Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu 5th July Our trip to Machu Picchu started on the 6.50am train from Cusco. It is a 31/2 hr trip to the train terminus at Aguas Calientes. We were on the ‘backpackers’ train! How do I know?? Because the carriages were all labeled as such. So, another reason never to go with an organised tour group again! Mark and I felt like we were the chaperones! We settled into our 2 star hotel and headed out to get some tickets for Machu Picchu before having a quick lunch. It is a 20 min bus trip or a 1 1/2 hr steep walk from Aguas Calientes up to the peak of Machu Picchu. We opted for the steep climb and, that it was. We had left at 12.30 and kept hoping on our ascent that we would make it before dark! We eventually arrived and strolled around this spectacular archeological site taking in the amazing ruins and spectacular view. We opted for the bus trip home though as did some young German guys that we seemed to shadow throughout the day. This made us feel better. Tomorrow we have a guided tour of the site before heading back to Cusco on the 5.30pm train. Adios!