2025_26 Oosterdam, Machu Picchu, Peru...

The big day arrived…Machu Picchu! We were up early, picked up by our driver Allan and travelled to Ollantaytambo to get the train to Aguas Calientes for our trip to Machu Picchu. The scenery on Vista Dome train ride was spectacular. Once in Aguas Callientes we caught our bus to the actual Machu Picchu Park…that was some ride up the mountain! This was my third time to Machu Picchu and Ann and Cathy’s first time. Machu Picchu is a 15th century Incan mystery located 7960 feet high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, famous for its sophisticated stone walls, astronomical alignments, and stunning panoramic views. This UNESCO World Heritage site, also known as the "Lost City of the Incas," was believed to have been a royal estate, an important administrative and agricultural center and a sacred site before being abandoned around the mid-1500s. Machu Picchu was brought to international attention in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham. There are plenty of reasons why Machu Picchu stands out. One of the main ones is its incredible Inca engineering, which gave it world recognition. The techniques used to build the city were incredibly advanced, especially for such a remote and rugged location. After entering the Park, we started the climb to the first of many a jaw dropping viewpoints, the views are absolutely surreal. With our Guide Joel Cuba, we climbed up the terraces to cover the main postcard viewpoints. After capturing the best photos, our route continued on our decent through the urban and religious sectors of Machu Picchu…thankfully the rain held off until we got the iconic photos. We stopped at sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, Temple of the Condor and the Water Fountains. The rain did not hold us back whatsoever. Leaving the park we caught a bus back to Aguas Callientes…We walked around the town; did some souvenir shopping had lunch and caught the Vista Dome back to Ollantaytambo where our Allan was waiting to take us to Cusco. Today was magical day for us all and it is always a blessing for me to return to Machu Picchu. Our time in the Sacred Valley area is coming to a close, tomorrow we tour Cusco and return to Lima overnight before we board the Oosterdam. Another fabulous day! Joel was a fabulous guide and he made our day!!!