early start with fingers crossed for fine weather. Initially it didn't look too promising, it was cool and overcast as we boarded the train  to urumba station. This was mainly downhill as Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco. From Machu Picchu station to Machu Picchu itself  has to be undertaken by bus. So we joined the queue with hundredis of other tourists. However there were many buses so we didn't have to wait too long. They ride was adventurous and the views were unbelievably spectacular and this before we even reached  the summit of Machu Picchu. By this time we the skies were clearing and it was becoming considerably warmer. We left the bus and started the walk up the hill. This was not a gradual walk up a gently slope but an arduous climb up steep uneven steps, but the amazing  views made it all worthwhile. Having got to the top we now headed down to this, almost perfectly preserved, roofless town. It was by now scorching hot and with the sun almost overhead there was very little shade. still the long sleeved shirt I was wearing meant I wouldn't get sunburnt!!! After being given more information than. I require we joined the very long bus queue and, not for the first time descended rapidly back down the for a late lunch and return train...