Around the world in 108 days

February 2, 2015

Planes, trains and……buses! January 29, 2015

After a good night’s sleep in Cusco, we prepared to drive by mini buses to catch the Hiram Bingham Orient Express train named for the man who rediscovered Machu Picchu. A separate adventure on its own; it involved a 1.5 hour drive on a switchback road to travel over the mountain to reach the train station! We found out that the train station in Cusco is not used during the rainy season due to the possibility of mudslides over the tracks…YIKES! Sadly we found out that several members of our group had required oxygen during the night from the altitude and one lady would not be able to go with us, as she was too sick. What a shame!

We arrived at the train station with a few more gray hairs, higher blood pressure and ready to get out of that bus! The elegance of the train more than made up for the earlier mode of transportation. It seemed to be a step back in time to when trains were a form of luxury travel. We enjoyed the just under 3 hour ride which included a lovely 3 course lunch and entertainment in the “bar car”. Rick and I thought it was a great start to our 43^rd Anniversary celebration!

As you will see, the train tracks run right through farm land where the locals came out to wave hello as we rode by them. We noticed there were no fences to contain farm animals. Larger animals are kept tethered until needed. There were interesting silver large canisters hanging from the side of surrounding mountains which we found out are storage containers for items grown by the farmers. It is their form of refrigeration. The sights were amazing as we traveled through the valleys and gorges to reach the station for Machu Picchu.

Another way to reach Machu Picchu is on foot via the Inca Hiking Trail. Rick thinks he remembers our guide saying it is approximately 27 miles! Maybe in another life ;)

Hope you enjoy the pictures. Cheers!