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On June 4th got up at 4 am for drive to Ollantaytambo to c atch the train to Machu Picchu. Got of in the middle of nowhere at 7.30. Just four of us and a guide. Anita, myself and two girls 18 and 19 respectively, on their gap year. We set off on the trek climbing approximately 450 m in 4 hours up some breath defying steps until it was almost impossible to get your breath back through the most spectacular lush scenery I have ever seen. The Urubamba river runs through the mountains all the way to MP. It is a beautiful wide, fairly fast flowing river with loads of stones which means the water ripples and rushes along. When we started we were at river level 2200m but within a couple of hours it was just a speck way below. Impossible to believe we had climbed so high. The mountains are like a concertina, it is no wonder the Inca`s thought it was the end of the world. They are covered with a lush greenery. It is so calm, beautiful, awesome in the true sense of the word. We had 3 official stops, two for 5 minutes rests and one for lunch, plus umpteen unofficial stops, obstensibly to take a photograph or enjoy the scenery but in reality to get our breath back. We passed through enchanting forest with wonderful plant species and ferns and stunning waterfalls. Finally we climbed up a steep imposing flight of steps - me on my hands and feet! - and finally through Intipunka (the Sun Gate). The guide hugged us and said `you made it`and there below was Machu Picchu. I cannot tell you how it felt , like crying for joy, if one had the energy. A further hour`s walk brought us to the lost city. We stay in Agnes Calientes overnight and then up again the following morning at 4 am to get up to MP to see the sunrise and explore the city. Then back to Cusco, exhausted but very happy. We did it, we did it, we did it.
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