whoa, hey!

Hello hello! Looks like this is my 51st post on my blog in the past 4 or so months! Incredible to think I've come this far. From landing in Santiago, Chile, to riding north from Ushuaia and now Peru, It's incredible to think I'm finally here. We´ve been biking and hiking our way towards Machu Picchu for the past 3 days and this afternoon we finally arrived in Aguas Calientes, the final city and last jumping off point for Machu Picchu. It's been a great journey. The group I have been with is exceptional, and quite diverse. A Spaniard: Gabriel, two Hollanders: Kevin and Avi, the two brits and honeymooners: Becky and Tony, and myself, along with the great guide from Cuzco: Hugo (El Jefe).

The first day we cycled 45 km (mostly downhill) from 4100m to 1500m to the first stop of Santa Maria. It was amazing to see the landscape and terrain change before our eyes. Halfway down we encountered jungle for the first time. Once in Santa Maria, we took dinner, had some beer, chatted, and slept.

The following day (yesterday) we left at 7 and hiked for 7 hours. We also walked on a 500 year old Inca Trail only just discovered 11 years previously. Literally one meter of walking space, and a sheer drop off nearly 1000m down to the river below. Amazing. At the end of the day we celebrated by relaxing in the hot springs of Santa Teresa. Last night we again drank beer, chatted, and played cards before turning in for the night.

This morning we took breakfast at 830 and headed out of Santa Teresa at 9 am walking upriver through Hidroelectrica, and eventually to Aguas Calientes where we are currently. Amazingly during our trek today we were able to see portions of Machu Picchu and we even paused momentarily at the entrance to Machu Picchu. Tomorrow morning we wake up at 4 am to hike 400m to reach Machu Picchu before dawn. It will be incredible. I can't wait.

And thats that. Tonight we take dinner at 7pm, and head to bed because we have to wake up so early. Tomorrow night will see us all back in Cuzco and once again as is always the case, heading our own separate ways. I will most likely head down to the coast before heading to Lima for my flight back home on the 1st of June.

I'd like to thank all of you for reading and commenting on my posts throughout the duration of my trip. This has been an amazing experience and I'm glad I was able to share it with all of you. Until next time, chao chao!

Zach

:]