Our group kept their spirits through it all.

We awoke the next morning with great anticipation. After three days of hiking we were just a short walk from peering down upon Machu Picchu. Instead of riding directly up to the gate as many tourists do, we would have the satisfaction of hiking down to a sunrise view from above Machu Picchu that was promised to be breathtaking. While many of the grand views were blocked with dense fog, by keeping an eye out along the trail, I spotted dramatic pink, white and yellow orchids blooming in the nooks and crannies where the exotically colored plants could attach themselves. The bird life was even more vibrant, all setting the stage for our entry to reaching the Gateway of the Sun.