So the day finally arrived to go to Machu Picchu!!! We wanted to get there early to miss the crowds, so it was up at 4am, out by 4.40am to head to the bus stop. Already groups were walking down. After a 50 minute wait for the bus service to run, we were on the second bus.

We arrived at the entrance early and had to wait for the site to open. We were about the 60/61st people to enter. It was a little uphill stroll to the caretaker hut (which still left Stevie panting). Which gave us the first view of Machu Picchu. The famous postcard shot. The site was amazing. Exactly like the photos, with low clouds creating a majestic feel.

We posed for a couple of classic shots, had to be done. Before venturing deeper into the site. Stevie saw her first group of Llamas.

We sat on the side of the mountain looking down at Machu Picchu waiting for the sun to rise and illuminate sections of the the site at a time only to add to the atmosphere.

As the American historian Hiram Bingham did 101 years ago, we walked down the side of the mountain and entered the historical lost city of the Incas. Located in an Inca sacred place in the Andean mountains untouched by the Spanish colonialism. A new world of the world.

Quickly we can see why it is the most spectacular archaeological site on the continent. The hill sides are carved into steps. Making our way around the site, we get more intrigued and amazed at the scale of the sight, how it was built, what happen to the people, the skill and technology. So many questions. We visit all the important sights between the wonder and beauty. The Intihuatan stone, the principle temple, royal palace, Temple of condor and many more...

The famous rock you see in all the pictures is called Wayna Picchu meaning young mountain. You are able to climb this but now you have to book way in advance like the Inca trail. Machu Picchu means ancient mountain and the sight is named after the mountain inbetween which it sits.

The views looking out from the site are just as beautiful. Mystic mountains, snow covered tops and deep valleys.

There are recreations of the buildings to show us what the actual sight may have looked like. In its day you can imagine this being a busy metropolitan that was well fortified. Its just adds to the wonder of what happened to these people.

Around midday we appreciate why we got here early. The place is rammed, bustling with groups and guides. Each telling there own story.

We leave the sight wanting to know more. Jumping on the bus we arrive back in Aguas Calientes for some well needed lunch. We then have a quick kip before heading to the hot springs for a couple of hours. The hot springs are meant to be natural, although it is hard to believe when they have been kitted up to look like miniature swimming pools. When we arrive they are busy with westerners, sipping cocktails and drinking beer. After trying most of them we opted for the big spring. No wonder it was busy, it was the hottest and best place to relax. We saw Ray there, so we decided to chill with him and found out he is on the same bus as us to Bolivia.

We head back for a shower and some dinner before heading to bed.