Maizel to Yanama: Day 4 - Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

It rained last night, tents were wet but the morning bright. We were in for a treat with a dramatic walk into the fertile valleys of Yanama.
Cockerels sounded the morning at a reasonable hour of about 7:00am. We leave camp at a relatively late hour of 8:30am
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The track was muddy in many places, but it becomes more and more beautiful as we head up to the San Juan pass reaching 3900 metres. We inspect a couple of silver mines on the way.
This part of the trek is just lovely. Many flowers, butterflies and a stunning view of the town of Yanama from up high.
It was hard yakka ascending the pass. The last hour was a tough plod due to the steep increase in altitude.
The pass makes for a great photo as we walk around a cutting on the cliff.  Damn. My camera runs out of battery just after the first shot of the cutting . No more photos until Aguas Calientes. TAKE NOTE - buy extra batteries or take spare camera on trip. Unless I have access to power, I have to rely on Jan and the Brits: Ben and Chris for the next couple of days.

The way down from the pass was exciting as the oxygen returns into the blood stream. From our lofty perch we can see all along the valley is a sight to behold, perhaps the prettiest part of the trek.
We arrive in Yanama about 4pm after 7 hours of walking. I had a slight headache from the sun and altitude, but overall feel good and happy.

The site is crowded with 14 tents - where did they come from ? But overall it was pleasant and nice to talk to some of the fellow travellers. 

We met people from Germany, Canada, UK, Belgium, Holland and of course the lone Aussie - me. One of the ladies from Germany collapses in state of tears due to the exertion of the preceding day(s).

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