Machu Picchu

Wednesday was an early start to catch the train to Machu Picchu. The train snaked its way through picturesque rural farm land following the course of the fast flowing Urubanba river descending into the lush cloud forest as we approached Machu Picchu Pueblo. This booming village catering to the tourists who flock here to see ¨the lost city of the Incas¨, is vibrant, bustling and colourful with a spectacular location at the base of towering peaks.
After exploring its markets and an early dinner we headed for bed in anticipation of a 4 am start to be at the front of the queue for the bus ride up to Machu Picchu.  The peaks shrouded in swirling mist gave it a mystical feel as we entered the gates.  It is hard to describe the feeling - we were all very emotional at finally being there.  As we entered the Sun Gate at the top of a very steep climb, the sun broke through and the mist parted revealing the ¨Lost City¨ beneath us.  There are no words to describe it!!!  We spent the next 10 hours exploring and absorbing the wonder and energy of this incredible remant of our ancient history.
The next day Viv made another early start with 2 others from the group, as they had decided to go back up to Machu Picchu to attempt  the climb up Whuanya Picchu, a majestic peak above the citadel.  The climb was challenging, to say the least, with Viv´s fear of heights being seriously tested, but they made the top and took the long route back down so that they could see the ´Temple of the Moon¨"-  Coll and the rest of the group hiked to the botanical gardens an hour away from the village and picniced at a waterfall.
Between all the adventrues, we have done some work within the group intergrating some of our experiences.  This morning we travelled back by train to Ollantaytambo, a small traditional rural town, where we will spend the next 2 nights.

Village of Machu Picchu Pueblo

Urubanba river running through the sacred valley

Viv at Machu Picchu Pueblo

Viv & Coll at Machu Picchu