Hey Guys, We made it! Nearly unscathed! Just got the Inca shuffle down to a T now (M and P, if you're reading this how are the legs?). It was amazing. The pictures don't even do it justice, and we couldn't describe it well enough. We started the trail at Km 82 on Monday morning. We were in a group of 15 trekkers, with 2 guides. We had 15 porters and a cook to look after us along the way, though we only saw them at mealtimes and in the evening. The food was fantastic throughout the trip and our tents were pitched for us every evening before we arrived at the sites. Does that make us camping frauds??? The first day was a relatively easy going (though we were still tired) 9Km to the first campsite through a pretty valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The second day, as we were warned, began with a very tough 1200m climb over 6Km to a height of 4200m. This took us approx 5 1/2 hours, but felt great to reach the top. After the climb, was the beginning of the Inca steps (only a few thousand of them!) which were hard on the legs but easier on the lungs (down). On the third day we saw the most amazing scenery, and visited more Inca ruins. It was the longest day for trekking, 16Km, and our legs were aching, but it was the best day out of the four for us. In the evening we made a tips presentation to the porters, and had a bit of a sing song. (I ended up getting dragged up to dance with a porter, not sure how that happened!? How embarrassing - H) On the final day we were up at 4am to begin the final trek to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise. By this point we were practically hobbling! But it was totally worth it. Machu Picchu is fantastic. We had a final tour from our guide, Freddy who obviously feels a great connection to the place. Overall we had the most amazing time, the scenery was beautiful, we were lucky to be trekking with such a great group of people and this has to be the best thing we have ever done! Shame our legs don't agree! Shuffle shuffle.... Back in Cusco now to recover a few days before leaving for Arequipa on Tuesday. Keep in touch! Love Helen and Ben xxxx