The bus was a little small by American standards, but for 2 hours it wasn't bad. We wound through the local roads in Cusco and then were amazed with the Andes scenery with lush grasslands (it is rainy season here after all). The pinnacle of the vistas was coming into Sacred Valley (known in Peru as Urubamba) which is surrounded by huge mountains. It was quite a site to see that I don't think we would have seen on the train.
We then arrived at the train station and boarded the PeruRail vistadome train. There are only 2 train companies that run to the town of Agua Calientes, which is about another 20 minute bus ride to the Machu Picchu ruins.
The train has giant panorama windows to enjoy the views and windows at the top so that you can follow the huge mountains all the way up. The train seats were really nice and comfortable - it looked brand new. While on board, we got served a small snack (pic below) of cous-cous and potatoes with cheese. Kyle tried the Inka Cola - a very popular fizzy drink in Peru - it is very yellow and has its own distinctive taste. You definitely have to try it just once if you come to Peru!
We arrived at the train station in about 1.5 hours and were greeted by someone from the hotel who walked us up the hill to where we were staying. It was a little bit of a hike up the hill, but the views are worth it. After a little mix up with the rooms, we got into a really huge and nice room overlooking the town. It might be a bit noisy, but I'm sure that will quiet down tonight. After the lack of sleep last night due to altitude, I'll be able to fall asleep anywhere tonight.
For the afternoon, we found a great lunch place at Chullpi - which has a three course lunch for about $15 - it is located right next to the train tracks and we had several train passings during lunch. After lunch, we headed to explore the tiny town of Aguas Calientes (which stands for hot springs in Spanish). We walked around the main square (pictured below) and up and down the streets to enjoy the beautiful views. We also braved the artesan market which was filled with all sorts of llama knick knacks. Kyle bought something and was able to haggle the price down quite a big - he's a good bargainer.
For dinner, we went to another suggestion from the loyal guide book - called the Tree House in the Rupi Wasi inn - less than 5 minute walk from where we are - located "across town," - HaHa. The chef is a local Peruvian, and he makes some amazing dishes with beautiful presentation. I had Thai Chicken (best I've ever had) and Kyle had eggplant parmesean. I finally tried a drink with Pisco (local peruvian liquor) that I liked called a Passion Fruit Pisco Sour.
Off tomorrow to Machu Picchu, I hope the weather holds up, and it is too rainy!
Photos:
1. The train which took us to Aguacalientes
2. Inside the train - great windows for looking up at the scenery - called the Vistadome train
3. Our meal on the train
4. A view of Sacred Valley
5. Another view of Sacred Valley - on the way
6. The Aguacalientes main square
7. The beer of Machu Picchu - Cusquena
8. Simba's long lost twin in Aguas Calientes (my cat from home)
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