A journey From Cusco to Machu Picchu.

Holly:So had a room booked in Cusco, hotel is very nice, it was a room in a shared apartment with other travellers - the view is absolutely amazing on the top floor, it is a little bit far from the main square in Cusco, would not recommend walking at night, the hotel can arrange a taxis for you. Such as early morning pick ups - which l did to take us to the Inca rail departure office. - also the hotel offers early breakfast takeaway boxes - a simple juice, bread, sandwich or cake and fruit. You just have to let them know when you want the taxi and what time you want the breakfast box.

Holly:I would recommend you all to take a stroll to the market, best place to get yourself souvenirs, and don’t forget you can also try and negotiate with seller to put the price down. I would recommend you to take a paper and pen to write down your prices.

Holly:Bought a deal with Inca rail: To meet at there departure office in Cusco, to take a bus to Ollantaytambo and then take a train to Agua Calientes. Return trip was a train back to Ollantayambo and then make my own way back to Cusco - a Private taxi was 80soles.

Holly:So before l left Australia, l had check the rules for the train such as luggage limits, l saw that a small hand luggage suit case was not allowed as there stated there is no room or allocated baggage racks on the train. BUT INCA RAIL did have a safe luggage locker to leave item in Ollantaytambo - l personal used this option as l was told by staff in Cusco and online l wasn’t allowed to take luggage BUT THEN - when boarding the train l saw other people take much bigger backpacks and small suitcase and the train DID have luggage racks - so, not so great for me as l had stayed the night in Agua Calientes and extra-extra clothes would have been nice - And train staff didn’t stop people taking extra luggage.

Holly:Stayed the night Agua Calientes. Hotel had a good view of the mountains and was close to restaurants and the local market. But a bit of a walk to the main square and to the hot water springs.

Holly:Took a bus from Agua Calientes up to the mountain. I did not have a private tour - but after overhearing a few tour guides and the info shared, l would recommend you to pay for the tour guide.

Holly:Stayed the night in Agua Calientes just to be able to experience the hot water spring. Very relaxing on the muscles after a long hike down from Machu Picchu.

Holly:While in Agua Calientes, you are made to walk thought the local market to get to and from the train station. But it a good place to pick up a few souvenirs

Holly:So on return from Machu Picchu to Cusco. I and my family made our own way back to Cusco from Ollantaytambo. Upon exiting the train station there are secure and private taxi drivers at the gate. For 3 people in a private car it had cost us 80soles which is the standard price (some may offer 90, but you can negotiate with the driver). Car was clean - driver was profesional, good English music. Driver drove fast but was very smooth - that we had all fallen asleep. You can also even ask the driver to stop at time to take photos.