So at 5.30am after 42km walking through the Peruvian Andes mountains we arrived at the famous Machu Picchu. Our first glance was from afar with the first rays of sun shining on the city, and magical clouds floating across.

Machu Picchu is believed to have been constructed around 1450 by the Inca empire and abandoned around 1550. It was unknown to the wider world until the explorer Hiram Bingham accidently found them in 1911 whilst searching for another city. After another expedition in 1912 the magazine National Geographic published a special edition in April 1913 with lots of photos of the amazing discovery. Since then Machu Picchu has become the attraction of South America and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

These days it welcomes 2500 visitors everyday, and the impact is taking its toll as the area is gradually sliding and sinking, a no fly zone exists over the site to help protect it and UNESCO is currently considering putting this site on its ´List of World Heritage in Danger´ So how long tourists will be able to experience this amazing place remains to be seen.

The city itself is very impressive however what really hits you is the increadible surroundings, hugh mountains surround the city which itself is perched on a high cliff and the Urabama river winding its way below. The altitude and landscape creates fast moving clouds and mist that constantly drift past, creating a very magical scene.

We have visited many ancient sites around the world including 7 Mexican Maya sites on our current travels but this one stands head and shoulders above them all. And after 4 days hiking through the mountains and jungles, the site is both overwelming and emotional..

You may think the photo looks spectacular but it really does not do it justice!