The so-called 'Gringo Killers', a series of steep shallow steps very close to the Sun Gate - they weren't as bad as they look and no gringos died on this ascent...

 

Anne and Martin taking on the 'Killers'...

Success! Chris, Martin & Anne at the top of the steep steps...

Sun Gate (Intipunku)

First views of a still distant Machu Picchu...

Miche & I at the Sun Gate...

... and again, trying not to block the view of what we'd come to see...

It was an emotional experience for some - Miche experiencing joy at having made it - in your face acid reflux!

Air steward mode...

Kristine at the Sun Gate...

We were greeted by an exotic Inca sparrow...

Bobby doing a 'Kilroy was here' impression...

View to Machu Picchu, still a little distance away...

The group - Cesar, me, Kristine, Ros, Sally, Helen, Chris, Miche, Martin, Bobby & Anne...

Miche ready to head to Machu Picchu...

Last poses at the Sun Gate...

Machu Picchu

Just a passing glance today, as we would return early the next morning for a proper visit...

A more familiar view of Machu Picchu - it certainly did not disappoint...

Reconstructed thatched huts...

View from our room in Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) - the climb up the stairs with our bags to our room on the 5th floor was the hardest part of the day - the unripe fuchsia berry had begun to send me into a series of cold & hot sweats and I lost all appetite for the iced cold beer I'd promised myself for the whole trek...

 

Next - Day 14 - Machu Picchu


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