Machu Picchu

Today our wake up call came at 3:30am. After a quick breakfast we made our way down to the gate where all the groups wait for entry to the trail to Machu Picchu. It was a long wait, but with the help of delirium and a little game called Animal, Mineral or Vegetable, we managed to pass the time easily. The gate was opened and we were off!

Unfortunately, there was a thick blanket of fog over the landscape so we were deprived of some pretty famous scenery. We were warned that this might happen, so we kept a positive attitude and powered on, crossing our fingers that the mist would lift when we reached Machu Picchu... It kinda did.

The mist blew in and out as it wished, so getting the spectacular views of the Inca city was just a waiting game, but we got them. And we'd worked pretty hard for them, so they were very rewarding. As was beating the team of arrogant Americans to the finish line!

Having seen a whole lot of Inca ruins in the past few days, I was honestly a bit worried that Machu Picchu wasn't going to be as impressive as I wanted it to be - but my worries were unfounded - the towering Inca city is truly fascinating and unbelievably beautiful. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.

After visiting the first flushing toilets we had seen in three days and having a beer at 8am which our tour leader John had generously brought up for us, we embarked on a two hour tour of the mysterious Inca city, followed by some free time to explore and take more photos.

We then headed to Machu Picchu Town (which was beautiful, and reminded me of a ski resort!) for lunch, souvenir shopping and hot springs! A train trip and bus ride later, and we arrived back in Cusco, falling into much appreciated beds.