July 23, 2012
Machu Picchu
7/21 IMG guide Kelly Ryan reports that all is well as the Salkantay trek draws near completion. Kelly and two members hiked over the llacapata pass today. Kelly reported absolutely stunning views of where the team had come from, Salkantay, and where they were going, Machu Pichu, from a clearing near one of the Inca sites on the trail. They enjoyed the cool morning air on the climb up the old inca trail and saw large flocks of parrots, coffee and bannana farms, and great views. The rest of the team opted on a  a slower morning and breakfast before heading  on a shorter option out. The entire team will meet up again  for lunch and the train ride to Aguas Calientes.
7/22 The group is all back safe and sound in Aguas Calientes and ready to say their goodbyes to their local lead guide in the morning.  Two members and the guide got up early to catch the sun rise and climb Machu Pichu Peak. They were the first ones to the top and had the summit to themselves for a while. The rest of the team headed up later and met up with the others for a great tour of Machu Picchu. The afternoon was spent checking out the markets and eating lunch in Aguas Calientes. One member tried guinea pig and reported it tastes like chicken…..sort of.
The team will be flying to Lima today, then connecting for flights back to the US.
What a great ending to a spectacular adventure!
George Dunn