Sweaty and smelly I stacked my now filthy duffle bag on the rack and hoped whoever was seated next to me on the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu didn’t have much of a sense of smell.
Two hours away in the touristy city of Aguas Calientes a hot shower and real bed were waiting. I’d heard good things about the mesmerising train ride through the Andes, but in all honesty, I was more about the destination (said shower) than the journey right now.
My three-day relationship with baby wipes was coming to an end.
The Lares Trek followed by the train
The Lares Trek had been magical, from sleeping under the milky way to sharing Coca leaves, and later learning they are the raw ingredient for cocaine, with locals. The lesser taken hike around the Cusco region of Peru had far surpassed my expectations, and I couldn’t believe just how few other tourists we had encountered on the route.
At over 30km long and peaking at a 4800-metre altitude it had been a rewarding challenge yet right then, as much as I am a sucker for beautiful train rides, my mind was more focused on being clean than being amazed.
Within a few minutes of pulling out of Ollantaytambo station, however, that had all changed.
After spending the past few days admiring rugged landscapes, clear lakes and snow topped mountains of the Andes out of breath due to the altitude, now being able to sit back in comfort and marvel out the window all seemed too easy.
Not that I was complaining.
The Inca Trail arrives on foot
I spared a thought for the ladies I had met earlier in the week who were now on their final day of the Inca Trail; they were going to arrive at Machu Picchu for sunrise tomorrow feeling as filthy and tired as I was at this moment.
To be honest, while I had always thought I would arrive at Machu Picchu on the same route, taking the train with the chance to rest up before exploring the lost city suddenly seemed like a no brainer. Having read the things to know before doing the Inca Trail I was aware of just how tough that hike is and even though it’s ‘cheating’ coming by train, my leg cramps were not feeling guilty.

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OMG it’s one of my dream/goal to go there!
I am also a world traveler (discover my blog here: http://mcfollowsthesun.com, I am a new comer) and I will definitely rely on this article when I do my Latin America road trip! I never thought about train to be honest. Thanks.
Hope you get to make there some time soon. The train is well worth it!
I am so glad to read your articles, as I love to travel and explore the world, but it may take quite more time.