Peru - Machu Picchu

We took the PeruRail train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientas and set our alarm clock for an early start for first bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

We arrived to the mountains being shrouded in mist, Machu Picchu wasn't going to reveal itself immediately. We walked up to the Sun Gate, hoping the mist would clear by the time we got there. The clouds were being a bit stubborn, but eventually cleared when we headed back down. As is often the case, the photos don't do it justice, however Pumasonqo took a lot from every angle and the panorama setting was put to use.

We had opted to climb Wayna Picchu, the mountain opposite Machu Picchu. Timing was perfect as the cloud cleared just before we started our ascent. The climb was very challenging, steep and often narrow steps at altitude made slow going. After an hour of ascent we made it to the top and were treated to the most spectacular views of the mountain range and Machu Picchu village. We loved the way the terraces and buildings were etched so sympathetically into the mountainside and marvelled at the feat of engineering.