"Rescuing Chico: A Stray Dog's Journey on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu"
The Unexpected Meeting
In September 2019, my daughter, Anna, and I set off on a life-changing journey along the Classic Inca Trail in Peru. But what made this trek unforgettable wasn’t just the breathtaking scenery—it was a stray dog rescue that would become an unexpected part of our adventure.
After a tough climb on the 2nd day, we noticed a dog waiting at the top of the trail. When I paused to sit, collect my thoughts, and catch my breath, he came up to me, offering a gentle look. Though we didn’t feed him, hoping he’d find his way back, he stayed with us. We named him Chico. Read more about our Day 2 experience and meeting Chico [click here]. We watched as he fed on grubs from fallen wood and drank water from the rocks along the trail. Later on even when we tried offering him water from a bowl, he refused, sticking to his natural instincts. Hiking the Classic Inca Trail with a dog was turning into a heartwarming experience we hadn’t anticipated.
That night, as the stars came out, Chico curled up next to our tent, quietly keeping us company. It was clear—he had decided to make the journey with us, and our Machu Picchu stray dog story had begun.
“First Encounter on the Classic Inca Trail”
A friendly dog approached us for the first time on Day 2 of the Classic Inca Trail, marking the start of an unforgettable journey with our new loyal companion.
Loyalty and Determination on the Classic Inca Trail
Chico followed us every step of the way. On Day 3, as we climbed Dead Woman’s Pass—the highest point on the Classic Inca Trail—his energy lifted our spirits. Even when the rain poured down, Chico never left, refusing shelter and weathering the storm on his own. His resilience mirrored our own determination, and this journey unexpectedly became an adventure with a dog we hadn’t anticipated. [Click to view the Instagram reel of our final steps up Dead Woman’s Pass.]
The Team Effort to Rescue Chico on the Classic Inca Trail
On Day 4, the final push to Machu Picchu began. We were tired, and Chico was drenched from the storm the night before. By this point, Chico was 20 miles from where we first met him, and his safety was in peril. Our guide, Nick, warned us that park rangers didn’t allow strays near Machu Picchu, and Chico could be in serious danger if they found him. That’s when Anna made the decision to adopt him, knowing we couldn’t leave him behind. Adopting a stray dog and keeping him safe became our priority as we made our way to Machu Picchu.
'“Resting After the Night's Downpour"
Cold and drenched from the rain on the night of Day 3, Chico curled into a ball beside our tent after a long, challenging day on the Classic Inca Trail. His resilience and loyalty were clear, even in the harshest conditions.
At the checkpoint, the park staff made us promise to carry Chico through Machu Picchu—and that’s exactly what the Anna, Nick and one remaining porter did. He journeyed through the Sun Gate in their arms, and all the way to the steps of the Sanctuary Lodge, where Nick made arrangements to get Chico down from Machu Picchu to Cusco. Our Peru adventure had officially turned into a dog rescue mission.
After days on the Classic Inca Trail, Anna carries Chico through Machu Picchu—a moment filled with relief, love, happiness, and the promise of a new life for the stray dog who became part of our journey. (Image captured by L,Downs)
“A Team Effort: Getting Chico Through Machu Picchu"
Anna, along with our guide and one of our remaining porters, carries Chico through Machu Picchu as part of a team effort to keep him safe. The rangers required us to carry Chico through the ancient city, and together, we fulfilled that promise, marking the end of an unforgettable journey along the Classic Inca Trail.
A New Life for Chico
Once back in Cusco, Chico was taken to a vet, where we learned he was severely underweight, flea-infested, and battling a respiratory infection, along with parasites and a urinary tract infection. The vet estimated him to be around 8-10 months old and told us he wouldn’t have lasted much longer in his condition. Thanks to the efforts of our guide, porter, vet, and Nick’s grandmother, who cared for Chico until he was healthy and fully vaccinated, we were able to bring him home to the U.S. Dog rescue in Peru wasn’t something we expected, but it brought us such joy.
[Click to Watch Chico’s Journey on Anna's Instagram Reel: From Mountain Stray to Safe Haven]
Today, Chico is living his best life as the big brother to twin boys and a cocker spaniel named Lucy.
[Click to watch the Instagram reel showing Chico’s life today, 5 years later.]
Rescuing Chico was a team effort, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped bring him to safety. If you’ve ever considered adopting a stray or rescue dog, Chico’s story is a reminder of the love and loyalty they can bring. Stray dog adoption stories like this one show how much joy rescue animals can bring into our lives.
Call to Action:
Have you ever rescued or adopted a stray animal? We’d love to hear your stories—share them in the comments below! Chico’s journey is a reminder of the love and loyalty rescue animals can bring into our lives. If you're inspired by this story, follow along for more updates on future adventures and heartwarming rescues.
“A Journey Fulfilled”
Standing at the Sun Gate
Our First Look at Machu Picchu with Chico by Our Side
If you enjoyed Chico’s story, you might also like:
