Scenes from Machu Picchu Pueblo (Peru): taking the train and kicking around the town

Our trip through Peru was aggressively-paced in general. That is somewhat the nature of the game. Goal is to cover a lot of ground efficiently and productively. Sometimes when you look back at how it all played out it seems a little incredible what we did. The stretch beginning on the morning of November 9th was one of those periods where it was all moving pretty quickly.

It started with a flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco. Then a ~2-hour transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. And we had a deadline for reaching Ollantaytambo because we needed to make the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. In the end it all worked, but that transfer between Cusco and Ollantaytambo was interesting. The roads are full of obstacles. Speed bumps. Potholes. Piles of rocks from small landslides. And of course general traffic. When the clock is ticking and the driver is trying to navigate all that as quickly as possible, passenger comfort takes a back seat to making time. So I was too busy holding on to the door handles to snap any pics or videos of that ride. Therefore this post will focus on the train ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo as well as some scenes from around the town. (Side note: I've always thought of the town as Aguas Calientes since we stayed there in 2006, but I see it has in fact been known as Machu Picchu Pueblo for a while; maybe just a semi-recent re-branding emphasis going on).

(Scene from the tracks in Ollantaytambo)

We had tickets for Peru Rail's Vistadome Observatory service, which includes some interesting extras like a live band, a traditional folk performance, the bar car, and a little platform on the back of the train where you can take in full views of the scenery.

There was a complimentary snack box (not pictured probably because I tore right into it and wolfed down my quinoa crackers). Should you wish to order additional food & drink, they have a handful of options for you.

Before getting on the train I had done zero research on what tickets we had or what the whole thing would entail. So I was surprised when I saw the band set up.

I had noticed a few musicians hanging around the platform in Ollantaytambo and momentarily wondered what their story was. But in Mexico City it is not uncommon to come across groups of músicos, often mariachis, headed to or from a gig. So I noted the instruments cases and then kept wandering around the rest of the scene.

Soon enough they broke into their set, playing some smooth classics like "Perhaps"



And that was generally pleasant. A smooth jazz club rolling through the Andean scenery. Nice.

Then set list progressed from smooth to popppy. Fun(ish).



At some point there was an interlude for the traditional dance performance.



And most of the passengers were enjoying the vibes, getting up offa that thing.



I maybe should have seen where this was all going, but I was still a little sad when I heard the first few notes of the Macarena.



A little smooth jazz soundtrack for my trip to Machu Picchu? Sure, why not. A wedding reception line dance with a group of randos I don't know? Not for me, Clive. Felt like a good time to head to the back and enjoy the scenery.

After we got into Machu Picchu Pueblo the next 24-36 hours were spent visiting hotels, hiking Machu Picchu (and Huayna Picchu), strolling the streets, and having some hit or miss food experiences. I'll post separately about the two restaurants I tried. And the Machu Picchu visit will get its own post, too, of course. Here I'll share a handful of pics and comments.

First, yes, the town is touristy as can be. But I still like it.

Scenery and setting are stunning.

Plenty of places to stop, people watch, soak in the vibes, and enjoy a casual meal or drink while anticipating or reflecting on your Machu Picchu experience.

Of course there is the Mercado Artesenal. My observation after spinning around the aisles is that the nicer shops seem to be the ones closest to the train station entrance.

In my wanderings later in the evening I passed by a stretch of casual food stands. I believe they are along Calle Wiracocha, which is on the east side of town further away from the river. Wish I had known about this area before I sat down for lunch at Museo del Papa (more in a future post).

Also, random item here, but I liked how the street dogs seemed to be fairly well taken care of. Saw a number of them posted up around town, like these guys.