January 31, 2011
Machu Picchu
No, we did NOT climb the old Incan Trail to get to Machu Picchu. We took the modern Peru Rail. Although breathtaking (in more ways than one) The Incan Trail, as romantic as it may sound, is a very rugged way to go - in other words, extremely arduous - and takes about 4 days, including navigating a pass at 13,000 ft. (not the romantic kind of pass, as in an intended smooch) and anyway, they closed the trail for the rainy season the day before we got there. At our ages, and at these altitudes, riding is more our style.
Finally our last morning came in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu. Within hours we were to take a two-hour bus ride to the train station, board the PeruRail Vistadome train (windows in the sides and ceilings for great views) and ride down to the town of Aguas Calientes in the valley, then take another bus for twenty minutes up to Machu Picchu! See a site map.
But in the Cusco hotel, "Augh," I came down with H.A.S. (high altitude sickness, my acronym). It started with a mild headache the day before and by morning had escalated into an iron-grip pain on the back of my head. That brought on nausea. Emergency measures flew into action: Electrolyte drink, oxygen hits, saltine crackers (did I mention they're a must? stash 'em in a tupperware in your checked bag), then Advil and a quick nap and hot shower instead of breakfast. Then I was good to go.
The train, the train!
Travel tip: As I said, keep those saltine crackers handy. I must credit my friend, Robyn, for suggesting them, as well as a jar of peanut butter. You never know when you'll need a quick snack back in the hotel room. But remember, keep 'em in your checked bag. Those TSA people can get picky.
Next post: Machu Picchu, I promise.
Machu Picchu
No, we did NOT climb the old Incan Trail to get to Machu Picchu. We took the modern Peru Rail. Although breathtaking (in more ways than one) The Incan Trail, as romantic as it may sound, is a very rugged way to go - in other words, extremely arduous - and takes about 4 days, including navigating a pass at 13,000 ft. (not the romantic kind of pass, as in an intended smooch) and anyway, they closed the trail for the rainy season the day before we got there. At our ages, and at these altitudes, riding is more our style.
Finally our last morning came in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu. Within hours we were to take a two-hour bus ride to the train station, board the PeruRail Vistadome train (windows in the sides and ceilings for great views) and ride down to the town of Aguas Calientes in the valley, then take another bus for twenty minutes up to Machu Picchu! See a site map.
But in the Cusco hotel, "Augh," I came down with H.A.S. (high altitude sickness, my acronym). It started with a mild headache the day before and by morning had escalated into an iron-grip pain on the back of my head. That brought on nausea. Emergency measures flew into action: Electrolyte drink, oxygen hits, saltine crackers (did I mention they're a must? stash 'em in a tupperware in your checked bag), then Advil and a quick nap and hot shower instead of breakfast. Then I was good to go.
The train, the train!
They say half the fun of going somewhere is getting there. Sometimes. It's the joy of the journey not just the destination, right? Well, partly. In any case, the train to get there was far nicer than we expected. Peru Rail has their act together. And all repairs from the previous year's floods were completed, as far as we could tell. Guess the proof is that we made it there and back safe and sound.
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| Our tour company provided us with all necessary tickets ahead of time. Photo by Charlene Lamy Edge |
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| This was one of the riveres that flooded last year. Yipes. Photo by Charlene Lamy Edge |
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| Train station at Urubamba Photo by Charlene Lamy Edge |
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| Inside Cafe Mayu where I just had to have coffee and warm up before the train arrived. If only I were a cat...he's no dummie on top of the clay oven. Photo by Charlene Lamy Edge |
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| Inside the Peru Rail Vistadome train. We were served a nice snack and drinks on the way. Photo by Charlene Lamy Edge |
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| Urubamba River from train window. This river is the beginning of the Amazon River. Photo by Charlene Lamy Edge |
Next post: Machu Picchu, I promise.
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