Letters from Peru: Discover Inca Citadel with Inca Rail & Machu Picchu Specialists 

My dear travelers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new series of travelogues on the Mr.M blog. June, as well as the following months, will be dedicated to one unusual continent – South America, I will show you the countries that I had the opportunity to visit and I am convinced that you will enjoy it and want to spend your vacation in one of the destinations. At the very beginning of today’s travelogue, where I will try to show you Machu Picchu, the jewel of Peru, the sacred city of the Incas, which today attracts millions of tourists around the world. I would like to thank Inca Rail, Machu Picchu Specialists, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), local ministries of tourism, national tourism organizations, as well as other partners who selflessly supported my adventure in South America. With their help, travelogues from several countries were created, as well as numerous fashion stories that you will have the opportunity to read during this series of posts, and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the new adventure.

Post from Cusco was created with the unselfish help of the Inca Rail, Machu Picchu Specialists, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the Commission for Trade, Tourism and Investments of Peru (PROMPERU), the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru and the Casa Andina Premium Cusco hotel.

If you missed the earlier travelogues from Peru or wish to relive the highlights of Lima, I invite you to revisit the following links:

1. Letters from Peru: Lima, the Gate of the Andes Where the Wind carries the Whispers of Ancestors
2. Swissôtel Lima: Place where Swiss Elegance Meets Peruvian Soul
3. Brunello Cucinelli in Peru: Italian Elegance Meets Lima (Fashion Story)
4. Letters from Peru: Exploring Cusco with Casa Andina Premium Cusco

Inca Rail: The Beginning of the Machu Picchu Andean Adventure

I’ve been putting together every detail of this road in my mind for days, checking the batteries for my camera for a couple of hours and daydreaming about the glorious worries that await me. I couldn’t sleep, I noticed that a large number of tourists from the surrounding hotels were preparing for this trip, and all the time I felt as if there was euphoria – the dream of Machu Picchu will finally turn into reality. At dawn on March 16, 2025, my heart beats excitedly like a miniature drum.

I got up before everyone else and breathed in the cool mountain air through the half-open window while the street lamps illuminated the rooftops of Cusco. “Today is the day,” whispered the burning outlines of the Andes mountains, I can only add “the adventure begins.” My team and I took our prepared meals prepared for us by the Casa Andina Premium Cusco team.

In the courtyard of the hotel, I greeted several other travelers who had come with us; we all looked the same, our eyes were shining with excitement and we were all eager to go. We descended quietly to El Sol Street, where the Inca Rail “Bimodal” service bus was already waiting for us – a special type of transport that combines bus and train for a magical journey. The minibuses were new and comfortable, with soft seats and large panoramic windows that promised great scenery. In the front seat sat a friendly guide from Inca Rail, with a big smile, I was already confident that I was in safe hands.

A little before 5 o’clock in the morning, the buses started slowly and our journey began. First we passed stone paths and clearings, until the bus found itself in the shadow of high granite cliffs. The light of the morning sun painted the terraces golden, and the shade of the forest on the slopes created a contrast. After about an hour and a half of driving, we reached Ollantaytambo, a picturesque town surrounded by rocks and Andean peaks.

It was already late morning, the sun was now fully illuminating the ridges of the mountains. We got off at the Inca Rail station – a beautifully decorated terminal with panoramic windows overlooking the surrounding peaks. I felt slight trepidation, but also the certainty that this would be an unforgettable experience. The next step was boarding the ultimate The 360º luxury train.

Finally, the moment of the train’s departure came. Inca Rail staff kindly invited our group to the platform. As soon as the train doors opened, we entered a completely different world of Inca Rail – The 360º train. My heart jumped for joy: inside we were greeted by wide panoramic windows, the muted warmth of modern design and the smell of leather seats. I was convinced that this was the right choice!

Inca Rail The 360°: A Panoramic Dream

When the Inca Rail train finally started its journey, I knew right away that we were in for something unusual. The 360° looked far more luxurious than I had imagined: a ceiling with a curved glass roof and colorful Andean motifs already promised me a real tourist spectacle. As soon as we left the station, my gaze wandered to the ceiling – it was partially made of glass, as if we had jumped out of the hustle and bustle of Ollantaytambo straight into the clear sky.

Sitting in my wide, soft seat, I had the impression of driving through a dream, every part of the Inca Rail train seemed designed to intertwine comfort and natural scenery. Inside, it was pleasant: the air conditioning maintained ideal conditions, and the legroom was spacious enough for me to relax completely.

