Just an Inca going about his business…

Today there was big excitement as we packed our overnight bags for 2 nights away. At last, we were heading towards Machu Picchu.

To be honest, Machu Picchu has never been on my bucket list of things that I must see or do. However, the more I’ve learned about it on this trip, the keener I am to see it.

We took the train to Aguas Calientes, otherwise known as Machu Picchu Town.

The train travelled at an ambling pace, taking an hour and 40 minutes to get there.

There was some spectacular scenery, including these donkeys earning their living along the Inca Trail.

It was a very pleasant way to begin our Machu Picchu adventure.

Once there, we walked through a huge market to our hotel. It’s right in the centre of town, which isn’t a given thing for TripaDeal, especially in China.

This one is so central, the train to Machu Picchu runs right by the front door. I’m on the 5th floor, directly above the tracks, but luckily the trains stop at 9 PM. 🤣

This place is almost like a pedestrian mall wedged in between huge, steep mountains. Claudio showed us around, but it only took about 10 minutes because it’s so small.

Then we had the rest of the day to ourselves.

It was 3PM when I was looking for lunch, so I decided to choose a big meal and call it Linner. (Lunch + dinner.)

This little cutie belongs to the owner of the cafe I ordered my burger and chips with free Pisco Sour. He’s what we call in Australia a Mexican Hairless, but the guy serving me was insistent that he was a Peruvian breed.

Afterwards, I gently perambulated around the town. It aids in digestion.

I visited the market, but every stall looked like this. I’ve pretty much bought everything I want to buy. I just haven’t bought any art.

This is outside my hotel. It reminds me of Train Street in Hanoi, but with a little more room.

Then Fortunate Frogdancer struck again. Literally right at the front door of our hotel, an artist was sitting there, plying his trade. Val from NZ came along at just the right moment. We chose two very similar paintings, got a 20AUD discount on each, and the deal was done!

I didn’t want a generic picture of Machu Picchu, or llamas wearing sunnies. This has the vivid colours of Peru, so I’m happy.

We have an early start tomorrow. Hopefully, we’ll get there just before sunrise.

Dad joke of the day: