Saturday, April 18
We had to wake up early in the morning for our visit to Machu Picchu. Jozi and I missed breakfast since there was no time to eat. Apparently, we didn’t miss much since the team barely ate what was made available at the hostal.
Once we were dropped off at the bus that would be taking us to the train station Jozi realized she had forgotten to change into her sneakers and was still wearing her moccasin slippers. Since she had limited time and wasn’t sure how to head back to the hostal, she pleaded I accompany her to get her sneakers. We had to run to the hostal and back. Once we got back into the bus, I immediately understood why the tour guide had recommended we stay put and avoid any strenuous moves. I got an immediate headache :,(.
We took the “BackPackers” train which is the cheapest method to get to Machu Picchu. The leg room was so limited. The train had seats facing one another similar to the LIRR and AMTRAK. However there was limited leg room. Since I’m smaller, my knees were touching the other passenger’s knees in front of me. Poor Jozi and Dan had zero leg room. If you could afford the more expensive train, you should probably do so. But in actuality, it wasn’t so bad once you get past the limited leg room. The scenic view heading to our destination was absolutely amazing.
Upon arrival you immediately see beautiful mountains and a souvenir market which you pass on your way to the bus that drives you up to the ruins. The buses head out as soon as they’re filled (which is pretty quickly) and arrive to the top within 20 mins. The view on the drive up was pretty amazing as well. When travelling there you definitely need sun block and water if you're fortunate to visit during a sunny day. Supposedly, it always rains during most visits.
When we reached the top there were so many people. The tour guides screamed out their names so that their groups would know where they were. After a small brief moment we were able to spot our guide. The price of water is quadrupled once you get to the top so you must buy it in town. They also only offered glass bottles no plastic. You’re told you could only take canteens and no bottled or glassed waters to the site. However, no one listened since there wasn't anyone checking bags. Oh, they also have restaurants (although it’s probably cheaper eating by the train) and lockers for anyone wishing not to lug around their bags for the duration of the tour.
While you wait to enter, oxygen cans and “cocoa leaves” are being sold to help you with the altitude. One of the women in our group had a bag full which she shared with Laura. Unfortunately, Laura was unaware that there were specific instructions on how to consume the leaves. She just chewed them up and ate them which then led her to having a coughing fit that no amount of water could help her with. Turns out you’re required to remove the stems of the leaves, roll it up, and insert it on the side of your mouth. Once it’s soaked you’re able to chew and swallow. Fortunately, she survived, even though we did get pretty worried about her.
The overall experience was amazing. We had a 3 hour tour on the top and even encountered llamas which Jozi got up close and personal with. It definitely served for some GREAT pics. Upon completion of our tour we decided it would be best to eat lunch by the train station as opposed to up on top. We found a cute little place which took forever to serve us our dish. I was a little stressed quitely worrying about missing our train. Fortunately, we were done on time and managed to squeeze in some shopping.
During our train ride back to our hostal in Cusco we were seated next to a family that we met during our tour. The American lady and her husband whom she met in Thailand, work establishing judicial systems around the world and are required to live in different countries with their children. Since the kids were about Libby’s age, she was able to interact with English speaking children for the first time since she arrived to Peru. We basically took over the entire train with our kids activities.
When we got back in town some of the group went to McDonald’s for dinner. Jozi and I went to a restaurant recommended by one of the train staff. The restaurant was a bit pricey but the food was delish and the live performances were pretty cool. All day Jozi spoke about going out on the town to experience a nightclub. Unfortunately, that was impossible. We were so beat from our full day and had tremendous headaches from the altitude.
At least, anyone planning a visit to PPA, now know they could squeeze in a trip to experience Machu Picchu on a tight schedule (45 min flight from Lima to Cusco, 15 minute bus to the train, 3+ hours on a train to Machu Picchu, 20 minute bus to the top, 3 hour tour, 20 minutes bus back down to the city, 2 hours to eat and shop and a 4 hour train back.). Ouch! I just realized why we were so tired :(.
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