The first sights through the panoramic windows took my breath away. The Inca Rail train glided through the Urubamba Valley, and the river that followed us was actually shimmering the color of champagne as it rippled under the morning sun. On one side, the meadows were overgrown with yellow grass and puddles of wild flowers, and on the other side, we crossed dense forests that seemed to hide secrets. Far in the background Salkantay stood out, a huge peak covered with snow; at first it was dark gray, then the orange sun lit up its peak. Below him, the situation was quiet and majestic, it was as if the mountain was the guardian of this transport, above us all and above time.

In the meantime, the train Inca Rail staff worked smoothly. Hour by hour, waiters passed in front of us with food and drinks. They brought local light breakfast and snacks on elegant and unusual trays, somewhere they left large corn sprinkled with goat cheese, somewhere else a sweet quinoa cake with tropical fruit jam.

My companions happily accepted the Andean herbal tea to alleviate the slight feeling of altitude sickness, while I enjoyed the Andean rolls wrapped in chili powder. The atmosphere was pleasant and relaxing: we had the opportunity to enjoy a play about the legendary Andean love story, but most of the time we were all in silence and talking, absorbing the smell of coffee and the clean mountain air enjoying the landscapes of the Andes.

In the distant fields we saw people doing agricultural work, some of them waving at us as we passed. At one point we approached the village of Oblate, where women were knitting woolen ponchos, the hilly landscape matching the color of their shawls. The earth in Peru is truly pulsating with life. As we flew down the valley, small hydropower plants and old quarries lined up past us, it all looked like a scene from a movie, it just seemed that nature was constantly rewarding us with new charms.

At the same time, Inca Rail has also introduced some modern conveniences when riding The 360° train. The seats were wide and so soft that I could rest completely. On the backs of the seats, on the sides, there were USB sockets – always at hand, so I charged my phone and camera. An interactive guide with a road map appeared on the screen in front of me: I could see the measured temperature in the areas we were passing through, and even small anecdotes about local customs and the wealth of flora.

Inca Rail The 360º staff showed me that there is also Wi-Fi internet, which allowed me to share Instagram stories with you during the ride. After breakfast, the staff called us into a special open carriage. There you have the opportunity to enjoy a safe ride in the open air with fantastic scenery! Two local musicians filled the atmosphere with their music, we took the opportunity to go out on the platform between the cars to breathe fresh air.

In the end, every kilometer of this road was like a part of a fairy tale that we lived that morning. Even as the train was approaching Aguas Calientes, we saw from the window that a green forest tapestry was unfolding below us, this panoramic picture was simply incredible. The train slowly slowed down above the mountain village of Aguas Calientes and that’s when I realized that every second of this trip was magical. I knew that my day at Machu Picchu would be meaningful, because I had arrived at the door of a legendary world.

Machu Picchu Specialists: Your Trusted Partner for Exploring the Sacred City of the Incas

The tours agency Machu Picchu Specialists proved to be a safe partner for our adventure. I knew them from the stories and videos of travelers from social networks and my colleagues, but it was only on the spot that I felt their expertise. Even before departure, I received an itinerary and health recommendations due to the altitude, as well as other important guidelines and recommendations for this excursion. I felt that the most hidden details were taken care of. Their 24/7 support provided us with peace and security. Their local guides, whose origins are linked to these mountains, told us with great pride about Andean tradition and history.

The organization of this one-day excursion was carefully planned. The Machu Picchu Specialists team planned for us to visit almost the entire complex in one day – they split the tour into two tours for us to enjoy to the maximum. First we set off on Circuit 1B, a route that goes through the upper terraces. That circuit took us up a subtle rise, on a gentle incline through old cornfields.

In that area we also saw pockets of wildflowers bubbling down the walls, and the view from several points was unique: to the south we looked down on the wide Urubamba River deep below us, while to the east, through latticed terraces, the houses of the village peeked out. I was in no hurry to take photos, even the guide stopped every now and then to tell us how much the ancient Incas appreciated such panoramas. We enjoyed every open vantage point and imagined how the Incas used to pass through here, because this part was their favorite “photogenic spots”.

