Machu Picchu, Peru

Breakfast at Monasterio hotel before catching the bus for a 2 hour ride to the Hiram Bingham train station for our trip down to Machu Picchu on the train. We actually descend in altitude today from 13000 feet to 8500. Stopped for a photo opportunity about half way through the Sacred Valley. Musicians with sweet treats, tea and coffee greeted us upon our arrival to the train station. Boarded the magnificent Hiram Bingham train. Gorgeous travel cars with rich walnut and brass trim and lush upholstered booth seats. I felt like Hercule Poirot would come walking down the aisle at any moment. There is a bar car and a great viewing car at the back of the train. A wonderful local trio of musicians played thruout the trip. They even played Sweet Home Alabama and Chicago for us! We had a wonderful Brunch on board the train on the ride up and a delicious dinner on the ride down. The hotel at the Machu Picchu site prepared an exquisite High Tea for us at the md of our hikes. Needless to say, we are getting VERY well fed. This is a trip where you definitely bring expandable wasteband clothes! Peter Frost, who lives in city of Cusco, was our lecturer on the train and escorted us thru the Machu Picchu touring. He spoke to the background on the Inca’s and their history of Machu Picchu and Hiram Bingham’s unexpected discovery of the ruins. We were very fortunate and had perfect weather. It is a bit of a strenuous walk throughout the site. Super stud, Jim, hiked to the highest vantage point, the Twin Gates, with a small contingency of type A personalities. I made it halfway up and returned to a lower climb due to knee pain. Got some amazing photo’s. There is such amazing history here. **I’ll have to import my Mach Picchu photos later on.