Peru

26 May - 7 June 2005

Inca Goddess at Puka Pukara ("red fort") 6 mi. north of Cuzco

Inca agricultural test area at Moray, near Urubamba

Inca salt farm (Salineras de Maras) near Urubamba, still in operation

The Inca Trail begins: 31 miles in 4 days

Day1: trail begins at Km 88 (Nancy at right sign post)

Easy at first: looking back down the trail, afternoon of day 1

N & J at rest stop before climb to Dead Woman's Pass (Warmiwaynusca), day 2

N & J at the top of Dead Woman's Pass (13,800 feet), day 2

The group at the top of Dead Woman's Pass:

Standing; John, Nancy, Julie, Dale, Robby, Chrissie, Martha

Kneeling: Scott, Phil, Brian

Trail up to second pass (10,800 feet), after breakfast on day 3

Inca way station (Runkurakay), early on day 3, heading to second pass

Two views from top of second pass, early on day 3

Sayacmarca fort, just after second pass, day 3

The trail ahead, day 3

Getting into rain forest, later on day 3

Late afternoon view, day 3

Sunrise, day 4

1400 steps down to Sun Gate (Intipunku), day 4

The Sun Gate, with Machu Picchu in background (lower left), day 4

After Sun Gate: a good reason not to step off the trail

View of Machu Picchu from trail coming down from Sun Gate, day 4

Looking from Machu Picchu down to Urubamba River and rail line to Aguas Calientes

Huayna Picchu citadel can be climbed via a narrow, steep staircase.

Local Rastafarian met near Urubamba.

3 Days at Eco-Amazonia, near Puerto Maldonado

Amazon friend

Orchids near Eco-Amazonia lodge

Madeira River from the Eco-Amazonia lodge dock

Back to Lima on day of departure:

Plaza de Armas (City Hall in background)