We are waking up at what time?

O330am. Out of our tent by 355 and the porters had our tent down in seconds, packed up our bags and ran to catch the train. really. We had some dry bread and jam and i had a coffee. This was a mistake. At 430 illuminated by head lamps we headed down the path and stopped. We had joined the line to go through our final checkpoint which was due to open at 530. So with a poncho as our blanket, we sat and waited. It was about 520 when we got underway. Still in darkness we headed out at record speed, single file, on the mountain side to make sure we didnt fall off. After about an hour we didnt need our lamps any more. Annette was keeping up but it was getting more difficult. I think that not being able to see the danger around helps to go faster. As for me, I was busting to go since 521.

In comparison to the other days it was easier apart  from the 90 degree vertical steps where walking poles were not used. Not a lot of fun as our day packs were working against us in cooperation with gravity.

At around 645 we arrived at the sun gate overlooking...........cloud. No machu Pichu in sight. We could have waited for hours but pressed on to the next viewing point. On our descent, all those people who had arrived by bus at the site were on their way up the mountain to the gate. Their huffing and puffing was pleasing. Still after 4 days walking we still had our climbers attitude and made them walk on the dangerous side of the path. Our next stop was the best spot for a photo opportunity of .......more clouds so continued to the entrance where we would wait, and for a well spent 1 soles , use the facilities. It had taken a bit under 2 hours to cover the 3 km. 

We hung around until a bit after 8, and then Luis our guide gave us a 2 hour tour. It was really packed with tourists. Around 10 we were on our own. Some went to the sun gate as the cloud had gone, some for the best photo spot, and we walked around the area of the site we hadnt seen. Its much bigger than imagined and for the next 70 minutes we were Japanes tourists with cameras going off.

We left, got on a bus down the mountain and survived the trip. Arrived at the town of ....... Where we were meeting for lunch. A pizza and chocolate shake never tasted so good. Did get to use the facilities and have never been so happy to sit on a proper toilet.

From here we collected our bags and walked to the train station. A very efficient system. I love the fact that the boarding time is in big bold numbers while departure time is in smaller print. No missed trains in Peru.

The journey was around 90 minutes through mountains following the river. The train had a glass ceiling for better viewing and free snacks were included.

We were then transferred to a bus and another 2 hours of hair raising driving back to Cusco.

We didnt bother showering as we figured everyone else would be (and using all the limited hot water) and headed out to eat. The only stipulation from Annette was that ice cream must be involved.

Finally shaved and showered we hit a real bed with pillows for the first time in forever.