Day 5: Saying goodbye to the Sacred Valley, two surprise excursions, visit to Ollantaytambo, and Expedition train to Aguas Calientes

I rose early this morning, relishing the tranquility of the Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay resort. Greeted by the cheerful vendors and groundskeepers, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the experiences granted.

Our day took an unexpected turn as we ventured into town to replace a broken suitcase and stumbled upon two vibrant Peruvian markets. Exploring the city square, we encountered the bustling energy of daily life, darting between taxis as we made our way back to our vehicle. During this experience we learn that most city squares have a main church, a government building and a school.

A chance encounter led us to Seminario Ceramicas, where we were warmly welcomed by the artist, Pablo Seminario. His passion for his craft was palpable as he shared stories of his journey from architect to artist. This unexpected encounter became a highlight of our day.

Continuing our journey, we visited Ollantaytambo, a town steeped in history dating back to Incan times. Climbing the 249 steps to reach the temple at the top, we marveled at the resilience of the Incan people and the breathtaking views they enjoyed. This experienced caused us to make a few stops on our way up to catch our breath, but it was worth it.

After a buffet lunch, we boarded the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, soaking in the scenic beauty of the valleys and agricultural terraces along the way. Arriving at El MaPi Hotel by Inkaterra, exhaustion set in as we eagerly prepared for our early morning journey to Machu Picchu. Excitement filled the air as we prepared for our much-anticipated visit.