Peruvian Jungle and the Famous Hot Springs

After our short but quaint stay in Ollantaytambo (thanks to Rosanna, our host mom, for saving  us after a quick change in plans and making accommodation arrangements with a cousin of hers who owns a hostel in Ollayantaytambo), we headed out early to catch the train to Machu Pichu. I like to think of this train as the Machu Pichu version of the Polar Express, totally magical with traditional Incan music, coca tea, and breathtaking views of the changing landscape as we entered the Peruvian jungle. We arrived at Aguascalientes a short hour later, which is essentially the entrance point into Machu Pichu. We took the opportunity to explore before we met up with our tour guide Jesus (including of course including a necessary stop at the only French bakery in town).

The afternoon consisted of trying to get train tickets for the return ride back to Ollayantaytambo, returning about 5 times to the ticket office with expected requirements (I think they changed each time), lunch of some traditional Peruvian dishes, and then a hike guided by Jesus around  the backside of Machu Pichu where many Incans used to walk through to transport supplies for construction. After a trekking for an hour through the jungle, rain and all (we assured Jesus several times the rain was the least of our concerns, since we all live in Seattle), we arrived at Mandor where there was a plethora of beautiful flowers and plants in a conservatory as part of a government project to protect the remaining flora. On the way back, Abby and I caught a glimpse of a rainbow nestled between the mountains for a few seconds, so amazing.

Our stay in Aguascalientes wasn't complete without a visit to the famous hot springs. So after returning from our hike, cold and damp, we all gathered our gear and walked up a few blocks to the hot springs anxiously awaiting a jacuzzi like experience and relief from the cold weather we had all day. Report was that the hot springs were less than warm, maybe tepid at best, with some natural minerals and colors in the water giving it a cloudy appearance. With that said, I decided to hold off, but news was that Abby has a niche for synchronized swimming.

The rest of the evening was consumed with dinner of pizza (it's always interesting to try pizza in other countries) and a UW Physical Therapy sign making party back at the hostel to take with us for our visit to Machu Pichu the following day (major thanks to Catey's awesome drawing skills). More to be continued on Machu Pichu by Jessica....get ready!

-Corrin