Day 17 - Train to Machu Picchu

We had an early start this morning as we had to catch the train for a 4 hour journey to the village of Machu Picchu at 7am. The train ride was very scenic and we passed through valleys of high peaks and snow capped mountains.

We stopped after 2 hours for five minutes at Ollantaytambo station and whilst waiting some of the local women came on board the train with trays of cooked sweetcorn fresh from the fields. We decided to try some as we were hungry as usual, it was very nice and sweet, and had melted cheese over the top.

We arrived at Machu Picchu village at 11am and went and had an explore. Machu Picchu was a small pretty village surrounded by mountains with lots of markets, bars and restaurants. It was packed with backpackers and groups of hikers who had come down to Machu Picchu village from the ruins or who had just completed the Inca Trail and wanted to have a soak in the hot springs before setting off home. The hot springs were a 5 minute walk away from the village and was a set of concrete baths all of varying temperatures.

There was lots of pretty looking flowers and plants in the village, here's one example:

We have another early start tomorrow as we are catching the 5:45am bus up to see the ruins of Machu Picchu, so until then...!

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