’ bear, due to its markings that look like eyeglasses. We take the nature hike with Julio in the morning to talk about the attempt to reintroduce this species to its natural habitat. Inkatera is providing a sanctuary for bears that have been rescued from zoos and worse. Our first encounter is with a small female, she was rescued from a circus with severe malnutrition and has been in stage one rehab for three years; they hope to send her to a less controlled environment next year. We also see a very mature rescued male bear, in stage one. At about 20 years old, he will likely live his life out in this area.
As we have a full second day to visit Machu Pichu, more than most, we head out for the mountain, still early for the crowds. Our goal is to get to the Inca Bridge before the tourist groups. Wow, what an incredible (and Hard) hike up the complex. Amazing views. Will be the first to confess I got all the way to the entrance to the Inca bridge trail but waited for D. to return.
M
