Itinerary

Sat 16
	Breakfast
	Early wake up to admire Machu Picchu at sunrise.  Stroll by the extraordinary Inca remains or hike up the Huayna Picchu.  Afternoon motorcoach/railcoach transportation to Cusco.  Upon arrival, transfer to Libertador Cusco Hotel.

Well it was a long, wonderful day.  I woke up early hoping to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu but it was very cloudy.  At one point it looked as if the clouds were almost done, but they'd pop up from the bottom of the mountains.

I took two long hikes today.  If my pictures turn out mom will definitely freak.  While waiting for the clouds to move out I went for the shorter of the two walks - up the Inca trail!  Boy was I ever tired.  But the view was definitely worth it.  Once on top you could see two different valleys.  It was truly a spectacle.

My next walk consisted of up to Huayna Picchu.  This is the famous mountain in the background of Machu Picchu.  I thought I was not going to make it!  I lost count after 300 and some odd stairs.  Also it was a little scary as there is no rails and some steps are right on the edge of the mountain.  Unfortunately it was too cloudy to take any pictures.  By the time I got back to Machu Picchu (three hours) the clouds moved off!  Of course.  But it was an experience I'll never forget.

I took an early bus down to the train station (to beat the crowds).  I now know why there were kids dressed up and on each bus.  As each bus leaves the kids dressed up run down the Inca trail (stairs) and meet each bus on different parts of the road (shouting and waving).  By the time we are crossing the bridge at the bottom, the little kid is already there waiting.  He boards the bus and of course we give him a few soles by eveyone.  You should see the sweat poring off the kid.

Reminds me of the porters who carry the backpacks for people who are hiking the Inca tail.  They literally run the entire course.  And the sweat - it is just falling off them as if they were drenched with water.  For such skinny legs, they sure have muscular calves.

Caught the train to Ollantaytambo and then the bus to Cusco.

Again it has been an early night as I have to be ready to go to the airport at 05:45.  I guess I fly to Lima and then Iquitos.

All-in-all it was another wonderful day.  I was able to sit in Machu Picchu and chill out.