Machu Picchu - Oh My Goodness

On Thursday 4:30 am came really early, but that's OK. It was to be a magical day - Machu Picchu. Our journey started with a 30 minute bus ride to the train station. The Vistadome train was 1.5 hours with the most beautiful scenery - snow capped mountains, the Urumbamba river rapids, and various other unexpected streams.

The train took us to Aguas Caliente (the city just below Machu Picchu).

A shuttle bus then took us up the winding road of a very, very steep mountain to the entrance. Machu Picchu is a lush, green peaceful place, despite the hundreds of people visiting while we were there. I was a real trooper and climbed steps and inclines amounting to 8 stories to get to the lookout spot with a view of the entire complex. Despite the panting for breath and elevated heart rate from the climb, it was oh so worth it. Pictures don't do it justice. It is definitely a place one could meditate for hours.

After 5 hours there, we caught a shuttle bus back down the mountain to Aguas Caliente. 2 couples and I stopped at a local restaurante for lunch, drink and some musical entertainment. Another train ride and bus ride to Cusco and our day was complete. So tired, but definitely worth it. But, our tour guide tells us that Lake Titicaca will be a big highlight as well. We shall see.