An exciting day today! This was it - what we had come all these miles to see - Machu Picchu. Not only was it breath-taking in itself, but the journey there and back was unforgettable. Boarding Orient Express's Hiram Bingham train at the Poroy station was like a dream come true - the train is indeed the lap of luxury. Champagne and orange juice was available on the platform before leaving, while tea, coffee and a full brunch was served as we got underway, right on time at 9:00 AM. Truly a memorable experience as we wound our way through the Andes Mountains on that train!

Arriving at 12:30 in Aguas Calientes, we boarded the bus for the 8km harrowing, winding ride up to the top of the mountain. Breath-taking is the only word to describe what Machu Picchu is like, certainly one of the wonders of the world. We stayed with the guide for the first bit, but after seeing I was delaying the group huffing & puffing up some of the stairs, we waved them ahead, and just poked around on our own – it was fun. It was raining heavily as we arrived, but started clearing as the afternoon wore on.

The train ride back was as special as the morning’s, incredible scenery, and an incredible supper was served to us. This would certainly be a day we would never forget!