Sunday, February 15th - This morning I plan to wake up early and watch the incredible sunrise over the ruins of MACHU PICHHU. Maybe I'm expecting too much but I bet it will be one of those special moments that I'll remember for a lifetime. The day will be ours and we'll be on our own exploring the ruins at leisure. There is a hiking trail that leads up to the top of Huayna Picchu - the dramatic, towering cone-like mountain backdrop to the "lost city of the Incas" that you see in most all photos of Machhu Picchu. From what I've read the trail is very doable but dicey at times. Although I might not be in the best of condition, I plan to take my time attempting to conquer this mountain. If I make it to the top I'll post photos of the momentous occasion after I return home. Light a candle for me today. Here is a blog from some of those who made the trek to the top.

Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, is nestled 7,500 feet above sea level in the Andean mountain range above the Urubamba valley. Many questions remain unanswered but here are a few generally accepted ideas about this ancient city on a mountain peak. Like the pyramids of Egypt, it was created using massive stones hauled over great distances. Inca structures were highly resistant to earthquakes and it’s one of the reasons Machu Picchu is still standing today.