The Sacred Valley

We based ourselves in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco which itself and surounding areas, have plenty of perfect Inca stonework. The blocks fit so closely together without mortar you can't get a fag paper in between! Or in our case, our guide leaflet!

We booked on a 5 day "Salkantay trek" -  4 hard days hiking 60 km with the 5th day spent at Machu Picchu. We were a group of 11 hikers, 2 guides, 3 porters/ assistants, 1 chef and 3 horsemen with their mules.

Hiking over a pass at 4600 metres with the impresive Salkantay mountain in the background.

Mules carried our tents to our first and second nights camp.

The second day was hard...

Part of the trail had been washed away so we took a detour over the river on a zip wire. The wire rope looked a bit dodgy! We passed through coffee plantations and lots of tropical fruit trees.

We camped at Llaqtapata on the 3rd night overlooking Machu Picchu - a really beautiful place.

A friendly dog that we named El Tigre - his owners had some fun with a razor!

Our porters relaxing after a hard days work.

Machu Picchu emerged like magic from the early morning rain and mists.