I´m not sure how this enty will work out since my head feels like it may split open at any moment and bottles of vodka will come marching out.... Still, I will do my best!

I started the Lares Trek on Friday and met up with the rest of my group at 6am. A Dutch-Irish brother and sister in their 50´s, Reinette and Robert, a canadian couple who are cops, Lorne and Kim and trainee american doctor Steve who looked very similar to Ian, a little odd to begin with! Also, our lovely guide Justino.

We set off in the minibus for Calca where we had breakfast and then went to the market to buy gifts for the village children we would meet along the way. Then we set off through a gorge with beautiful scenery and only us. We met the minibus for lunch where the tent had been set up and we were served amazing food. Then to Lares in the minibus for a swim in the hotsprings. Then walking again, more uphill which was getting more hard work with the ever increasing altitude. Our first night was spent in a village and it was fascinating seeing their huts and how they still live. It was pretty chilly at night but we were all wrapped up in down sleeping bags in our tents and after another fantastic meal and hot chocolate we were in bed by about 8.30pm! What else was there to do!?

We were woken by one of the porters at 6am with a cup of coca tea and huge breakfast to keep us going on our toughest day. And it was tough. Uphill all the way for 4 hours culminating in the top at 4,400m. It started to hail as we reached the top so we didn´t spend too long taking pictures! Then downhill to the warm tent for a well deserved lunch. Several more hours walking in the afternoon across the side of the mountains to the next campsite. Next morning we were all happy as we knew that it was all downhill from there. All the way to Ollyambatambo (probably spelt wrong!) for lunch before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. Unfortunately on the way to the station I noticed that the sole of my boot was coming away. Yes they´ve lasted me a good few years but Justino took it off to the repairers in Aguas Calientes and it was fixed in half an hour for 5 soles (80p). Perfecto!

Finally we could have a beer and we all enjoyed it! Checked into the hostel and went for a swim in the hot springs there. It was full of people, not at all like the Lares ones where we were the only people there! Then early night for 4.30am start the next day for..... Machu Picchu!!!

Felt very excited to finally be seeing the famous Lost City of the Incas. I have even given it a separate album since its so special! We arrived at about 6am after taking the bus up and the morning mist was covering most of the ruins but gradually it dispersed to reveal the incredible ruins. I can´t really think of any words to describe it actually. It really was awesome. That is all I can say! The pictures really don´t do it justice. Bingham must have been truly gobsmacked when he stumbled on these ruins in 1911.

Anyway, stayed there for several hours - Justino took us around and then we had some free time to wander. We left when the large American tour groups arrived. Back to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then train and bus back to Cuzco arriving at about 8pm. It was a bit sad to say goodbye to the group. Everyone was fascinating to talk to. Back at Loki, I was glad i´d reserved a bed, it was getting busy for the Halloweén party! Found Sherry and Naomi from La Paz in the bar which was great and Tom and Lisa were back from Manu. Pretty much the same people were still around! Halloweén doesn´t really require any description, the pictures will say it all when I upload them!