Friday, June 29, 2007

Los Trenes de Aguas Calientes - June 29th


We finish our trek in Ollantaytambo, the site of one of many Incan fortresses in this region. At Ollantaytambo Station we wait for the arrival of the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes (or Machu Picchu Pueblo as the tour guides like to call it).


As the name suggests, the Vistadome has muchas buenas vistas of the high jungle.



This, or the train from Cusco, is the only way to reach Aguas Calientes, the portal to Machu Picchu. It´s full of tourists from around the world, ready to "bag" the greastest known Incan ruin.


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Aguas Calientes is a horrible town full of pastey tourists and touts more than eager to exploit them. Fortunately, there is at least some nice train spotting to be had as the tracks run right through town.


As an alternative to the expensive gringofied tourist trains, Peruvians can take the "tren local" which doesn´t even bother stopping at the railway station but parks itself in the center of town. Unfortunately for me, I can´t really pass as Peruvian.

-Kevbot

3 comments:

Kim Allen said...

You create a vibrant tale of adventure and physical malaise! I am glad you are experiencing this and wish I could be there with you, finding out the "truth." Love you both, Kim

Anonymous said...

this is beautiful stuff! The trains and your travel = amazing. so glad you guys are sharing this with the couch potatoes of the world... keep it coming.

Jamala

Anonymous said...

I agree with Jamala. It is beautiful. It inspires me to want to travel.

I gad is all is well with you guys

Lakisha