This was to be the day to be the crowning glory of the trip and it didn’t disappoint!

We began by climbing aboard our small buses and headed for Ollantaytambo, where we had been the day before. But this time it was to climb aboard the Perurail Vistadome train heading to Machu Picchu. We had assigned seats and the one car all to ourselves and it was a beautiful ride. We chugged along the tracks in the valley next to the rapidly rushing river with mountains looming over us on all sides. It was one beautiful view after another with lots of oohing and ahhing as I flitted between my seat and the one across the aisle.

We pulled into the station at Machu Picchu Pueblo, wending our way to the next bus. I had to put blinders on to not look at all the stalls selling goods as we had no time to look. We climbed aboard a local bus that wound its way up along a narrow, winding road with too many switchbacks to count. The road was not paved but most of the switchbacks had pavers. We were so close to the edge so many times that I just kept my eyes looking up!

After quite a scenic and adventurous ride we made it to the top, back up to around 8,000 feet. We were directed into a restaurant for a buffet lunch and then it was out to tour the wonder that is Machu Picchu! It’s difficult to describe just how remarkable a place it is and that I had the opportunity to be there. I just had to keep reminding myself of my good fortune to personally view such a place and marvel at the workmanship of the Incas.

We climbed and climbed, rocky stair after stair, with a few places to pause and rest and to soak it all in. Everywhere you turned was a jaw dropping view. We passed alpacas lounging along the terraces, saw examples of how they built the terraces and buildings not only in conjunction with the solstices, but taking into account the drainage.

That was to come into play big time in a bit! We walked down from the terraces into the main building area, wandering through passageways and buildings with Luis, our intrepid guide, giving us the history and background the entire time.

All this time we were up in what he called the cloud forest. A bit overcast and cool but very pleasant considering all the climbing and it made for good pictures. Course, you may be the judge of that! And then 2 hours into the most pleasant of experiences a few rain drops began falling. Well, it is the rainy season and thus far we only had that one rainy excursion in the tender in the islands. We were prepared with rain gear as our guides always reminded us to carry it. So we all paused and pulled out raincoats and rain ponchos. Now my lightweight raincoat is pretty darn good but I was actually wishing I had kept that rain poncho as that covered more. Because a few drops soon became more and then became a deluge. Fortunately one of the houses that had been reconstructed enough to have a roof was up ahead. Off we scurried to get under cover. We stood there for probably 15 minutes and gave up, realizing that the rain was not slowing down. We determined to just forge ahead and make the best of it. We certainly were able to see that the Incan drainage planning was excellent! The rain water flowed right through all their passages. Another way they showed their brilliance.

Eventually we returned to the restaurant, looking worse for wear, dripping everywhere. it didn’t seem to be off putting for the staff. They seated us with the rest of our group, which had opted to cut out a portion to head for dry territory. As we began drying out they served us small bites and drinks.

Then it was back in a bus to head down that crazy road. All I could think was that I hoped they regularly checked the brakes as he went faster than I would have expected. Especially as he had to pause now and again to let other buses pass to go up hill to pick up passengers.

Once back down we were led to a different train, the Hiram Bingham train, to return us to Urubamba. And what a ride it was! It was an old school dining car, on which they served us dinner. So elegant! The wine and conversation flowed freely. The food was delicious and the spirit was nothing short of convivial, considering that we’ve all come to know each other well.

But the night didn’t end there! We moved to the bar car where they had live music and flowing drinks and dancing! We participated fully. Had a G and T out of a gin I’d never heard of – Amazonian Gin. Fabulous! We all enjoyed it immensely as we work our way to soon ending this adventure.