Tuesday we crossed the border into Peru just after dark, and continued on the same bus overnight arriving in Cusco in the early hours.  Got a taxi to the hostel and fortunately they let us in the room early for a shower and kip.  We then ventured out and on a recommendation from an Aussie couple we booked up for 4 days on the Inca Jungle trail to Machu Picchu with Reserv Cusco.  Had our burger fix in Peruvian version of Burger King, then wondered the streets soaking up the atmosphere in preparation for their National Independence Day.  Had our first Chinese meal in six months, which didn't satisfy the cravings.

The following day we met at the office just before 8, and were introduced to the group of a honeymooning Bolivian couple, three Aussie lads and our Peruvian guide Percy.  A few hours in the minivan and we were out and on mountain bikes again (poor Jan).  Downhill on lovely tarmac for 44km.  Percy let us go at our own pace which was great fun.  After a refreshing beer and ice cream we were driven to our 'Lodge' for the night for a late lunch and freezing cold shower.  After a few card games and a nap, we wondered around the local village looking for brewed Chica (Peruvian beer made from corn fermented with the use of human saliva) no luck so had to settle for fresh oranges from the market.

After breakfast omelets, we started our long trek of the day; 28kms in all.  We crossed varying terrain with a break mid-morning for passion fruit juice and to try-on the traditional dress (exactly what is needed in 30c heat).  Had a late lunch; four course meal, then back on the track for a couple of hours to reach the well deserved hot springs.  A good soak as it turned dusk, and a beer to toast the sunset.  Fortunately we were sensible enough to order a taxi instead of walk 2hrs uphill to our 'lodge'.  When we arrived there was some confusion over sleeping arrangements and it looked like Jan was to share with one of the young Aussie guys, until they moved the beds for us.  A restless night while we listened to the young-uns partying in the campsite next door (far too mature for antics like that).

The next morning we were driven to the zipline canopy, where Jan decided we'd put her through enough and opted out.  6 ziplines of varying height and speed with some we could do upside down with no hands (don't think the insurance would cover for that one), great fun and got the adrenaline going.

The bus then drove us to the start of the Machu Picchu railway line and we had a good few hours of walking (with a nice three course meal at lunch) to reach Aguas Caliente..beer time.  A nice evening meal and then interrupted sleep till 5am, when we got the first bus up to the ruins.  Unfortunately the sunrise was obscured by cloud but it soon burnt through and a beautiful sunny day to admire one of the worlds wonders.  We walked back down the numerous steps to the village for a rest until our 19:00 train and bus back to Cusco.  Back to the hostel at 23:00 and bed!  I was feeling under the weather the following morning so Martin and Jan went shopping before our bus to Ica, first class for 15hrs.  We arrived early hours and got the worlds smallest taxi to our lovely little hotel for a birthday treat relaxing by the pool. 

The following day we were back on the bus for 5hrs to Lima, staying with a Italian/Peruvian couple for a few days.  Explored the city a little today, and just having a few wines with Jan on her last night.