After touring that upper zone, it’s our next turn to take a break. Machu Picchu Specialists guide took us to lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Tinkuy restaurant, located below the entrance to the citadel. There we found ourselves in a luxurious hall with huge glass windows looking directly at the tropical part of the Andes and Machu Picchu in the distance. The buffet they prepared was a real spectacle: rich ancient specialties lined up, quinoa dishes, vegetable salads seasoned with Andean herbs, roasted mutton and fresh fish.

On the plates was cream of corn soup for warming, and homemade honey and tropical fruit cakes for a sweet ending to this culinary experience. While we ate, we enjoyed the silence and the beautiful view; it didn’t even bother us anymore that the sun was slowly breaking through the rain cloud. In that hour, rested and full, all the predictions fell into their own plan: we all agreed that this meal was a true hero’s snack before great undertakings.

After an amazing lunch break, we started the second part of the tour – Circuit 3B, a route that leads through the lower sectors of Machu Picchu, closer to the main buildings. We returned to the steep terraces and continued along the paths that go deeper into the ancient city. There we attached special importance to stopping by the Temple of the Sun, a massive round structure in honour of the Sun deity, with a throne-like view above all. At that location, the guide told many legends, it was said that the Incas kept important wizards of astronomy here, and that the wall with disks actually shows the position of the sun during the year. As we stood there, the whole rock seemed so majestic and sacred.

Then we continued towards the Temple of the Condor, a fascinating place with a relief of huge stone wings of a bird, legend says that the Andean Condor came to life there. Although we were dying to reach some corners of the very top, we were overjoyed to have already seen so much of the sacred city of the Incas. The pace of the tour was measured and steady, our guide was with us and gave us suggestions when it was the right time to take photos. We were not in a rush, Machu Picchu Specialists team knew very well that the gentleness of their pace would make us more ready to enjoy every moment.

Besides them, the Inca Rail team took care of us all day, down to the smallest detail. Transportation to and from Machu Picchu was flawlessly coordinated – the Consettur bus met us right outside the train station in Aguas Calientes and they dropped us back at the train station as soon as we finished the tour of the citadel. We always had a sufficient supply of water; they even gave us bottles of purified Andean water and refreshing wipes. That feeling of complete attention and security of the Machu Picchu Specialists and Inca Rail teams contributed to our being relaxed, everything went so smoothly that this adventure became a pleasure in every sense.

I am grateful that we had the opportunity to fulfill my dream with Machu Picchu Specialists and visit the last of the seven wonders of the world with them. After this unique experience, I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart that the Machu Picchu Specialists team knew exactly how to make this Machu Picchu adventure just perfect.

Machu Picchu: A Miracle between Mist and Sun

During the tour of the first route through the stone gates of the citadel, we were greeted by the morning fog. We quietly climbed the steps into the shrine and stayed for a while just to watch. A legend unfolded before us: green stone terraces and forgotten secret records carved into the rocks. My heart was filled, it was a scene that I used to see only in photographs, and now it was all in front of my eyes. We were in the heart of the secret sacred city of the Incas. At the first touch of the cold air, the unexpected flashed through my mind: was waiting so long really worth it? Immediately my brain jumped: “Yes, it was worth it!”

We continued with a light step further. The guide took us to the famous Temple with Three Windows, a huge stone building with three trapezoidal openings. Just as we stopped in front of it, the cloud moved away and a ray of sunlight broke through one of the windows, illuminating the upper terrace. I ran my fingers along the sharp corners of the stone and remembered how it was once believed that the earthly and the divine were connected here. The silence was powerful; we barely silenced our sighs, and the very appearance of that magnificent temple told us its whole story in silence. In the heart of the citadel, under that open sky, Machu Picchu became probably the brightest expanse for us.

Then, with light steps along this route, we climbed to a new level of terraces from which a magnificent view was offered. From the top of the terrace, we looked back and saw the Urubamba River meandering far below, right below us. Each step through these green terraces continued to intrigue my thoughts: I noticed on the rock in the distance the outlines of the Temple of the Sun and the House of the Incas, and these were only the outline of the geometry that we had the opportunity to touch.

This segment of the terrace was for me a rhapsody of incredible colors: the brown color of the earth and rocks, the blue of the sky, and the bright green of the forest whispered the secrets of the ancient secret dinners of the Incas. All this made my view deeper and deeper and so that for a short time I got lost in my thoughts. What I can say is that every photo I took then “captured” just a part of that unreal ancient beauty.

