Getting to the airport in Lima took longer than expected and we were running around the airport trying to find where to check in (we had gone all the way to security, having had to turn around and go back so that I could check my bag at the correct place). I was freaking out because we didn't have much time left to make it to our gate but I stayed calm and we made it just in time. The flight to Cusco was only an hour and we arrived to Cusco, got a uber to the collectivo location where we had to go to this other town Ollantaytambo before catching our train to Aguas Calientes (town of Machu Picchu). The uber took forever and the collectivo was packed with locals (thankfully we were in the front and next to the window but it was a bit squeezed). People got off and on as we made our way to each town. My first impression of Cusco reminded me a little of Medellin with surrounding moutains and red brick houses. We ended up being the last ones on the collectivo and the driver wanted us to switch to another collectivo which was confusing and annoying but we did and it worked out fine. Lauren sat in the front and me in the back with all the locals and these cute young boys coming from soccer practice. We finally made it to Ollantaytambo where we got lunch (I got a burger and Lauren got a chicken sandwhich) with ice cream espresso and a purple corn drink. It was fantastic and the view of the ruins there were amazing. We dropped off our bags at this hostel where they let us keep them in a room to go walk to the main ruins but it was 70 soles to enter so we decided not to go since we only had 30 minutes until we had to go to our train. Went back to get our bags and the hostel locals tried charging us but only gave them 3 soles and got a taxi to the train terminal 5 minutes away. It was a nice set up waiting room area and I got some beers and water while waiting and charging our phones with Wifi. Of course, they were late to get us to go to the train, arriving and leaving on the train 30 minutes late. We got on and realized our seats weren't next to eachother and ended up switching with a nice guy but we were in the way back of the train next to the bathroooms. Thankfully we had our beers and a nice view. The train stopped a couple times and then it started getting dark and we arrived an hour late to Aguas Caliente, tired and annoying with the whole train situation (we expected more after spending $100 eadh on a ticket). Arriving in Aguas Calientes we were surrounding by herds of people, finally making it to our hotel around 7:30pm. Realizing we needed to get the bus tickets to Machu Picchu we went to do that right away since the office closed at 8pm and were good to go. Then realized we needed to get the train back to Cusco and the website wasn't working so went back to the train office to get the tickets and no one was there even though it wasn't supposed to close until 9:30pm. I had tried multiple times to get tickets online and realized after the fact that they charged me 3 times on top of the paper tickets we finally got a the office. So we had to go back to the office to tell them to cancel the 3 others and then finally went to get dinner. The food was okay, we tried these cheese balls, beef stew, and different desserts. We were exhausted and had to be up by 5am for Machu Picchu so went back and got organized and finally went to bed around midnight. I was extremely excited in the morning but very tired so I rallied of course. Got breakfast and went to the buses which were surrounded by lines of poeple. Thankfully got on a bus quickly in the back and made it to the top around 6:05am. Followed the crowds to the ruins and made our way taking pictures and videoes and experiencing a once in a life-time experience. It was stunning and breathtaking and hard to put into words but absolutely perfect with not a lot of tourists around (so we were happy about our early decision and spent about 3 hours inside). There were lamas to play with and we got our passports stamped and then made our way back to catch the train. Got some ice cream and empenadas and were even more grateful for our choice in timing becuase of the lines of tourists waiting to go up. Definitely recommend the 6am slot!

We got our bags out of storage and made our way to the train where we found ourselves in our own booth area and with outlets and free snacks. It was the type of train ride we were expecting on the way there but glad we finally got to experience a nice train ride with the views of the many surrounding vallies of ruines and creaks and cattle. I slept a little having been exhausted and not feeling too welll. We arrived back at the train station in Ollantaytambo and then took the mini bus to Cusco which worked out great because I slept the whole time and the hotel in Cusco was 5 minutes from where we got dropped off. We checked into our hotel and took a nap and then heading out to explore and get dinner/drnks. It was a nice fancy dinner at Uku - I got steak and Lauren got chicken, we split a bottle of wine and then went to Limbus, this bar with a nice view of the town. It was packed with tourists at the top of the hill and finally got a seat at the bar where we got cocaine cocktails and were delighted to find ourselves eventually sitting outside with blankets and an amazing view - having a nice girl talk catch up. Went to bed right away and woke up a little late, having missed breakfast, we went to this bagel cafe where we had a brunch and then walked around the town, shopping and bargaining. Got churros, different fruits in smoothies and then had our last meal at this even fancier restaurant on the main plaza Limo where I got ramen and Lauren got some beef. Lauren had to catch a 7pm flight so we went back to shower and then she left for the airport. I was extremely tired and sad so I did some yoga and talked to my family and watched a show and went to bed. Woke up right in time for breakfast and then did computer things and planning all day.