Our alarms were set for 5:00 am, but I awake earlier, too excited about the day ahead to sleep longer. We are taking the early train to Agua Caliente, the destination town to Machu Picchu. The train ride descending to 8,000 feet was another unexpected treat. We followed the Urubamba River down the valley, watching the landscape change from dry and sandy to lush green trees and shrubs, vines and flowers. We were entranced by the torrent ducks who flitted in and out of the rapids, flying a short distance then submerging into the white water one more time.
Agua Caliente is a town with lots going on, but only one focus, Machu Picchu. We eat a quick lunch and board the buses, after mimicking Marco and purchasing a 10 peso umbrella. It proved to be the best money spent on the trip.
I lost count of the switch backs, preferring to hug the seat on the bus as we cris-crossed the muddy road up to the summit. Many were disembarking, but all stopped as we rounded the corner and stood in wonder. There are no words or pictures to describe the majesty of Machu Picchu. There was a mist sweeping in from the valley below, adding to the magical quality of this amazing place. There is much to see, but it is best seen in small bits, taking in each formation or terrace that becomes greater when added to the whole. Marco gives us a guided tour, explaining how the Incas used astronomy, terracing for agriculture, planning for storage and living areas. It is a complex site, yet elegant in its simplicity and organization. We are given time on our own to wander and take in each vista, but always with Marco close at hand to answer any questions.
It starts to rain, but it does not matter, we continue to climb and explore, watching the mountains, the mist, the llamas and the magic of Machu Picchu. And, of course, I have the umbrella!
Kevin got right on our request and had us booked within the week
Linda Cummings
1 day ago
The info on the website was laid out very well. I did some comparisons with other tours and found Adventure Life met a lot of what I wanted in an Antarctica trip at the cheapest price. Requested a quote on Claudia contacted me right away. She answered a lot of questions the I had via email even though she offered to discuss via phone call. I’m more of an email person so appreciated how she accommodated that and answered all my questions. And when I was ready to book, she quickly got the ball rolling with getting our spots reserved on the trip my friend and I wanted. Thanks again, Claudia!
Hazel Araza
1 day ago
(1) great information on the website and throughout all the "materials." (2) Jane Packer is great: knowledgeable, responsive, takes a personal interest and tone, seems to care about the customer as a person not a sale.
Larry Bethune
1 day ago
great people doing a wonderful job to make our voyages happen.
trudy
2 days ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.