After one day in
Cusco, we got up relatively early and took a 2 hour private car ride to a train
station in Ollantaytambo to then catch the 1.5 hour PeruRail Train to Aguas
Calientes. The ride was picturesque and we really got a chance to see how
folks live outside of the tourist area. And like Cusco, Machu Picchu Pueblo or
Aguas Calientes (the charming town before you head up the hill) stole my heart!
Fashionista spotted from the car ride
Lots of colorful buildings throughout the shanty towns
2 hours later we made it to the train!
And 1.5 hours after that, all smiles at the train station in Machu Picchu Pueblo a.k.a Aguas Calientes.
I wish you could hear how peaceful the water is flowing downstream.
I wish I had more time in this town but shortly after arriving, I took the 20 minute bus ride up to...
MACHU PICCHU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And if you can believe it, it's even more incredible in person!
Some folks hike for days. I opted for the 20 minute hike to the "top" :) And yes, I still needed a break or two on the way up.
And that my friends, was my journey to Machu Picchu! I enjoyed the whole trip so much, I'd do it again :)
**Simply Chic Travel Tips: Machu Picchu**
Several people told me to take the early trip to Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise. If you do the math that would have required me to leave my hotel in Cusco at some ungodly hour (2 or 3 a.m.) and I was not about that life. So I left around 8 a.m., got to MP around noon and that was perfect for me. If the sunrise is that important to you, I'd say take the 4 hour journey a day before and stay in Aguas Calientes. I don't know how great the accommodations are there, but as you can see the town is really lovely!
Salkantay trek is the alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was recently named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
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