Peru - Machu Picchu

Got an early start, headed to the bus stop at 7am, learned that the train strike was indeed happening and would affect us later in the day. Rode the bus up the mountain, walked through the site, stopped at the Temple of the Sun. Made our way to the base of Huayna Picchu and began our climb.

Started out a bit overcast, cleared as we neared the top. Lots of amazing views at many points during our hour long 1000' climb up some very steep and narrow trails and staircases. Marveled at the views for a bit before starting heading back down. Walked back through the site to the bus area, had taken us about 3 hours. Back in town we headed to Indio Feliz for tasty lunch. Were informed that we'd be staying the night at Inkaterra and Big 5 was working on plans for the next day to get us back to Cusco. Walked back to the Inkaterra, watched a bunch of fun hummingbirds by the pool, then hopped in the hot tub and ordered some wine. Had a light dinner by ourselves in the restaurant, then off to bed.

Had breakfast, learned that the strike was still going and no trains were moving. Big 5 made plans for us to leave the following afternoon, Cris was actively monitoring the situation trying to figure out something sooner. Rick & Dr Matt walked through the woods around the resort, the rest of us went shopping in the market and walked around town a bit. Met Cris at Mapacho for lunch overlooking the river. Back at the hotel we returned to the hot tub. Later in the afternoon Cris told us that we should be on stand-by to move on short notice as it seemed trains might be starting to move.

Around 5pm he messaged "go go go" and we all quickly finished packing and headed to the train station. We arrived to find a giant mob of people at the entry gate with Cris right at the front. After about 10 minutes he worked his way over to us and said "follow me". We walked down through part of the market and then up the railroad tracks. He talked with someone at a gate and then waved us in to the Hiram Bingham Lounge where we sat for about 10 minutes before being escorted right onto the train! 15 minutes later we were moving! Turns out Cris knew someone who worked for the railroad and was able to make it all happen. 90 minutes later we were in Ollantaytambo where Edu was waiting with the van. 2 hours later we checked in to the Aranwa Cusco, a very nice boutique hotel in the city center. Had a bite to eat and then went to bed.