Machu Picchu

It´s already a couple of days ago now, but we didn´t really have internet access, so here´s the report about one of the most stunning experiences you can have in South America: Visiting Machu Picchu.
We booked a 4 day trip starting from Cusco. The first day we were hauled up the mountains into the rain forest by a local bus (which had the great advantage that you could take your shower right there in the bus) and then we went downhill on mountain bikes. It was raining and it took abbout half a minute until we were not only soaked, but also covered with mud as we are of course talking about a dirt road here. But it was fun and I´ve never enjoyed a cold shower in the evening as much as that day!
The next day we were right there in the rain forest in the rain season and guess what - it rained! :) But nonetheless we hit the Inca Trail and enjoyed the amazing views over the valleys and the Andean Mountain range. That day we ended up in natural hot springs to relax and then had a ride standing on the back of a pick up truck with abt. 50 kmh up the mountain to the little village of Santa Teresa and had a real party in a local disco (imagine a mountain village of about 20 houses, but there was a disco and I had a lot of fun doing some Salsa dancing, while Joachim decided to rest up for the following day).
The 3rd day our guide (who was not only very knowlegdable but also full of shit) tried to talk us into taking a bus, but of course we decided to walk. Again, wonderful views and that day a very interesting lunch: we had to catch (and kill) our trout ourselves. This was then prepared in a kitchen, where the dogs and cats were sitting right under the stove and the chicken and guinea pigs were running between your feet. It tasted great!!! The best trout I´ve ever had!
Day 4 was the day then. We got up at 4 am to hit the road at 4:30 am and start the climb to Machu Picchu. It was pitch black and the windy path up was lying in the mist. It was mystic! It took us exactly 1:25 minutes (as our guide had predicted) and being there in the morning (rain - we had hoped for a sunrise but weren´t as lucky) was really amazing. In the course of the day though the sun came out and when we climbed Waynapicchu (the mountain right next to it, from where you have the picture postcard views) the sun was out and we had the most gorgeous views. It was undescribable. You have to climb up that mountain, feel the thin air, feel your muscles ache, turn around and hold your breath for the stunning view and the thought of the Incas building all this centuries ago...