Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu , by train
Perurail certainly surpasses British rail. I had no idea, having booked the relatively cheap Expedition train, that it would be luxurious travel, at least by my standards. Carpeted steps onboard, wide, padded seats, free coffee, biscuits and juice, clean bathrooms..OK, so the main attraction was the unique journey, but it certainly helped to see the views in such comfort😀.
Superlative scenery as our train trundled along its narrow tracks following the gushing river down through deep valleys, past ancient sacred sites, terraced farms on the lush hillsides, local villages, a modern dam today providing much of Peru's electricity. Wild orchids along the riverbank flash splashes of bright colour.
It's only a 90 minute journey from Ollantaytambo, a shame as I could have stayed on this train forever.
Tonight I'm in Aqua Calientes, the bustling town serving Machu Picchu, my destination for tomorrow. After tranquil, tiny Ollantaytambo, its back to tourist central, but it's also beautiful here too, nestling in the shadow of sky high, soaring mountains.
Bats flit around in the night sky and the roar of the rushing river creates natural 'white noise' to counteract street sound. Plus this hostel is very welcoming, they even sent someone to meet me from the train, a kind touch which makes all the difference to me, traveling alone.
The bed is gorgeously comfortable, the shower is hot and the TV not only works but has BBC. So, my ultimate goal is Machu Picchu, obviously, but little things do wonders for my state of mind 😊😊😊.
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| On the train - ready to depart |
Superlative scenery as our train trundled along its narrow tracks following the gushing river down through deep valleys, past ancient sacred sites, terraced farms on the lush hillsides, local villages, a modern dam today providing much of Peru's electricity. Wild orchids along the riverbank flash splashes of bright colour.
It's only a 90 minute journey from Ollantaytambo, a shame as I could have stayed on this train forever.
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| Scenery through the valley |
Tonight I'm in Aqua Calientes, the bustling town serving Machu Picchu, my destination for tomorrow. After tranquil, tiny Ollantaytambo, its back to tourist central, but it's also beautiful here too, nestling in the shadow of sky high, soaring mountains.
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| In the Sacred Valley |
Bats flit around in the night sky and the roar of the rushing river creates natural 'white noise' to counteract street sound. Plus this hostel is very welcoming, they even sent someone to meet me from the train, a kind touch which makes all the difference to me, traveling alone.
The bed is gorgeously comfortable, the shower is hot and the TV not only works but has BBC. So, my ultimate goal is Machu Picchu, obviously, but little things do wonders for my state of mind 😊😊😊.
Dear Edwina,
ReplyDeleteGood to see you looking well.
Our friend, Chio is staying in Chorillos in Cost, South of Lima.
love Elainex