14th May 15 - Machu Picchu - Day Two
After all the problems of yesterday, today went very well. Another 5.00am start in our bus to avoid the roadblocks to board the Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and on by bus on a rough track to Machu Picchu.
 |
| Fields of gladioli |
 |
 |
 |
| Joining the Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo - about 1.5 hrs. We were meant to have taken Hiram Bingham train - a kind of Orient Express - the previous day. Then stayed at MP to watch the sunset and sun rise... |
 |
 |
| At Aguas Calientes where we left the train and on by bus on a rough track to Machu Picchu. |
 |
| Through the entrance gate and our first sight of Machu Picchu. |
 |
| The llamas do a good job mowing the grass! I want one. |
 |
| The King's Tomb. The steps are meant to aid your journey to heaven |
 |
 |
 |
| Two panoramas and the Andes topped with cloud |
 |
| Two old tourists |
 |
| Looking down on the Urubamba River |
 |
 |
| Difficult to take a bad photo! |
 |
| This is the other side of MP - looking down on the Urubamba River and the hydro electric installation. |
 |
| After lunch we climbed up to the Guard House for THE classic view of Machu Picchu. |
 |
| Quite takes your breath away |
 |
| Wonder how many photos of Machu Picchu have been taken from this exact spot? |
 |
|
On the train back The steward changed
into this traditional costume and danced down the aisle. This was him
asking me to join him and me saying 'No'!! Then it was a long drive back to Cusco. We had to go off-road many times to avoid the barricades left across the road but now unmanned. We got to Cusco exhausted at the Hotel Monesterie at about 9.00pm with ANOTHER 5.00am start to look forward to.... |