Over the green cascades of terraced peaks I continued to explore the citadel. I climbed the high stone steps to take a look at the peaks, and even then I was overcome with a sense of pride and fulfillment that I had succeeded in making my dream come true. As soon as I fully absorbed the lines of the perfectly fitted stone, I realized that each Inca stone platform has its own story. One served as a living room for the Inca nobility (House of the Incas), the other as an observatory for the stars, and each terrace had a special irrigation system.

Large and small stones, finely worked, stand as a witness of exceptional craftsmanship, I felt that every smooth surface carries millennia of knowledge. From time to time we would stop to take photos and absorb the ambience, hear the water drumming on the nearby Miračioni Vod fountain and imagine how the Incas once celebrated life on those same steps.

During our tour, the main star was found, a huge stone base around which huge terraces and temples grew. We stopped there and felt that time stood still. For a moment we turned and looked towards the peak of Huayna Picchu rising into the blue, and then towards the valley behind us, the whole scene was captured in sunshine and serenity. At the same time, from the stones filled with terraces, the wind rose softly, blowing cold light through the stones.

I stood leaning against the ancient wall, looking up at the sky, grateful for everything I had seen that morning. We didn’t want to go further, because everything in us said that we should preserve this feeling and this special moment a little longer. My heart was full, and Machu Picchu then beckoned softly, to continue listening to the story that the Inca tribesmen were building into these stone monuments.

The second part of the tour ended with a return to the descent towards the stone entrance to the citadel. We slowly left the citadel, but every step towards the return was difficult for me. Each of those paths and terraces now shone with a different glow, I knew that this day had been fantastically filled with Inca culture. As we descended the stairs, in the shadows of the trees, Machu Picchu still revealed its best for us at the end.

Each stone whispered to me the end of the story and they made me proud that I became a part of that mythical valley, at least for a short time. After a few hours flew by, we stood at the final viewpoint and slowly said goodbye to this secret, sacred and hidden gem of Peru. After descending the same stone steps, only the tickets to the citadel remained in my heart as traces, and the memory of Machu Picchu will last for the rest of my life.

Available routes to visit the secret city of the Incas – Machu Picchu

1. Circuit 1A: Machu Picchu Mountain (Machu Picchu + Mountain)

This route includes the classic view from the upper terraces, followed by an additional climb to the top of Machu Picchu. It is ideal for those who want a panorama from a bird’s eye view, it is very demanding, but it brings an unforgettable feeling of reaching the clouds.

Why this route is great: It offers an epic view from the top and a phenomenal picture of the entire complex with the monumental Huayna Picchu in the background.

2. Circuit 1B: Upper Terrace (Panoramic Terrace)

A short, accessible route, about 2.5 hours of walking on the upper terraces, ideal for a classic photo of the famous “Guardian’s House” perspective. It does not lead through the central urban area of ​​the sacred city of the Incas.

Why this route is special: the easiest way for every tourist to take a “postcard” picture and experience the most famous sight of Machu Picchu.

3. Circuit 1C: Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and Machu Picchu

A combination of the Upper Terrace route and a walk to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – the legendary exit of the Incas from the citadel. This route requires a solid level of fitness and is offered in season from June to October and takes approximately 3 hours.

Why this route is great: It combines a distinctive view with a historical plot: the Inti Punku trail leads to the place where the Incas entered on their day of the historic beginning of the journey.

4. Circuit 1D: Inca Bridge

The route through the upper terraces to the famous stone bridge and along the path over the cliffs towards the Vilcanota (Urubamba) river. This route only takes place in the high tourist season, this is a medium load path, so a certain level of fitness strength condition is required. The route lasts about 2 hours.

Why the route is great: It offers an exciting combination of risk and beauty, an incredible bridge with a viewpoint on the canyon makes this route dramatic, special and unique.

5. Circuit 2A: Classic Machu Picchu Panorama Route (MUST SEE)

The most complete route starts with the top view and leads through the central archaeological part (Temple of the Sun, Templo de las Tres Ventanas, Intihuatana…), i.e. the urban part of the holy city of the Incas. The tour lasts about 2-2.5 hours.

Why this route is great: It combines great photo spots as well as getting to know the history and the heart of the citadel better, ideal for first-time tourists and for understanding Machu Picchu as a whole.

6. Circuit 2B: Tour of the Lower Terrace and Machu Picchu (MUST SEE)

Similar to the previous variants of route 2A which goes a little lower, but covers the same content (Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, twelve-cornered stone…). The tour on this route also takes about 2-2.5 hours.

