![Title image - BAI takes you to: Machu Picchu](/v3_assets/images/trip_images/south-america/SAMP00-title.jpg)
Explore Machu Picchu with BAI Dispatch
September 26, 2016 – Machu Picchu
We started our day with a morning hike to the temple at Ollantaytambo. This temple was regarded by the Incas as one of their most important ceremonial centers. It was a perfect introduction to the wonder of Machu Picchu.
Around noon we rode the scenic train to Aguas Calientes where we were transferred to our hotel, Sanctuary Lodge located next to Machu Picchu.
Our lodge, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, is located within the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was voted one of the New Wonders of the World.
![Entering Ollantaytambo Ruins Monday morning](assets/05-5-entering-ollantaytambo-ruins.jpg)
Entering Ollantaytambo Ruins Monday morning
![Raul guiding at the Ollantaytambo Ruins](assets/05-6-7-raul-guiding-ollantaytambo-ruins.jpg)
Raul guiding at the Ollantaytambo Ruins
![Analyzing the engineering and marvelling at how these stones could have been cut so precisely and moved for these enduring walls. They are mysterious blocks and walls left in place](assets/05-8-9-inca-stones.jpg)
Analyzing the engineering and marvelling at how these stones could have been cut so precisely and moved for these enduring walls. They are mysterious blocks and walls left in place
![Waiting for our train to Aguas Calientes](assets/05-10-train-to-machu-picchu.jpg)
Waiting for our train to Aguas Calientes
![On the train to Machu Picchu](assets/05-11-12-train-to-machu-picchu.jpg)
On the train to Machu Picchu
![Our destination: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, a few minutes walk to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu](assets/05-13-belmond-sanctuary-lodge.jpg)
Our destination: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, a few minutes walk to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu
![Arriving at our lodge: Belmond Sanctuary](assets/05-14-belmond-sanctuary-lodge.jpg)
Arriving at our lodge: Belmond Sanctuary
![Chuck walking around the Sanctuary](assets/05-15-chuck-walking-the-sanctuary.jpg)
Chuck walking around the Sanctuary
![The massage table with views to Machu Picchu](assets/05-16-17-massage-table-sanctuary.jpg)
The massage table with views to Machu Picchu
![We manage a visit to the Ruins of Machu Picchu today](assets/05-18-team-at-machu-picchu.jpg)
We manage a visit to the Ruins of Machu Picchu today
![Leah at Machu Picchu](assets/05-19-leah-enjoying-machu-picchu.jpg)
Leah at Machu Picchu
![Raul guiding our team at Machu Picchu](assets/05-21-22-23-raul-machu-picchu.jpg)
Raul guiding our team at Machu Picchu
![Birthday dinner for Rob MacDonald at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant](assets/05-24-rob-macdonald-birthday-dinner.jpg)
Birthday dinner for Rob MacDonald at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant