The team reached their high point on the Inca Trail today at 4200 meters above sea level while crossing the Warmiwañusqa pass. It was an emotional moment for all as they looked back down the steep trail they’d just negotiated to climb to the level they’d reached. Read more

The team is back together now after a little more than 25 hours without Ashley and Holly, who had stayed back in Cusco for an extra night because of logistical issues. “We surprised them at breakfast,” said Holly. “It was great to get the whole team back together; the best part of our IBD Adventures trek is the camaraderie we’ve formed and it just wasn’t the same without all of us together…” Read more

Our IBD Adventures trekkers set out on the Inca trail this morning, their destination Llaqtapata Camp, at 2800 meters above sea level. The trail can only be described as Peru “flat” – while the team didn’t gain any elevation today, it sure felt like they did! Read more

The IBD Adventures team spent the day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas near the Inca capital of Cusco, Peru today. It was an important acclimatization day, which means lots of movement to keep the legs and lungs awake, but easy walking with the mind on conserving energy for the trekking days ahead. It’s a big jump from sea level to 3500 meters at Cusco, and the team definitely needed a day to adjust. Read more

Most of the team spent the day in Lima yesterday, enjoying the sights and sounds from around the city while waiting for the last two trekkers to arrive from Canada. The Lima tour included some ancient sights, including areas that were built even before the Inca! Late in the day, the last of the team members arrived.

Early this morning, the team was up and off for their flight to Cusco. Cusco sits at 3500 meters above sea level, which makes for quite a shock to the system. The team spent the day in Cusco sightseeing, enjoying the local food and picking up souvenirs. Early tomorrow they’ll start on their trekking journey on the Inca trail towards their goal – Machu Pichu.

“I’m very pleased with how quick the team is coming together,” said Rob Hill, IBD Adventures founder. “It’s not surprising though as they all have much in common, having been touched by intestinal disease in one way or another and in their shared desire to speak up about these terrible illnesses.”

Rob, Norm and Phil arrived in Lima early today and spent the day preparing the way for the rest of the IBD Adventures trekkers to arrive: checking into the hotel, meeting and greeting team members at the airport and trying to get some rest after more than 14 hours of flying time. The team expects to sleep well tonight! Read more

until the IBD Adventures Machu Pichu trek is underway! The trekkers have been busy training and preparing themselves for an incredible journey high into the Peruvian Andes mountain range to discover the wonders of magical Machu Pichu and the inner strength that can only come from testing their physical and emotional limits.
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Trip of a lifetime? You bet! Want to see one of the world’s most incredible places up close and personal? Oh, and up high too? Want to help IDEAS change attitudes with altitude? Join us in March 2012 as we trek up to Machu Pichu in the Peruvian Andes. Read more

Trip dates: Cancelled for 2011. Please check back in 2012.