Why this route is great: It provides room, is not demanding or requires any special fitness condition strength, fewer steep climbs, and yet leads through an essential part of the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu.

7. Circuit 3A: Huayna Picchu Mountain

A route that includes the ascent of Huayna Picchu: narrow, demanding trails and a climb for stronger strength condition visitors with good and developed fitness. Must be purchased in advance, this recreational route takes about 4 hours.

Why this route is great: the spectacular view from the top of Huayna Picchu, at a special height and the feeling that you are actually “above” Machu Picchu.

8. Circuit 3B: Lower Temples and Machu Picchu (Royal Route)

The route through the lower part, leading to the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor, does not include mountain climbs. It lasts about 2–2.5 hours.

Why this route is great: An easier version for the elderly and those who want history without the effort and rush, yet visually impressive.

9. Route 3C: Temple of the Moon (Great Cavern)

Tour of the Temple of the Moon, which includes a cave above the citadel, symbolically associated with the Moon goddess. It lasts about 5 hours and is only available in the high tourist season.

Why this route is great: A more personalized route, it goes away from the main paths and you have the opportunity to see a hidden part of the complex.

10. Circuit 3D: Huchuy Picchu and Machu Picchu

The route leads to the second peak “Little Picchu” (Huchuy Picchu), with a view of the valley, in the peak tourist season. Touring this route takes about 3 hours.

Why this route is great: an alternative to Huayna Picchu for fans of lower altitude, yet for big fans of viewpoints and green landscape panoramas.

Tips for choosing the best Machu Picchu Circuit

• Visiting Machu Picchu for the first time? Take Route 2 (2A or 2B) – a complete tour with the panoramic gems of Machu Picchu.
• Want the best photogenic place? Route 1B is quite sufficient.
• Suggestion for true adventurers? Route 1A (top) or Route 3A (Huayna Picchu).
• For a calm and comfortable experience? Route 3B is exceptional for lovers of a leisurely, comfortable tour.
• For history lovers and explorers? 3C and 3D Routes reveal the hidden parts of this ancient complex.

These ten routes offer different levels of experience, suitable for different types of travellers: from photographers and videographers, to adventurers, couples and family visits. The most important thing is that you enjoy choosing your route or routes, but let Machu Picchu be your own page in history!

Tips for Travelers to Machu Picchu

• Book in advance: Machu Picchu has a strictly limited number of visitors per day, so be sure to book your tickets several months in advance. Tickets are purchased online on the official website or through an agency and all tickets include the date and time. You will not be able to enter the citadel without a reservation.
• Adaptation to weather conditions: The weather in the mountains is unstable and easily changeable. Early mornings and early evenings can be very cold, so wear layers – a light jacket or sweatshirt over a long-sleeved shirt. During the day, the sun can get hot, so it is advisable to wear a thin shirt with short sleeves and some hats. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Rain is not rare, especially outside the dry season, but umbrellas are prohibited in the complex (it can damage antiques and make it difficult to take pictures, if everyone is wearing umbrellas in groups, no one would be able to take photos) – so bring a light waterproof jacket and raincoat.
• Acclimatization and altitude difference: Machu Picchu is located at about 2,430 m above sea level (Cusco is at about 3,400 m). If you come from lower places, it is not good to rush, because of the risk of headaches and malaise. Arm yourself with a little patience: drink coca tea or Andean herbal tea and take slow breaks during the first half hour of walking. Savim is a normal condition if you feel short of breath and dizzy; listen to your body – slow down your pace and let your body get used to it before you indulge in more physical effort.

• Rules of conduct: It is not allowed to bring food (except bottles of water), large backpacks or glass bottles into the complex. It is especially forbidden to carry an umbrella, despite the changeable weather, I advise you not to carry an umbrella because the drops on the ground can slip and disturb the stability of the paths. So bring a waterproof poncho and wear comfortable hiking boots or thick-soled sneakers.
• Tour pace: Machu Picchu is a large complex. Don’t try to visit everything at once – it’s better to go slowly and stop to take photos. Walk with a light, regular step; take advantage of the breaks to drink water and rest. Without rushing, you will be able to enjoy the environment and beauty around you more, rather than running quickly from location to location.
• Other useful information: Bring at least 2 liters of water, and have at least a couple of bags of energy snacks (nuts, dried fruit or chocolate bars) in your backpack. Make sure you have your passport with you at all times as they ask for an ID check at the entrance to the citadel for tickets. In addition, dress in layers and I repeat – the morning can be colder and rainy, regardless of the possible change of weather to be warmer, so a short-sleeved shirt or an extra hoodie with a good light waterproof jacket is always welcome.

