Another amazing day today. Started off from the hotel just after 8 am and we are going to the archaeological site of Ollayantambo, just a 30 minute drive from Urubamba.
Marcial changed our itinerary as visiting this site in the morning means less people and calmer less windy/dusty conditions. As we approach the site we are in awe of this reconstructed site.
We are going to walk up about 300+ steps ( we needed Charlotte here to count them for us) to reach the citadel of the sun. The history relating to the Incas is not a written history as they did not have a written language. It is largely been passed on as a verbal history and the uncovering of these sites has given a bit more of an onsite. They and those that came before them had a great understanding and connection with their land and Mother Earth. High on the mountainside are granaries or store rooms where they would dry their corn and potatoes for future use.
The terraces in this area were not used for agricultural purposes as the construction is quite different. Most probably if the was a citadel then the terraces were for displaying offerings.
We climb the many stairs to the top and the view is breathtaking. We are at about 2000m above sea level but where we stand we are dwarfed by the surrounding mountains. The glacier we can see in the distance is on Coropuna 6425m above sea level.
After 2 hours exploring and hearing about the significance of Ollayantambo we have time for a coffee break before boarding our train to Aques Callentes ( the village of Machu Picchu).
The train has windows in the roof as well as the sides. Lucky for us we have pre allocated seating so we didn't have to join the rush for seats. The trip is about 90 minutes and the scenery is amazing. The track follows the river and fortunately for us our seats are on that side. As we get closer to Macchu Picchu the vegetation changes to rain forest. The mountains are covered and the trees get larger.
The village is small and pretty. Our hotel is situated a short walk from the train and we all have rooms looking over the river.
All of our accommodation so far has been excellent.
Our afternoon is free so we grab a quick sandwich and then head off to check out the markets. The fresh food markets are my favourite place, it's great to see the different fruits and vegetables and to some degree the meat.
There is a butterfly house about a 20 minute walk away . We pay our 30 soles and we are shown the like of the butterfly and then we are given a fully grown butterfly to release. Many of these butterflies are in danger of being wiped out with the changes in their environment due to pollution etc. The aim of this establishment is to promote conservation. It's a great little place and we even catch a glimpse of a hummingbird.
Back at our hotel we shower ready to go to dinner at Full House with the group. It's so nice that everyone gets along and are happy to hang out together.
After a delicious meal we have a walk to the town square where it appears people are gathering for some sort of celebration. The Peruvian people are never short of a reason to celebrate. There seems to be a religious festival or celebration everyday. Mostly this involves music, dancing , fireworks and copious amounts of beer!
Going to be an early start tomorrow. We are getting up at 4am to go to Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise. Should be spectacular and a highlight.