Riding that train to Ollantaytamba

No. 102











Loving the over head windows.

Our train ride last night was truly blog worthy, keeping in mind that we had been up since 4:00am, climbed Waynapicchu, toured Machupicchu and made it back to the train on time.
Feeling much accomplished for our day we settled in for a leisurely ride in railcar number 102 to Ollantaytamba. An hour after leaving Aguas Calientes our railcar stopped, not at a station. After sitting for a bit the conductor announced that there was a mechanical problem which the staff was attending to. Sometime later and with no further word from the conductor another engine coupled into our train and pushed us into a siding apparently in the middle of nowhere. More time passed. The conductor spoke to a group of passengers in the front of the car, the word spread that we would transfer to another train soon. People immediately began to prepare for the transfer, I told Knikki to relax, it would be awhile. We hopefully watched as four different trains passed us with no indication of slowing or stopping.
After sitting on the siding for an undetermined amount of time people began to mysteriously exit the train which finally interrupted one of Knikki and my endlessly absorbing conversations. Stepping off the the train into the dark and rainy night we followed our fellow passengers to waiting vans. At the first sign of forward motion the other van passengers began singing and clapping to the rocking of the van. Thus started our 45 minute ride from the the middle of nowhere, on the mountainous, mostly unpaved, twisty, bumpy road to Ollantaytamba
Arriving, the rail station was complete confusion. With no guest service or customer care offered we wandered off into the night and regrouped over two beers at a little restaurant next to the station.
Asking for directions to the Hotel Iskay confusion prevailed. The kids working there called someone to find out where it was, then drew us a detailed map. After considering our bewildered look, one was volunteered to walk us to the hotel. Which was good. I doubt that even with the detailed map we could have found it. Exhausted but highly pleased with our night's adventure we arrived at the hotel. We found dinner on the plaza with more beer, then crashed hard.
What an awesome day.

Location:Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytamba