The trail was physically the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. The first day we got up at 3:30 and got picked up and drove to the beginning of the trail. We had an amazing breakfast with the company that took us on the trail. The chasquis (porters) carried all of our stuff the entire trail, they are amazing. I don’t understand how they do it. The first day in the beginning was slightly difficult but the second part was harder. We had to climb these never ending stairs and the lack of oxygen really made it impossible. It was difficult, but getting back to camp was probably the best feeling in the world. Lisa and I were in a tent together. The tents had little mats and pillows which was really nice. The campsite was gorgeous and the food we had was incredible. You would never imagine that we were camping (except for the lack of showering). The next day was definitely the hardest day of the trail for me by far. We had to walk up this insane hill/mountain for 2 hours, and then walk down for 2 more hours and then walk up again for 2 more hours and then walk down again. It was mentally and physically exhausting but getting to the campsite was the best feeling. Saoirse, Lisa and I slept in the same tent which was nice because it was really warm. The next day, day 3, was supposedly one of the easiest days because it was downhill a lot. But you really don’t understand that you use muscles to go downstairs. I really think I have PTSD from stairs. We went down extremely steep steps for hours which was difficult. Then we got to camp and hung out for a little and the 5 girls took a nap together in one tent. Then Saul and Elio, who were out the coolest tour guides ever, took us to this place called Wiñawayna which was absolutely stunning. We had a meeting for worship there and it was very peaceful. Then we went back to the campsite and had hot chocolate and popcorn before dinner. Then after dinner we went to sleep early because we had to get up early to walk to Machu Picchu. In the morning, we were woken up at 3:30 and then walked to the gate to get checked through. We then hiked in silence to the sun gate where we were supposed to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu but it was extremely foggy so we couldn’t see anything. Then we hiked to Machu Picchu and it was raining and completely foggy so we didn’t see anything. We were all in really bummed moods but Saul told us that he promised it would clear up by 9:30, and miraculously, it did. Machu Picchu was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. I took maybe 500 pictures. The hike was an incredible experience that I won’t ever forget.