Machu Picchu

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[youtube=7MHovQxux8U]

Day 13 - Machu Picchu

Today we had anther early start 4.30am (thought we were on holiday, I don't get up this early at home!) as we had to get the train to Aguas Calientes which is also known as Machu Picchu town.

The Perurail train is now owned by an American company and they have made it so expensive that the locals cannot afford to use this transport any more and it is mainly just for tourists like us. The train is busy and we sit next to some Russian girls from St Petersburg. It is an old traditional train that runs on very narrow tracks so it wasn't the most comfortable 5 hour journey we have had.

The train sets off and blows its horn every time we go near a crossing which is regular and when there is something on the track. This is also frequent as the locals walk next to the track which seems very unsafe. We start to ascend the hill to get out of Cusco and all of a sudden the train stops and starts going backwards! Everyone is wondering what on earth is going on until the conductor explains that this will happen a further 3 times as the train zig zags up the hill.

The journey was scenic as usual as we travel towards what looks like the jungle as it is so green and follow a large river that is quite full as it is the wet season. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes we are met by our hostel owner and a group of us follow her to our hostel. As soon as we walk out of the train station we are in the local handicraft market which is full of people selling hats, coats, bags, leather goods etc, we see this everywhere we go and I am finding it annoying now as I can't really buy anything as I will have to carry it! It is very tiring to carry our rucksack through the town as it is uphill and very warm.

The room we have is comfortable, overlooks the small town and is right next to the river so all we can hear is the roar of water gushing down the mountain. We collapse and take a rest in our room as we are so tired from the early start we can't face doing much else. Once a bit fresher we ventured into town looking for the ticket office and an ATM. The ATM was located right next to the train line which was part of the street. I thought Oliver was joking when he said “hurry up the train is coming” as we walked over the railway bridge until I turned round and there it was!

After purchasing our tickets for Macchu Picchu tomorrow and the bus to take us up there we find somewhere to eat. This town is the same as everywhere else in that every restaurant wants your business and they will all talk to you as you walk past, it gets frustrating at times. Following our meal we have an early night ready for another early start to see the sights of Machu Picchu.

Laura

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Photos

Aguas Callientes
view out of bedroom window

Aguas Callientes
look no beard

Aguas Callientes
Main street

Broken Bridge
Who ate all the pies

Comments

[Andy & Denise]

Looks great!
Hi Both just a short note to say your trip looks wonderful and hope you are enjoying it even if a little tired??