The Inca Trail starts off in desert, as evidenced by the cactus in the foreground.

This was the beginning of hours of steps going down - I don't know what was harder to do, hiking up hill in the altitude carrying our packs, or carefully walking down these steps for hours!

Our journey up the Inca Trail December 2013

We weren't able to see Machu Picchu from the sungate because it was too cloudy, but by the time we started approaching the city the clouds began to lift!

Inca Trail

The second night, we landed at our campsite early and I wasn't ready to quit hiking. (NOT in the mood to sit around socializing.) I took off for a little stream I'd noticed back a ways.

We were lucky to have an amazing team of porters, cook and guide!

GIAN CLAUDIO GIUSEPPE "CLAY" REGAZZONI

1939-2006

Rali Inca Trail - 2001

Loking back along the Inca Trail from Phuyupatamarka

Aren't they cute?

Inca Trail signage.

Hiking the Inca Trail