Up early the next morning for the highlight of our trip, and the primary reason we've come to Peru -- to visit the fabled lost city of Machu Picchu. (Okay, so it was never technically 'lost' -- the natives living here always knew where it was. But it's one of very few sites never 'found' by the Spaniards -- and as a result, never destroyed during the obliteration of the Inca civilization.) We board the train to the village of Aguas Calientes -- gateway to Machu Picchu.
The train ride itself is very scenic, taking about 2 hours and offering views of the mountains and hillsides (while we're treated to snacks and relax on this comfortable ride). Looking at the mountains, there is evidence of ancient terraces and ruins absolutely everywhere. An original Inca trail follows the same path from Ollentaytambo to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (and beyond), and some people choose to take this 4-day hike instead of the train. That's how the Inca would have traveled from town to town. Parts of this trail were intentionally destroyed and hidden by the Inca during their battles against the invading conquistadors. This, coupled with the fact that Machu Picchu is tucked into the mountains and can't be seen from the valley, is probably why it still exists today.
Arriving in the town of Aguas Calientes, we board a bus that heads straight up into the mountain. Machu Picchu is at the top of one of these mountains. Our altitude here is actually several thousand feet lower than Cusco, and the landscape is more lush and tropical.
