Better early than late, right?

Despite being told by the desk clerk that the first flight doesn't arrive until after 7, and the first flight doesn't depart until 7:45, we didn't check our flight info and INSISTED that our flight was at 6:30 and we needed cabs at 4 a.m. Where we got 6:30 we have no idea... we rolled up to the airport at 4:30, only to find out it doesn't open til 5. The guard took pity on us and let us in early. Once in the airport, we discovered that our flight was the first one out... at 8:10.

Clarity

 

Aguas Calientes

This town exists to cater to travelers to Machu Picchu. It has hostels, hotels, restaurants, stores, bars, and internet cafes, and hot springs that are really just big dirty bathtubs with gravel and sand on the bottom (but they serve you drinks and it's waaaarm, which is wonderful after 3 days of freezing during the hike).

You can only get there by train or bus, there are no cars on the streets, which are more like long broad staircases with a drainage channel in the middle.

Last Supper, Incan Style

 

Entrepreneur, Machu Picchu style

On the way down the mountain this little boy, in Incan garb, raced the bus (and won). He tore down the stairs, meeting the bus at every curve. Near the bottom the bus driver stopped, let him on, and he started soliciting donations for his feat. "Adios! Goodbye! Sayonara!"

Incan Bridge

The remains of this Incan bridge are a 10 minute hike from Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating the end of the trek

David and Jeremy celebrate with a 1.1 L Pilsen.


Jason and Ramiro toast with a local fermented corn beer (which tastes like cream of corn that's been left out too long) and Cuquesna.


Rob, Andy, Lindsey, Mike, Jen, and JR.


Guinea pig: it's what's for dinner. Seriously. Gross.