6th March. Started 4 day, 43k trek on Inca Trail. This is something I have wanted to do for a while now and I have to say I didn´t really know what to expect. The word ´trail´is misleading. Inca gruelling climb is nearer the mark. I have never climbed so many steps. Day on we covered about 11k reaching altitude of about 3500m. As we were camping we were supported by 20 porters. These guys were phenominal. Each porter carried 25k on their back for the whole trek. They raced past us each day to make sure they made camp well before we did to get all tents set up and sleeping gear ready for when we made the campsite. The meals they cooked was amazing given our surroundings. We had fantastic soups and stews and they even managed to knock up a birthday cake for Ellen. Without an oven!!

At the end of the trail was Machu Pichu, the lost Inca city. It was so moving to have hiked the trail through rain and shine, more rain than shine I have to say. To climb the final steps known as Oh My God Steps because they are so steep, and arrive at the Sun Gate looking down on the lost city. It was an emotional moment. We were lucky that the rain from the previous day had cleared and we had a breathtaking view of Machu Pichu before us. I couldn´t help wondering what it must have been like living in the city back in the 16th century. It is so remote. This was definitely a highlight of my travels. For this alone I am glad to have made the journey I have and especially glad I have taken this trip.