Our trekking group (pictured above later in the day) is off to another 5 AM start to what will be a predominantly downhill trekking day along the Rio Santa Teresa. Temperatures continue to increase as we descend into the jungle, and the flora we encounter today includes some extremely beautiful varieties. I find myself stopping continuously to capture images of flowers and having to scamper to keep pace with my comrades.

Included here is a small sampling of the flowers that I encountered today.

In addition to my fellow trekkers, Roberto and Taylor have been my constant companions on the trail, responsible for managing the horse that carries my gear. Although he speaks no English and I little Spanish, we were able to communicate fairly well, and he came to anticipate when I would be most likely to reach for my tripod and when I was likely to make a lens change. He also made some good suggestions for photographs, and I did my best to explain to him what I was doing. I gave him a very handsome tip at the end of the trail and also shared my water with him throughout each day.

Because of my limited time in the country, I must leave the group a day early and take the train from Hidroelectica to Aquas Calientes, where I have a hostel reserved for the night. We coordinated a plan to share contact information, and I truly hope we will stay in touch, or better yet, see each other again. The train ride was an adventure in itself. Five minutes out of the station, it stopped and started going backwards. I assumed we had forgotten something at the station. The train was navigating a set of switchbacks needed to climb the steep grades.

As the train approached Aquas Calientes, there was a great view of a mountain adjacent to the one upon which Machu Picchu sits, giving some perspective as to why the Spanish never discovered the Incan Citadel during their years of occupation. Compared to other mountain ranges I am familiar with, the Andes have the most sheer vertical edges of any. After arriving in town, I stowed my gear at the hostel, grabbed a quick bite, and then set out for a little nighttime photography before enjoying my first hot shower in days and a really good night’s sleep.