Macchu Picchu and the way home.

Spent the last days of my trip around Cuzco and Macchu Picchu. Cuzco is the traditional Inca capital but the colonists built many buildings on top of Inca ruins so today it is an eclectic mixture of beautiful colonial buildings, narrow cobbled streets and Inca ruins. The traditional Inca trail (4 day hike) to MP books out months in advance so I joined the Inca Jungle trail to get there. It is a one day downhill cycle and 2 days walking to get to Aguas Calientes, which is the access point for MP. Even though I had seen many photos of MP it is still an amazing experience to first walk into the complex and to take it all in. It really is a special place and the highlight of my trip, along with the long waves of Chicama. I started walking at 4am to get to the entrance for 5.30. The complex opens at 6am and I was among the first few in that morning. Went on a tour of the citadel with a guide for 2 hours and then had the rest of the day to explore. I climbed Macchu Picchu mountain for great views. I had intended to climb Wayna Picchu mountain but there were a lot of people going that way. Got the train back and then a flight to Lima. Flight back home later today. This has been a great trip and I would recommend Peru as a destination to everyone. Great waves for all standards of surfers and good flat day activities. Food is good, living is cheap and the people are very friendly. Adios.