"Last Few Days in South America"

On the road to Cusco....our highest location
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The bread around our very meaty Machu Picchu sandwich was Cusco. When it wasn´t raining the city was not only historic but also very beautiful and atmospheric. So clearly we were well chuffed at staying there when a shower was needed most.

Before heading off to the trail we went to the Sacred Valley of Pisac and Ollyantaytambo to view some Inca ruins and practice our hiking skills at altitude. The rain stayed away and we had a lovely day testing my (Nick) vertigo on some very steep passes. Our guide was very informative and told us lots about the Inca history and how the native South Americans are really trying to hold on to their history and Inca heritage, despite the Spanish influences. The Inca principles revolve around Pachamama (mother earth) and belief that lakes, sun, moon, stars, air, snowcapped mountains etc are sacred and so that is why they built all of their communities so high up and facing eastwards towards the sun. It`s crazy to imagine how they managed to use logs as transport to get granite to the top of mountains at 3000m altitude and even more amazing that these ruins still stand today.

The Inca principles revolve around Pachamama (mother earth) and belief that lakes, sun...

Standing overlooking Cusco
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After the trail we returned to Cusco to recuperate....i.e.

a) get washing done.....yes that will surprise some of you!

b) eat normal food...special mention to Jack's Cafe which got our stomaches back on track

c) drink many Pisco Sours - the new preferred tipple!

Early morning by the sacred valley
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Cusco is a great city to wander around in too with loads of great cafe bars and restaurants aswell as fab architecture and old buildings. Nice way to end the trip.