Flew into Lima, and then to Cusco the next morning. This is Cusco.

Relaxing on a balcony in Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

The people are colorful and interesting to watch.

All the mothers carry their babies this way.

baby lamb eating my hair

Folk Dance Show

Lot's of interesting architecture throughout Cusco.

Sachsaywaman. Ruins near Cusco.

Tambomachay. Ruins near Cusco.

Coca tea. Said to help adjust to altitude.

Starting the Inca Trail.

The trail winds past many ruins along the way.

.

Breaking for lunch. The porters would always set up a dining tent and cooking tent.

lots of farm animals along the way

hiking past ruins of Pulpituyoc

Campsite end of day 1

end of day 1

.

.

Began hike walking past small village.

.

High rainforest

climbing, climbing, climbing...

The starting point for day two is at the bottom of this valley. We are about halfway up to the pass.

Dead Womans Pass. Highest part of the trail at 13,800 ft.

.

.

relaxing at the top

.

taking a break

campsite for 2nd night

Beginning day 3. Porters take the lead.

.

.

fog covered ruins along the way

Sunrise on 4th day of hike.

Ugh! No more @#%* stairs! (these suckers were steep!)

.

gorgeous valley view along the trail

First view of Machu Picchu.

.

.

.

this mountain can also be climbed for a different view. (no, we didn't)

.

llamas grooming the grounds of Machu Picchu.

Notice the trapedzoidal doorways. They also didn't use any type of mortar between the stones. They were so precisely cut it wasn't needed.

Jose, our guide, talking with part of our group

End of the long trail...Machu Picchu