The GRANDE Family Holiday - Machu Picchu Day 2

New Years Day Jane and I returned to Machu Picchu to visit the Sun Gate. It was very different from the day before as there were no people there. We did the trek which was quite hard going in some parts as it was all upstairs.

Once we reached the Sun gate we got a brilliant view of Machu Picchu and we could see where the famous Inca trail goes. We took a break up there to "feel the serenity" and then we headed back down. That afternoon Mum and Dad took a nature walk at the hotel and learnt lots of fun facts about fruits and veggies. We were due to catch the train home at 2 but it was delayed and we didn't leave until 6.

We caught the train to Ollantaytambo and then we were driven to a village called Yucay in the Sacred Valley of the Inca's. We spent the night in a huge resort which even had a chapel. The next morning we had a tour of the Sacred Valley with our guide Terry. Terry was very laid back about pretty much everything. We went to the ruins in the Sacred Valley at 3, 250m which were interesting, there were big rock carvings in the mountains of faces and condors which had religious meaning to the Inca's. After that we visited a traditional Peruvian house and saw how some people still live. It was one room with fish, meat and vegetables drying in the sun and there was roughly 30 guinea pigs running around on the floor as they eat them.

We then had lunch (not guinea pig) which was a HUGE spread of everything you could imagine it was great!

After lunch we headed to Pisac another village with HEAPS of art and craft markets. Here we bought up on bright cushion covers, jewellery and ornaments. At one point i was leaning over viewing jewellery when a familiar face comes up beside mine, Katie Rose one of my best mates just happened to be there too with her tour. A very pleasant surprise as i didn't expect to see her until Feb. The people you run into.