Cusco - Machu Picchu

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Hola Chicos,

Caught the 6am Vistrodrome (up at 4:30am), lovely train left on time (announcer spoke with a rasta Birmingham accent). The train had a glass ceiling so we could see the lovely view of the snow caped mountains as we made our way to Agua Caliente (means hot water springs). The train initially went forward for around 5 mins then went in reverse down another slope, then climbed again, this happened 3 times as it was climbing. On the way we had breakfast (not to British Rail standards, from what I remember they were great, paid for by GEC when I use to visit Borehamwood for some pointless meetings), anyway I digress for Ian, who will remember these trips. The scenery is wonderful: rolling hills with fields, waterfalls, streams and snow capped mountains, reminded me of the best drive I ever did from Queenstown to Glenocky (south island New Zealand).

Arrived at Agua Caliente which is a lovely little town. From here we caught the bus to Machu Picchu. Our guide (Darwin, he has written several books on Machu Picchu and worked here for 28yrs) was great, we toured the city as he described the location of the living quarters, temples etc. Kay and I then decided to hike to the Sun gate about 45mins the view from there was fantastic (got talking to another couple there (no not Oz´s) from London. Back down to the town for lunch which was very nice in Toto´s (just across from the railway station). Kay then decided we should walk to the biological centre and museo. On the way back to the station we caught site of the fat American couple we had the city tour with, they turned a corner though (probably to avoid me) so we didn´t have to exchange greetings.

For those that are still on there way here (that's you Amanda and Fiona) book at least on night in Agua Caliente and visit the hot springs about 30mins walk from the town.

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Photos

Train to Machu Picchu
Snow capped mountain in the background.

Train to Machu Picchu
Haa breakfast

Bus to Machu Picchu
Taken from the bus going up

Machu Picchu
View from the bus.

Machu Picchu
At the entrance.

Machu Picchu
At the entrance.

Machu Picchu
At the entrance.

Machu Picchu
At the entrance.

Machu Picchu
View from the Sun temple

Macha Picchu
Sun temple, this has two stone water holders. Since the Inca´s did not look at the sun directly, during the equinox and solstaces they would look at the reflection in the water

Macha Picchu
part way up to the Sun gate

Macha Picchu
part way up to the Sun gate

Macha Picchu
part way up to the Sun gate

Macha Picchu
At the Sun gate

Macha Picchu
At the Sun gate

Macha Picchu
At the Sun gate

Comments

[Damon]

Agua Caliente (Hot Water)
Strange that you mention the restaurant being across from the railway station. The way I remember it (and I have a great piccy somewhere) was that the town WAS the railway station. The train went straight down the main street and just stopped in the middle of the town.

[patelm]

Well it´s probabily grown since you were last there. Was there a bridge over the railway track?. I agree it´s not very big, but there were several restaraunts, hotel, hostles etc.