Hard to believe that by the end of the day I'll be able to cross Machu Picchu off of my bucket list. Wake up call was at 5:30, the bus left the hotel at 6:40 and we drove 30 minutes back to Ollantaytambo. Our train took off at 7:45. The ride was 1 hour and 40 minutes. The train car had tables that sat four and windows in the roof so you could enjoy the view while you rode. They even had complimentary drinks and a snack. From the train it was about a twisty curvy but speedy 30 minute bus ride up the mountain to Machu Picchu. Seeing Machu Picchu for me was a dream come true. I've read so much about it and seen many videos but it's not the same as seeing it in person. The views were spectacular. To see the terraces and stone work done in this inhospitable area were a marvel. Although the locals were aware of its existence it's no surprise that the outside world didn't find out about it until 1911. We spent three hours with our tour guide who explained so many details of the fortress and Incan history and culture. Then we took the bus again - we waited in line about 30 minutes and rode down to the town of Aguascalientes. Here we had lunch and headed back to the train. On the way Ron found a wall hanging for the house. From the train we boarded the bus for a 2 Hour bus ride to Cuzco City. We arrived at the hotel at 8:30 and just had some peanut butter crackers and coca tea. We got ready for the next day and went to bed. I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. A long but wonderful day! Life is good!😁
Views from Machu Picchu
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| Train ride to Machu Picchu |
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| All ready to go |
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| Mountain scenery along the Inca Trail |
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| Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu City |
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| Structures on Machu Picchu |
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| Plaque to Hiram Bingham |
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| The Sun Dial |
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| Heading back to Ollantaytambo and then to Cusco |
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| Lobby of our Hotel in Cusco |
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| This is another Jose Antonio Hotel like the one in Lima |
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