Siobhan's CHAS Peruvian Trek

08/11/2025

A day in Cusco…

With just one free day, there were many options for how to spend it. Some of the group explored rainbow mountain, some visited Sacsayhuamán (Sexywoman), some went shopping at the local markets… Zara and I opted for a traditional Peruvian cookery class!

Ronal, our chef, took us to San Pedro market to sample some local breads and cheeses then we wandered along the streets outside where the local fruit merchants are. We went back to Ronal’s kitchen to make stuffed peppers, and lomo saltado… and a pisco sour to wash it down. What a brilliant morning learning about Peruvian foods.

Then we met with Si and treated ourselves to a throuples massage 🤣
My calves will never be the same again!

Finally, to top off the day, we went to a local restaurant where the whole group met for the last time with our guides, Omar, José Rivas, José Miguel and Joseph to enjoy a meal and thank them for their hospitality. A beautiful end to a wonderful trip.

08/11/2025

Machu Picchu

What a place. It’s easy to understand why it’s one of the seven wonders of the world. What struck me most was how proud the local guides were of this magical place. Visitor numbers are strictly controlled and everyone must be respectful of the land.

We toured the site for over two hours with our guide Jose (Dua Lipa) who gave excellent explanations of the history, the architecture, the Inca people and the story behind the discovery of the site.

It was an emotional experience and one that will never be forgotten.

08/11/2025

Day 4, the big day!

A later start on day 4 with the most spectacular views from our camp and an excellent breakfast of pancakes and maple syrup… all personalised!

We said farewell to our porters, chefs, toilet and water guys. They were the most humble, kind and modest people and it was a pleasure to share this small adventure with them.

Then we headed on our way to the sun gate, a 4 hour trek took us along some very steep paths, with steep steps and terrifying tunnels. It’s crazy to think of people in the 1500s running along these trails, carrying supplies or delivering messages of invasion.

Finally we reached the sun gate. It was very emotional for everyone. This wasn’t just a fun week in Peru.. this was days, weeks and months of preparation, fundraising and planning. Some people were there to raise money for good causes, to celebrate a special moment in time or to remember loved ones no longer with us. This was the reason we came. And it did not disappoint.

Thank you to the guides for teaching us the was of the Inca people, to the historians and archaeologists for discovering this beautiful place and to the Inca people for providing such an incredible gift.

08/11/2025

Day 3 turned out to be harder than expected, but nature did not disappoint. We were blessed with wild deer, beautiful flowers, incredible views and some of the world’s rarest birds. Despite being a really tough day with a lot of steps, it was a truly wonderful experience. Our guides really shone on day 3, sharing their culture and wisdom, teaching us about traditional Inca heritage and also the language. This was a very special day…

08/11/2025

Day 2… well known for being the hardest day of the Inca Trail. Starting at 3000m, climbing to 4200m to reach the highest point of the trek at Dead Woman’s Pass. The name says it all.

It was a drizzly start to the day, coupled with a lot of steps and a steep incline, which made for a very tough first half of the day. Little did we know that the descent to camp would be even harder and one of the group had a nasty fall - a reminder to us all to stay vigilant and not take anything for granted.

But we all arrived safely, had a hearty meal and got a good rest before day 3 arrived…

07/11/2025

Day 1

Bus transfer to Piscacucho to start our trek. The first section was ideal to help us acclimatise as we hiked along the sacred Urubamba River. The trail became more undulating as we reached Llactapata (2,888m) where we stopped for lunch beside some spectacular ruins, then trekked up the Kusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Wayllabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail and our campsite for the night (3,000m). And what a campsite it was!

Trekking time - 7 hours
Distance - 11km

03/11/2025

After 24 hours travelling we arrived in Cusco, met with the rest of the group, got ourselves settled and had dinner then finally got to bed absolutely shattered.

Had a rough night, with much of it spent in the bathroom but rallied for our first day trekking.

Today was an acclimatisation trek starting at 3800m and following a trail down to Cusco city, along an Inca trail and stopping for lunch at an Inca site.

What a great first day… the hard work begins tomorrow!

Children's Hospices Across Scotland
supportchas

24/10/2025

✈️ One week from now I’ll be in the air, on my way to Peru 🇵🇪

⛰️ Over the course of 5 days, we’ll cover just over 50km and some pretty steep climbs before we reach the incredible Machu Picchu.

🥾 I’ve looked out my shewee, hiking poles and water proofs. Dusted off my rucksack and filled up the first aid bag. I need new boots (because mine burst a couple of weeks ago and are letting in water) so a last-minute shopping trip is on the cards tomorrow. Otherwise, I just need to sort out snacks and I’m ready to go! 🍫

🌈 The FanCHAStics are reuniting for this trip along with some extra, wonderful humans that we’ve collected along the way. Can’t wait to get started!

🐜 It all sounds fabulous but let’s just remember that there’s a fair bit of altitude, likely to be beasties that want to chew on us and we’ll be sh****ng in the wilderness, probably in front of a queue of trekkers.

And let’s not forget how well I deal with altitude and beasties… 😳

💴 So, if you want to support another crazy challenge in aid of the most amazing charity, click the link and pop a few pennies in there.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/siobhan-maclennan-7?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Children's Hospices Across Scotland

19/08/2025

🌍 A few years ago, I stood on the roof of Africa after climbing Kilimanjaro 🏔️. Not long after, I was racing through the Arctic Circle on a husky sled ❄️🐕.

Each challenge has been unforgettable — not just for the adventure, but for the difference it made to children and families supported by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) 💜.

This year, the adventure continues… ✈️🇵🇪 I’m heading to Peru to trek the legendary Inca Trail with my amazing friends Zara, Si, and Stu. Together we are The FanCHAStic Four 💪✨ — and we’ll be pushing ourselves all the way to Machu Picchu 🦙🏞️ and we've collected a few more willing victims to join us this year!

Every step is for CHAS, so they can keep providing love, care, and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families 💕. That’s what keeps us moving when the trail gets tough.

🙏 If you can, please consider donating. Your generosity will turn the trek into something far greater — a journey that brings comfort, hope, and precious memories to those who need them most 🌈.

👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/siobhan-maclennan-7?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Help Siobhan Maclennan raise money to support Children's Hospices Across Scotland, (CHAS)