Aguas Calientes: Mountain respite in the Andes

After one of the most exciting days of my life – a tour of the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, I descended again to Aguas Calientes, a small town also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. It was the moment when the adrenaline starts to subside, but the emotions still pulse through my body. Although I thought that nothing else could surprise me that day, this small, charming town tucked among the mountains won me over in a very special way.

After an exciting bus ride down the hills from the citadel, Aguas Calientes welcomed me as a warm stop before returning to the “modern world”. There are no cars here. No noise. Only the Urubamba River that flows tirelessly through the heart of the city, the smell of damp streets after the rain and the sound of footsteps of tourists who, like me, are trying to process the experiences they have just experienced.

Aguas Calientes: A City that slows down Time

At that moment, my day slowed down. I walked slowly through the narrow, colorful streets, still impressed by the view from the stone terraces of Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes was a perfect transition between myth and reality.

Although small, the town exudes life: there are restaurants, cafes, galleries, and shops with authentic handicrafts and souvenirs. But what makes him special is his calm energy. Without the chaotic traffic and stress, Aguas Calientes acts as a mountain retreat for travelers and the soul.

I took a short break in the thermal springs, after which the city is named. The mineral-rich water was the perfect remedy for tired legs and shoulders. I sat in the warm water, while the clouds swayed above the treetops and realised how important it is for the body to get a well-deserved rest after great adventures.

Aguas Calientes: Leisure and Souvenirs with Soul

As my departure time approached, I decided to wait for the train back to reality in a restaurant overlooking the river, with the soft sounds of Andean music. I ordered the local trout in a lime and Peruvian spice sauce. The food in Aguas Calientes pleasantly surprised me, a combination of local tradition and modern presentation. Of course, I washed it all down with tea made from Andean herbs, because the altitude can still confuse the body.

Before boarding the train, I also stopped by the local market. Vendors offered handmade ponchos, hats, masks, and amulets, each item with a story to tell. I bought a handmade obsidian pendant – a stone that they say protects and gives strength. It seemed to me the perfect symbol for the end of this Peruvian adventure.

If you’re planning a visit to Machu Picchu, don’t skip Aguas Calientes. Use your visit to this charming town to relax, reconnect with nature, try local specialties and maybe find that one souvenir that will always bring a smile back to you when you think of this magical trip. For me, it was the perfect respite before the luxurious return to reality on the Inca Rail The First Class train.

Real Luxury: Elegant Return by Inca Rail The First Class

After an unforgettable day, it was time to return to Cusco, but the return was not so ordinary either. As we reached the Aguas Calientes station through the local market in Aguas Calientes, I felt that the day was still going on. The Inca Rail team was now waiting for us in “The First Class” passenger boarding lounge. Already at the entrance I felt the refinement: here there is a small bar with fully arranged bags and plush sofas like those in first-class clubs. We felt the real luxury of Peruvian hospitality with a welcome drink, after which the salon manager directed us to a modern comfortable room.

Soon the Inca Rail team informed us that it was time to board, we slowly followed the conductors towards the first class carriages. We were greeted by friendly staff with warm towels to clean and refresh our hands, where we were escorted to our seats. Each cabin had its own separate place, elegant leather armchairs with a backrest and a wooden frame. The smell of wood and refined golden details with decorative wallpaper on the walls justified the name of this train – The First Class. As night fell, everything suddenly seemed so serene and refined. We could relax as if we were in a lounge with friends where we sit and chat.

The host of the Inca Rail train tried to make everything just right for us. They placed us next to the window and the show could begin! Everything was set up with style; the conductors offered us refreshing champagne as a welcome along with the dinner menu. Dinner was delicious, we enjoyed local Andean specialties.

After the meal, peace reigned in the Inca Rail The First Class cabin. The passengers continued their conversations, but in hushed tones, until we heard the host’s invitation to join them in the next carriage for a mini-concert of live music with drinks and snacks. In the next car, a singer with a band, they made this return energetic, fun and stylish.

