Today started with an early start by train to Aguas Calientes (Hot Water) named because of the natural hot springs at the top of the village. The train journey took 3hours 45minutes and left Cuzco up the mountain towards Macchu Picchu. There are many ways to see Machu Picchu, the most popular is by trekking 4 days (however we had left it a little late and the treks had sold out!) the other way is by train to Aguas Calientes and then either walk or take the bus the 8km up the steep mountain from the village to Machu Picchu. Most people take this option and do the whole trip in a day. We decided to stay for two nights in Aguas Calientes. the scenery was amazing, mountains, rivers etc... we were slight concerned at the train going forwards. stopping.. and then seemingly going backwards again. Until we realised that this process was actually getting us up the mountain by tracks placed above each other where the slope was too steep to climb.

We arrived into Aguas Calientes which is in a valley completely surrounded by mountains, it must be the most spectacular back drop that surrounds a whole village. Outside of a train station was a huge market (mental note to return alone at later stage that afternoon) we walked through the market and over the bridge into the village. The village itself only consists of two roads and a little town square. There are no cars, or donkeys, just men with carts pushing them up the steepest hills full of barrells. we walked to our hostel which we had paid USD35 for. we both knew that this was going to be the most inflated priced place as it is based on tourism from Machu Picchu. We arrived and were shown to our room, (actually it was a corridoor with a door on it!) neither said a lot, but thought to go and get some breakfast. We past many hostel and tried for some prices and ended up finding a clean nice central place with neat rooms and new en suite bathroom for 30 soles a night (USD10) and so had to explain to our man that we were moving! i think that we learnt then that the places that have the approval stamp of the lonley planet guide book, inflated their rates accordingly!

After breakfast we went for a walk along the railway line to find the locally advertised waterfall. again, stunning scenery and we walked for about two hours, we found the waterfall, however it was really not very impressive which was a shame, but the walk was worth it alone.

We returned and changed and dined in the only place that actually had its doors closed! which was full of people while the other places sat empty! ready for an early start the next morning to Machu Picchu.... I think that Matts going to find it hard to sleep tonight as tomorrow really is going to be the highlight!