Machu Picchu

Saturday morning we headed for Machu Picchu.

We had a luggage limit on the train, so we left some bags at the hotel. We took a bus ride to Ollantaytambo, where we found a busy train station. Our train arrived about 11 AM. We boarded our car, and sat in our reserved seats. We chatted with Martha and Thomas on the way, noting the change in climate and vegetation as the train continued down the river, losing altitude. When we arrived in Machu Picchu city (Aguascalientes), we gave our luggage to the hotel porters, and had lunch. We then boarded a bus for Machu Picchu.

The drive up to the site was on a switchback dirt road; we got glimpses of the mountain as we headed up. We arrived at the end of the road, and were able to enter the Machu Picchu site. Raul discussed the various theories about Machu Picchu, and pointed out different aspects of the site. It was a very good tour. We especially enjoyed the end of the day, when the crowds cleared out.

Our hotel, the Inkaterra, in Machu Picchu city (Aguas Calientes) was special, rooms spread out among the beautiful grounds. We took a walk to admire the birds and orchids. This area is a rain forest, so quite different from the higher elevations of the rest of the trip.

The llamas had the run of the place, and were pretty tame.

Sunday there were various options; we elected to go back to Machu Picchu. Sandi sat quietly in the plaza, and watched the clouds, while Richard hiked to the top of the Pyramid, to the Hitching Post of the Sun. The paths are laid out for one way traffic, so Richard had to ask the rangers how to get back to the top. They lifted the ropes for Richard to go up, and then to let Richard and Sandi go down. We shook the ranger's hand at the bottom, as he had let Richard go on a closed path. We spent some time at the cafe, which had a great view, and then took the bus down. We took the train back to Ollantaytambo, and the bus took us to our hotel in Urubamba.