Little Lolly's Small Adventures: Urubamba, Peru. Excursion: Jewels of South America: Galapagos & Machu Picchu

Today was the climax and culmination of a lot whole fun filled days of our overland tour which is now slowly drawing to a close.

We had an early start, heading to Ollantayatambo Inca Fortress which is considered to be the next best Inca site after Machu Picchu. It also gave us a bit of an idea of what we were letting ourselves in for, walking-wise at Machu Picchu, as we climbed up the steps of Ollantayatambo Fortress. The place was stepped up on the mountainside with breathtaking views below. One can walk the Inca Trail from there.

Feeling a bit out of puff but pleased with ourselves, we headed to Ollantayatambo Train Station, a short drive away, in order to continue with our journey by train to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu.

Ollantayatambo Inca Fortress

We had a pleasant journey following a river through a valley. A snack was served during the journey and also there information given to train passengers via the loudspeaker system, as we passed areas along the river, ensuring that passengers got an idea of their surrounds, what they were directed to look at, and some history. It was very interesting. Time flew by.

At Aguas Calientes we had a short 5 minute walk through a colourful local market to the bus station where we caught a local bus up to Machu Picchu Citadel. It like chaos when we arrived, the entrance was heaving with visitors.

On the train to Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu

Fortunately Juan and Manning kept their cool and knew what what to do. While everyone was having a last minute toilet break a distressed woman approached our group (seeing “Holland America Line” on one of our guides clip boards - she must have been on the Prinsendam or another Holland America Line ship), wanting to join us. She couldn't speak much English so she was even more distressed. She couldn't find her tour group.

Aguas Calientes

In the end Manning phoned around to find out what the lost guest's tour operator was (not our operator, it transpired, but another operator) and, after some more calls, one of the guides from her group was found. An arranged meeting point was made to unite guide and guest. It turned out that, inside the citadel, the woman had taken a wrong turn and lost her group. She ended up outside the site but in actual fact her group was still inside.

In the meantime Juan started us on our tour of Machu Picchu, getting us through the chaotic the entrance without too much trouble. Unfortunately it started to rain so we ended up having to put on raincoats or whatever we had to protect us from the elements. Manning eventually joined us, walking fast to catch up with us but we were in fact walking slowly so that we didn't get too out of breath before the top, and bearing in mind the high altitude.

Machu Picchu

We all made it to the top! The group worked as a team, encouraging each other - which made their efforts worth it. Views were magnificent when the clouds lifted. It was well worth the climb.

We spent a bit of time wandering around the site with our guides, the rain abated to a drizzle. I had a flimsy plastic raincoat on which didn't 'breathe' so I ended up becoming wet from my body's moisture evaporation. I should have brought my umbrella along or, when leaving the Netherlands, packed my rain suit. Oh well. The time we had on the site was amazing and by the time we finished, it was time to have a late lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge which is just outside the Machu Picchu entrance.

After lunch we took a public bus back down to Aguas Calientes and had a bit of time to wander around the market or town before catching the train.

On the train back to Ollantayatambo Station a masked, colourfully costumed woman danced through the carriage. She got one of the passengers up to join her. He obliged, much to everyone else's delight. Afterwards a steward and stewardess did a fashion show of knitted alpaca wool cardigans, scarves, etc. It was all good fun and everyone clapped at their efforts!

From Ollantayatambo Station we went back to the hotel, in time for a lateish dinner. I was too tired to have dinner and headed to bed. Manning kindly offered to get room service if we wanted to eat in our rooms rather than in the restaurant. Me? I just wanted a nice hot bath and some rest.

All in all it has been another great day despite the rain. Everyone seemed to have so much fun. Their teasing and jokes made it a very lively tour group. Their happy faces said it all and it made my day.

PHOTOGRAPHS