Cuzco Market

Where we went for supplies the day before the trek began.

Llactapata

The first of many ruins that we would see along the way. Llactapata was burned by Manco Inca Yupanqui, who destroyed a number of settlements along the Inca road system during his retreat from Cusco in 1536 to discourage Spanish pursuit. In part due to these efforts, the Spanish never discovered the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or any of its settlements.

Little donkey

Warmiwanusca

Dead Woman's Pass on the second day, taken from above.

Milky Way

On this cold night we lay under the milky way.

Runcuraqay

Runkurakay is a circular stone structure that lies at an altitude of just under 4,000 metres. This building must have been a post house or an Inca tambo - a place where the Inca's messengers would stop over for food and rest before continuing their trip.

The path to Runcuraqay

Sayaqmarka

Sayaqmarca (which Bingham inexplicably decided to name Cedrobamba - "Plain of Cedars" - despite the fact that there are no cedars to be seen). It is now roofless and overgrown, but the walls are still intact and the shape of the fortress can easily be seen.

Traveller

Jungle

Definitely the best day of the trek, on day three we walked through the jungle safe in the knowledge that we would make it to the end of the trail.

Phuyupatamarca

The "city above the clouds".

Sun Gate

The arrival on the fourth day.

Marta and Javier

Our friends who made it all the way from Seville. Marta suffered from very severe altitude sickness and was in hospital just hours before the trek was going to begin... somehow she completed the whole four days (with the help of an oxygen mask on day two, after Dead Woman's Pass) - and is truly my hero!

Huayna Picchu

The goal of our four day trek, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu - the mountain in the background. Bigger than expected, it's hard to believe this city was built over 500 years ago.

Llamas

The top

Taken from the top of Huayna Picchu, looking down on Machu Picchu. The things we do for a view...

Devil's Staircase

The steep steps that led to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Happiness