We
got an early start to the day and after only 2 hours of sleep the bus picked us
up and took us to the train in Ollantaytambo to start our mini inca trail.
Fortunately the bus was about an hour drive so we caught up on some sleep
before grabbing some coco tea as we entered the train. We got our seats and met
our hiking partners (Giovani and Marte) and our tour guide (Lilly).

After
a while the train got moving following the river which was looking rather
rough. The train continued along the river providing great views of the
mountains above through a glass roof and large windows. At km 104 the train
stopped so a few of us could jump off to begin the 1 day inca trail.

We
crossed a bridge and then went through a check point before doing the final
adjustments to our packs before heading out. Our first stop was called
Chachabamba which are ruins from the incan days. From here we made our way up
many stairs and rocky trails enjoying the views down the valley and up into the
jungle except knowing that we had to get up there soon was a little daunting.

We
continued up along the path for two or three hours taking breaks along the way
before stopping at Winaywayna. The incan created terraces at different
altitudes in order for them to farm different produce. Each of these farms had
houses for the farmers, storage areas and temples.

From
here we walked a few minutes before getting our lunch stop (we were now half
way). Lunch was a few snacks and a sandwich (it was good to get rid of some
weight). After lunch we continued towards Machu Picchu and fortunately we had
hit the highest point so there wasn't much more climbing to do. Well, so I
thought. The trail went up and down and up and up. I managed to keep myself
distracted by inspecting the insects on the path and trying to find the elusive
birds that were making all the noise.

We
were now looking out through the trees and down into the valley below which had
some cloud coming in to fill it. We kept going up and down for a few more hours
before we hit our last hurdle - some thin steep stairs. Slowly but surely we
made our way up and had a look down into the valley below but all we could see
was mist. I was expecting much more considering the number of people standing
there looking.

We
all sat with some groups slowly deciding to leave until there were a few of us
left. We started making jokes before I spilt some water for Pachamama and Lilly
started fanning the clouds away. It was working! A road, some rocks and some
mountains slowly started to appear below and then we could start making out
some formations. It was Machu Picchu! The cloud moving away slowly with us
willing it and waving it away as much as we could gave us the perfect
introduction to these spectacular ruins. After a few more minutes it was clear
and the awe kicked in. Again, I don't have the words for the views or the
experience and to top it off to be sharing it with Gillian. I sat looking at it
and could have sat there an entire day just taking it in with the backdrop of
the mountains and river in the valley below.

After
a few photos and much awe we started Walking towards Machu Picchu passing a few
other ruins on the way. As we entered we got some more spectacular views from
the upper sections of Machu Picchu before making our way down to the bus as the
site was closing.

In
the bus to Aguas Calientes I managed to grab some much needed sleep before
being woken at our destination. We then took a walk up the road to our hostel
where we could finally have a shower before going to dinner.

I
jumped in the shower and turned on the "C" tap (caliente) and waited
a while and all of a sudden the shower head shot off and still no hot water.
Gills went down to reception to show them the shower head and ask for hot
water. They gave us a new room so we moved across and I finally had my hot
shower. While in the shower I realised that these were English labels and
"C" was for cold. Oops.

We
then met up with the tour group for dinner and a much needed beer before making
plans to meet at 6:30 the next day to head back to Machu Picchu. We went back
to the hostel and got a good 9 hours sleep before another exciting day.