Early morning rises are worth it in the end

Sabrina's next chapter in our adventure was to get us from the canyon near Curahasi and up to Ollantaytambo - the closest town with a road to Machu Picchu.

The scenery continued to be incredible. From lush valleys following a river to mountain tops, or passing a truck that had missed a corner - stopping all traffic except bicycles and motorcycles for hours. At these times, it seemed every time Jens waved Sabrina and I to go in front, I'd find the crazy trucks or accidents to protect him from. It made for some hair raising moments, but my riding is all the better for it and the journey, incredible.

Highlight of the this chapter's day was our snack from a little Peruvian lady, smoking some pork and potatoes on her front porch, and her incredible doorway looking out to God's country. And when we paid for our snack, our change was a couple of packets of biscuits!

Almost at the turnoff for Ollantaytambo, we came across yet another fiesta. This one seemingly in the middle of no where. Again, I believe it was to celebrate the new presidente for the region's win. The costumes and colours of the clothing were mind blowing. Very vibrant, and colourful.

At the top of the hill before arriving in Ollantaytambo, we found a little market run by the locals. Alpaca gloves, beanies, scarves, table runners, table cloths - the list is never ending. I loved how they would plead with you to buy something from them - "me amiga por favor"!

And finally, we arrived in Ollantaytambo. The cobblestoned pavement was incredibly annoying to ride along, but again, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. So, with a strong heart and courage, we made it into the village and were blessed with this incredible hotel at the base of more Inca ruins. These were impressive, so Machu Picchu must be way more impressive!

And impressive it was. Getting up with a sparrows fart (earlier even than what I usually term sparrows fart - sis!) in order to catch the train, we had am impressive tour ahead of us. Coco was our guide for the day - he lives in Cusco and comes to Machu Picchu (8 hour travel plan) to work. He does the Inca trail, and other times, he does day tours like ours. His tour site is here if you are interested.

Anyways, it's pictures of Machu Picchu you are craving for. So, of course, no matter where you go, there is always at least one crazy Australian. So in case I was missing our beloved Kangaroos (with the plethora of Alpacas and Lamas running around the roadsides), an Aussie backpacker made me feel right at home. 

Heres Yan with the Peru version of a Kangaroo...

In the afternoon, it was off to Cusco. But that's another chapter of Sabrina's adventure. Hasta Leugo mes amigos!