WOW! JACKPOT!
Thanks guys. I appreciate your responses, and your knowledge and enthusiasm about hiking. I am a relative novice, with only a backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon, and one in RMNP under my belt. Other than that, my wife and I have only done day hikes, and none above 11,000".

Balzac, I enjoyed seeing your blog, and hope to spend more time there. We're actually not hiking the "Inca Trail". We're taking a trip sponsored by (a noted Recreational Equipment Company), that involves staying in mountain lodges along the way. The total trek is about 40 miles. Apparently, there is one pass that is about 15,250'.