Thanks Glenn & Belle. I don't think you need to be super fit to do this trek but I would say a couch potato would find it difficult. Belle, I don't recall seeing any roaches or creepy crawlies on the floor and definitely nothing that came flying at me but I can tell you, I was so tired I wouldn't have noticed. Plus it helps if you're a bit typsy - a Chilean guy in our group brought out a bottle of (Chilean?) whiskey and passed it around and around - I knew I was over my limit when I started telling jokes in Spanish!

How can I convince you not to take the bus up? Picture an exhausting yet exhilirating climb with the view of Machu Picchu as seen by the Incas - unspoilt, untouched, for you and your small intimate group with only the sound of the wind around you. Now picture a tour bus loaded with over a hundred tourists (versus adventurers!) spewing exhaust fumes as it labors up the carved up mountain side, passing a hotel, restaurant and souvenir vendors before dropping you off at the entrance that might well be like getting into Disney World. Okay, slight exaggeration! But, if you can, do the trek!

Old Gold, I didn't think you were negative. Always good to be prepared where ever you go!

[This message has been edited by Gabriel (edited 09-22-2000).]