December 11:
You can get to Machu Picchu one of two ways: By train or by hiking the infamous Inca Trail for FOUR days. We chose to take the train :-)
Since luggage is limited on the train, we packed up our big suit cases and left them at Tambo Del Inka where they were transferred to our hotel in Cusco. We each took a backpack, Theo's stroller and carseat, and a small bag for our two day stay at the Inkaterra Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
We got up early the next morning and headed to the train station where we caught the VistaDome Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Since the train wasn't full, we took over the table next to us.
[Carrot cake and coca tea]
During the 90 minute ride we listened to commentary about the train and Machu Picchu and took in the beautiful scenery.
[Inca ruins are abundant in this area]
When we arrived at Aguas Calientes we were greeted by our tour guide, Johnathan. He helped us get our bags checked and sent to the Inkaterra Hotel, before taking us to the bus station.
We all hopped on the bus and endured the 30 minutes of switchbacks (~1300 feet elevation change) to the top of the mountain.
Johnathan then lead us to the entrance where we were told that Theo would have to be carried and strollers were not allowed in the site. Johnathan went and had a pretty lengthy conversation with one of the Park Rangers and they agreed to let Theo stay in his stroller!
We then entered the site, went through a narrow passageway, and ended up on a terrace overlooking the magnificent site!
It is believed that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the great emperor, Pachacuti, around 1450 CE. During his rein he united the Inca Empire and many great cities were built during this time.
[MACHU PICCHU!! 🙌]
After taking a ton of pictures (get ready for more!) we headed to another terrace where we had a better view.
[Josh and dad were "baby sherpas!"]
We then continued along the terrace and headed towards the "Urban Section" of the site.
[Ritual Fountains]
[Royal Tomb]
[Plaza]
[Terraces with the House of the Guardians (at the very top of the terraces)]
[Sometimes the steps were too steep or narrow for the stroller so we had to take Theo out and carry him]
[Temple of the Sun]
[The most beautiful wall I have ever seen]
[The Emperors Residence/Royal Palace]
As we made our ways through the ruins we saw the Nusta Palace, the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the Ritual Fountains, the Royal Palace, and some beautiful stonework before entering the Main Temple Complex.
[Main Temple]
[Temple of the Three Windows]
[Stone that points north]
After exploring the Main Temple Complex, Dad, Johnathan, Josh and I headed up to the Intihuatana while Mom and Theo stayed on lower ground.
[Intihuatana]
[View from the Intihuatana - Overview of the Plaza/Main Square]
[View from the Intihuatana - Overview of the Main Temple Complex and the Quarry]
[Our tour guide called this the "Titanic Spot"]
We then made our way to the edge of the site were we saw the Sacred Rock.
After taking a quick break, we walked through the Houses of Factories and the Industrial Zone.
[You can see the stars (at night, obviously) if you look into these shallow stones.]
[Temple of the Condor]
After making the loop around the city, Johnathan took us back to the entrance where he gave us our tickets for tomorrow. We then went to the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge were we had lunch.
[Pisco Sour]
After lunch we took the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. We then walked through the town, checked into our gorgeous hotel, and went to dinner.
December 12:
The next morning Josh and I went back to Machu Picchu while my parents stayed behind at the hotel to watch Theo.
[Gotta start the day with a healthy breakfast!]
[Aguas Calientes]
Josh and I took the bumpy ride back up to Machu Picchu where we were greeted by the intense Peruvian sun!
[It was cloudy yesterday, but today we could see more of the mountains!]
Since we didn't have the stroller, Josh and I decided to hike up to the House of the Guardians so we could get a better view of the city.
It was worth the hike!
[Mortuary Rock with the Cemetery (rock outcrop in the background)]
[Steps on the terraces]
[Temple of the Sun]
[City Gate]
After getting our pictures from the top we hiked down to the Main Temple Complex and then over to the Plaza where we saw a herd of llamas!
[Temple of the Three Windows]
After making our way through the ruins, we headed to the Snack Bar to get a cold beverage and some tiramisu.
[View from the Snack Bar]
After eating our snacks, Josh and I headed back to the hotel to meet up with my parents and Theo.
While Josh and I were at Machu Picchu, mom and dad walked around the Inkaterra Hotel and took some great pictures:
[Our rooms]
[Towel warmers!]
We still had a few hours to kill before our train left, so we went on a walk around Aguas Calientes and got some lunch.
[Urubamba River]
[Alpaca meat! It was delicious and very tender 😋]
[It was a hot day so I had to get some gelato!]
We then went to the train station and caught our Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. During the ride we were entertained by a dancing goat-man doing the Saqra Dance.
[Mom dancing!]
The next morning Josh and I went back to Machu Picchu while my parents stayed behind at the hotel to watch Theo.
[Gotta start the day with a healthy breakfast!]
[Aguas Calientes]
Josh and I took the bumpy ride back up to Machu Picchu where we were greeted by the intense Peruvian sun!
[It was cloudy yesterday, but today we could see more of the mountains!]
Since we didn't have the stroller, Josh and I decided to hike up to the House of the Guardians so we could get a better view of the city.
It was worth the hike!
[Mortuary Rock with the Cemetery (rock outcrop in the background)]
[Steps on the terraces]
[Temple of the Sun]
[City Gate]
After getting our pictures from the top we hiked down to the Main Temple Complex and then over to the Plaza where we saw a herd of llamas!
[Temple of the Three Windows]
After making our way through the ruins, we headed to the Snack Bar to get a cold beverage and some tiramisu.
[View from the Snack Bar]
After eating our snacks, Josh and I headed back to the hotel to meet up with my parents and Theo.
While Josh and I were at Machu Picchu, mom and dad walked around the Inkaterra Hotel and took some great pictures:
[Our rooms]
[Towel warmers!]
We still had a few hours to kill before our train left, so we went on a walk around Aguas Calientes and got some lunch.
[Urubamba River]
[Alpaca meat! It was delicious and very tender 😋]
[It was a hot day so I had to get some gelato!]
We then went to the train station and caught our Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. During the ride we were entertained by a dancing goat-man doing the Saqra Dance.
[Mom dancing!]
Once we got back to Ollantaytambo we were greeted by another tour guide who took us to our private van where we met our driver. He took us on a CRAZY ride to (and through) Cusco to the JW Marriott. 🤢 I think we were all relieved when we made it to the hotel!
Guys, Machu Picchu was breathtaking! I am so glad that we decided to come to Peru first and visit this Wonder of the World!
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