PeruRail operates several trains a day to the town of Aguas Calientes along track originally laid in 1928. The town sits in the valley below Machu Picchu and the narrow gauge ride down the Urubamba River, through spectacular Andes mountain scenery, took us on the second highest railroad in the world, after the Qinghai–Tibet Railway.

As we rode along we saw more of the agricultural terraces on the valley slopes, many which are still in use. Descending down stream, the environment changed as we moved from alpine meadows into tropical rainforest. By the time we reached the end of the line every inch of land was covered by thick jungle.

Throughout the journey we were delighted by excellent service, beautiful music, a cultural show and a fashion show. It's an adventure unto itself!

See more of the Sacred Valley of the Incas: http://www.gypsynester.com/sacred-valley.htm

More Machu Picchu here: http://www.gypsynester.com/machu-picchu.htm

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