We are still in the land of the living!! Sorry for the radio silence but we without internet whilst out on the Inca Trail then travelling back to Lima then flying home - via Miami, Heathrow, train to Paddington then Stroud. Paul marched up the hill home to collect the car then back to the station to pick up Raine and the suitcases. Good to be home.

Some pictures of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Small but perfectly formed group at the start of the Inca Trail

Our guide, Nestor

The first of many bridges we crossed. This was the largest, crossing the Chocolate River that flows through the Sacred Valley, joins the Amazon before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.

We climbed up out of that valley. One of many Inca ruins we visited

First night camp

The hikers with our support crew, including a chef! The food was amazing

The ecology changed along the trail from highland scrub to cloud forest jungle. Loads of bromeliads growing on the trees

Waterfalls everywhere

Looking back

Climbing up to Dead Woman's Pass. A tough climb

Getting there

We made it to the top of Dead Woman's Pass 4215 metres above see level

Camping in the cloud forest

More Inca ruins

Jungle

Beautiful jungle plants

And yet more Inca ruins

Raining behind that mountain

High up

Excuse me - llamas coming through

View from the tent - 3rd night. Raine soaking her feet after a 16km hiking day

We got up at 3:15 in the morning for the last day of the hike. The sun coming up

First sight of Machu Picchu from the Sun gate

Happy hikers

Classic view of Machu Picchu

Proof we were there!

Local lawn mower

Totally moved by the experience