Elephant tops off my nalgene bottle with some good old Clos de Pirque, the Chilean cabernet sauvignon that has become the favorite vino of choice among PCVs in the know. This box I dragged all the way from Cusco to share with some special friends up in the mountains.


Deep in the bowels of Wiñay Wayna, Bobcat, Cat, Elephant, and Mongoose have a sip of the red stuff.


Later, Bobcat and Kingfisher try to mop up what's left. Exploring empty ruins is definitely a highlight of my life so far, and this place wasn't even that remote or secluded. Note to self: Head off into the unknown to find more ruins in the future.


Who knows what this slab of rock was originally for, but here it serves to help frame the bottle of wine as Kingfisher slips into the next chamber.


Tipping the porters and cooks after dinner on the final night.

Which brings us to the big day ... finally getting to rise up over the Sun Gate and gaze down upon the majesty of Machu Picchu itself. Stay tuned.