Machu Picchu MorningWe all met in the lobby with bags backed at 5:30 a.m. The hotel stored our belongings until after lunch when we would head back to the Sacred Valley via luxury train. Back up the mountain we went on the bus, it was very efficient and comfortable. Ayul gave us some options again on what we could do with our morning at Machu Picchu. We all decided to stay together and have Ayul give us his point of view tour. I am so happy we did. What an amazing history! I would encourage anyone with the interest, time, and money to visit this wonderful place. Having an expert guide is essential to the experience. I can’t image anyone better than Ayul Acuna Cardenes guiding us. After our tour we descended on the bus once again to the village below. We all walked around and shopped for a couple hours then headed to our farewell lunch with Ayul. The restaurant looked over the Urubamba River and was a perfect place to celebrate. At the conclusion of lunch, each of us provided a written note of thanks along with a well-deserved tip for Ayul. We then headed for the train station where the hotel porters met us with our bags. Ayul helped us get our tickets processed and through the checkpoint to the train. The train (Inca Rail) was beyond my imagination of a train ride. I was truly expecting a transportation focused three-hour journey to the Sacred Valley. Instead, we sat in comfortable seats with tables, panoramic windows surrounded us. Then the entertainment started, first a dancer in traditional costume swirled about to a native song. Lisa was selected to dance with this entertainer and did a spirted job at it! Next, we had a fashion show with male and female models, showcasing the latest in alpaca fiber clothing. After the fashion show we did have the opportunity to buy any of the clothing worn by the models. It was a lot of fun. Did I mention the panoramic views of the mountains, ruins, and villages? I was blown away! We arrived safely back in the Sacred Valley, collected our luggage, and met back up with our van and driver to take us back to Cusco. On the van drive back Ayul reviewed travel plans with us. For Dave, Austin, and Candace they return to their hotels and had flights back to the US the following day. For the four of us ladies, we start another trek tomorrow to the Rainbow Mountain or Vinicuna. The next two days will be with a new guide, but Ayul made sure and connected with our guide, Angela to ensure a seamless transition would occur. When we arrived back at our Cusco hotel, we were welcomed with a packet from Angela that included a new drybag to place our items not going in our daypack and information on Andean Lodges, our host for the next 48 hours. We relaxed, washed up, and snacked in the hotel after the long day. Angela would arrive at 7 a.m. tomorrow and we are excited for this next adventure to the Rainbow Mountain.
