The best way to plan a visit to Machu Picchu is to start in the historically rich city of Cuzo, Peru. From there make your way by foot or train to the touristy town of Aguas Calientas (left), the last stop before the hearty hour and a half slog up to the ruins. The lazier option is getting a bus which zig-zags its way up the mountain to the entrance of the Machu Picchu site.

The Inca Trail is the five day expensive, tourist-trap hike to the site. Other options are available, but at a price. We only had a little time to spend in the area and so, once again, the touristy option of the train was our transport to the town of Aguas Calientas.


“MIELIES!”
The street snack of choklo con queso did the trick every time!


POSERS!
Han´s not too sure about these slippery, verticle excuse-for-a-ladder bits of poles leading straight up the mountain … can´t blame her!


You can take the monkey out of the bush, but you can´t take the bush out of the monkey!


The view of Aguas Calientas on the way up to the top.

And there it is … first sight of Machu Picchu from the top of Putucus, the peak opposite.

After the taste we got from the day´s hike, we were up at 4 a.m. the following morning to hike the hour and a half up to the site of Machu Picchu. Along with many other a tourist, we waited in the queue for the gates to open so that we could catch the first rays of sun on the ruins.

The photos say it all. This is for you, mom!


Rayms found the Inca toilet!


Excavations still continue today. More and more ruins are being discovered all over Peru!


THE TEAM: Han, Rayms, Frange, Sheeips, Han and Flapjack (could we please have a moment of silence as the latter member of the group was lost by a certain someone under unusual circumstances … something to do with a touch of alcohol and a bus journey)

July ’09
Machu Picchu, Peru
The ancient ruins of the Inca civilisation … mind blowing. The city was built in the 15th century. More Inca sites are still being discovered today.