On April 16, 2006 we began boarding the Perurail Ferrostal Vistadome Class Train at the Ollantaytambo Train Station. At 9,160.10 feet above sea level. This was at about 9:45 AM local time. We were leaving on a one-and-a-half hour train journey to Aguas Calientes so that we could check in to the Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel and then tour Machu Picchu in the afternoon. The narrow gauge track causes our Vistadome Class Train to bump as it threads its way along the Urubamba River, providing the Vistadome passengers with awe-inspiring views of the dramatic canyons of the Urubamba Valley. The railway actually follows the river into the Urubamba Gorge. We see the remains of sizeable settlements which appear and then just as quickly disappear, where the local Indian farmers manage their farms and reside just as they have for hundreds of years. We also see many Inca ruins perched high on the sides of the valley sitting on top of their many terraces. We see Salapunku, by the right bank of the Urubamba river, which is close to the start of the famous Inca Trail. Then at Coriwaynachina, well known to the generations of hikers who have begun the Inca Trail there, we stop for about five minutes to let about 30 hikers off to begin their journy. At about Km 88, we see a staircase carved into the rock which leads to a series of ruined structures where it is said, that Inca artisans smelted their gold. Later on we emerge from a short tunnel and see a series of agricultural terraces which mark the ruins of Qente, which in Quechua means hummingbird. We see a fertile microclimate fed by a beautiful waterfall, where we can imagine giant hummingbirds feeding in the early morning upon the bright colored flowers which bloom year round in this area. We become very much aware as we are surrounded by tall ceibos and rocky outcrops with orchids and bromeliads, that we are now in a tropical climate. Our train stops near Km 104 at Chachabamba, to let off some hikers, where the one-day trek to Machu Picchu by way of the magnificent ruins of Wiñay Wayna begins. Then at 2 Km from Machu Picchu, the train arrives at Aguas Calientes; which is surrounded by the high, green mountains that cradle the famous lost city of Machu Picchu, as well as many other Inca ruins. Aguas Calientes, which is well known for its thermal baths, has become a popular overnight destination for travelers to Machu Picchu. We are suprised to see that Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu, as it is called by town leaders, uses the railroad tracks as its main street. Our porters from the hotel take our luggage and we transfer to busses to take the winding journey to the ruins of Machu Picchu.
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We're Glad You Stopped By! Come back soon!
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| Audrey Boarding PERUrail Ferrostal Vistadome Class Train at the Ollantaytambo Train Station; Our Porter From Pakaritampu Hotel Is Behind Her |
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| Boarding PERUrail Ferrostal Vistadome Class Train | Boarding PERUrail Ferrostal Vistadome Class Train |
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| Inside The Train | Inside The Train |
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| Choquesuysuy Inca Ruins | Choquesuysuy Colcas Or Inca Grain Silos |
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| Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Plant | Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Plant |
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| Our First View Of Aguas Calientes | Outskirts Of Aguas Calientes |
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| Outskirts Of Aguas Calientes | Aguas Calientes Train Station |
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| Aguas Calientes | Machupicchu Tour Busses Take You To The Ruins |
