Boarding the train.
We had a stunning train ride through the countryside. First, there were switchbacks to get us up the side of the mountain away from Cusco, and this was supervised by the military. Then, very close to the mountains, we chugged through the Urubamba valley. We saw the actual Inca Trail (walking), the Urubamba river and various stations, where, if we stopped, we were bombarded by people trying to sell us artefacts through the train windows. We arrived after 3 and a half hours. We then ran the gauntlet of more vendors and caught the bus up the mountain to Machu Picchu.
Heading up the Urubamba Valley with Inca ruins on the mountain sides.
Heading up the Urubamba Valley with Inca ruins on the mountain sides.
It was really impressive and our guide, Julio, gave an introductory talk about the city and its temples. He pointed out 2 condors circling high above us. It was very hot and I felt I was burning (I was). We were then free to explore and marvel at some of the construction, especially the way the stones were shaped to fit together tightly.
Machu Pichu
Machu Pichu
We walked back to the bus and were taken down to the station for lunch. A strange boy ran all the way down the hill and kept jumping out at various bends in the road. He was there at the bottom when we left the bus, obviously hoping for money. We boarded the train to leave at 3pm, but then there was a mechanical problem, which held us up for another half an hour. We didn't want to be stuck up there all night!
The return journey took 3 hours 55 minutes, but we enjoyed it, falling asleep from time to time. The service on the train was good. It has been taken over by the Orient Express and I hope it doesn't become too commercialised. I think it is one of the great train journeys in the world.
It was dark by the time we arrived back in Cusco after a wonderful day. I was more impressed by Machu Picchu than I had expected to be. Another Wonder of the World! We have seen so many. I was pleased we went today instead of joining the trip tomorrow. We have 3 nights in Cusco - a real treat to stop for so long in one place - and we should be able to relax a little tomorrow.
Back at the hotel, plans were changing again and quite a few people now want to join us in going directly to Nasca and Ica. HERO will provide hotels and back-up. The original route involves going over the highest tarmac road in the Americas at over 16,000 feet and will be very punishing to cars and drivers. We went for drinks in the bar, then ate in the hotel. I had soup only - potage Julienne Darblay - which was made of leeks and delicious. We also had a very good Chilean Chardonnay. Ate with Greg, who was misbehaving, Chris Cooper, Colin, the Pelly-Frys, the Robinsons and a couple in a Bentley - Yvonne and David Moffatt. A great day! Some of our group are flying to Machu Picchu tomorrow in a helicopter, which takes 25 minutes. Not for me!
