23:30 - This morning we had the choice of going back up the Machu Picchu or do a couple of alternative treks. All but Jolanda, decided to do a trek that took us into the forest to a botanical garden and a waterfall (about 4 hours in total). The weather looked spectacular and as we set off it was really sunny and warm. The scenery was as usual quite special and although I am not a walking person, it was good to take a stroll. I am not an expert in plants and birds...

23:00 - What a day! We set off by train towards Machu Picchu. The railtrack runs along a very boisterous river. We got to Agua Caliente (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) at around 10.30. We dropped off our bags at the hotel and then off we went on a little shuttle bus up the winding mountain roads to the entrance of the archeological site. Aurelio, yesterday's guide, was to be our guide for the first two hours today. He took us up to the top of the site where t...