Machu Picchu is a three hour train ride from Cusco.  There are several rails you can take but one of the most famous and luxurious is the Hiram Bingham by Orient Express.  Stepping aboard the train takes you to another world.  I felt like I was whisked away to the roaring 20s, although it’s probably due to all of the Downton Abbey I’ve been watching lately.  I love the formality and romance of train travel — especially when riding on a train as grand as the one we were on.

Throughout the journey I couldn’t stop staring out the window, gazing at the stunning scenery that was laid before us.  First it started out sunny, and as we got closer the clouds slowly descended upon the mountains.  It reminded me so much of our recent trip to Lake Como.

A couple of highlights…

The bridge above is the entrance to the Inca Trail, which is rated as one of the top five trails in the world.  While the trip would surely be spectacular, you couldn’t pay me to hike for five days.  I’ve never slept in a tent, and I don’t plan on starting now!

The last picture was one our first views of Inca ruins before getting off the train.  I love how these ancient structures eerily peeked through the trees.

Even though we took this dreamy train, the trek to Machu Picchu wasn’t an easy one.  More on that later this week!

xo