Not long after, the staff brought a tray of different types of Peruvian cakes, local snacks and apple tea in front of us. We were delighted, a mini-ceremony of tasting all the diaconi followed, and each sweet bite conjured up the subtle scents of the mountains. At that moment, the glass of champagne in my hand was like the last bite of happiness, sweetness was the main note, and the music didn’t stop.

We spent the whole trip as if half asleep, great fun and lots of good stories, but again we felt every sound of The First Class train speeding by. At the same time, we knew we were coming to our stop and that this adventure was coming to an end, but we didn’t care, as long as that music and the smell of sweet Andean cakes filled the car, it seemed at some moments as if time had stopped. We heard other travelers talk about their favorite spots on Machu Picchu and we all exchanged smiles, even made a group toast to end this amazing adventure. When the train finally arrived on the track in Ollantaytambo, we thanked the musicians with thunderous applause for this wonderful atmosphere during this incredible ride. What I can tell you is that riding the Inca Rail The First Class train is an unforgettable memory for me.

Machu Picchu: An Experience to Remember

From this whole experience I saved much more than pictures and videos, I took with me a true gratitude. Every moment on the way to Machu Picchu was a gift: from waking up early in cold Cusco, to smiling at Machu Picchu, everything was woven with Andean culture and the beauty of Peruvian nature. As I look at the photo of me jumping on Machu Picchu with my team, I think that it is a symbol of everything we have lived, a dream that started as pure imagination and turned into the brightest event of life. That picture of smiling faces reminds me that every journey takes one step and then reveals a handful of new stories.

I have to admit that my adventure in the Peruvian Andes changed me as a person. At Machu Picchu, I realized that curiosity and the charm of waiting for a dream to come true are actually gifts of life and that the world is magnificent. Walking up those historic steps, the spirit of ancient history and tradition, and the warmth of the sudden rays of the sun combined into something like a lesson: that life is richer when shared with others. Machu Picchu taught me that we should explore the world with an open heart and mind.

If you are dreaming of a similar trip, take advantage of the first opportunity you get when you have some free time. Peru has wonders around every corner, and Machu Picchu Specialists and Inca Rail are proven partners for an unforgettable adventure. Thanks to them, every stage of this journey was a real pleasure, and every problem disappeared before we even noticed it. This travelogue serves as a reminder that true adventure is within reach, and Machu Picchu is waiting for you to show it your passion.

My dear adventurers and lovers of unusual trips, bravely go into the unknown, because you will discover that the world is really bigger and more magical than we can imagine. Your story begins now, and make sure your first stop is Peru! I hope that I was able to transport you at least to some extent to the magical world of the Andes and the sacred city of the Incas – Machu Picchu.

I hope you enjoyed this travelogue as much as I enjoyed preparing it for you. With this fascinating trip to Peru, I broadened my cultural horizons and South America helped me complete the puzzle of the world in my head that I have been putting together for years.

Today’s travelogue would not be possible without the selfless help of the Inca Rail, Machu Picchu Specialists, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the Commission for Trade, Tourism and Investments of Peru (PROMPERU), the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru and the Casa Andina Premium Cusco hotel in cooperation with local partners who allowed me to feel the spirit and beauty of local culture and the beauty of daily life in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Of course, as always, I tried my best to convey to you my impressions of this unusual experience from Peru.

A person is rich in soul if he has managed to explore the world and I am glad that I always manage to find partners of my projects who help me to discover new and unusual destinations in a completely different way.

I am honoured to have the opportunity to collaborate with many companies in the tourism sector and I would like to thank once again Inca Rail, Machu Picchu Specialists, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the Commission for Trade, Tourism and Investments of Peru (PROMPERU), the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru and the Casa Andina Premium Cusco hotel for this incredible adventure and for allowing me to feel the beauty of this very unusual Peruvian – Andean culture in a different way and to feel the beauty of everyday life in Machu Picchu.

How did you like my story about Machu Picchu and the presentation of this secret sacred city of the Incas with the golden glow of the Andes? Have you had the chance to visit Machu Picchu and beautiful Peru so far?

If you have any question, comment, suggestion or message for me you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social networks, all addresses can be found on the CONTACT page. See you at the same place in a few days, with some new story!

With Love from Machu Picchu,

Mr.M

This post is sponsored by the Inca Rail, Machu Picchu Specialists, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the Commission for Trade, Tourism and Investments of Peru (PROMPERU), the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru and the Casa Andina Premium Cusco hotel and other local partners. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.