Aguas Calientes to Urubamba Vistadome Train #304

Peru is an incredibly beautiful and ancient nation. Although Aguas Calientes is the home of a namesake hot spring ('aguas calientes' translates to 'hot water'), it is also the closest town to Machu Pichhu — Peru's famous city in the sky. The rugged beauty of the Andean highlands, and the animals who seem to effortlessly call the region home are both impressive and humbling. As is the region known as the Sacred Valley; you'll explore it from Urubambu. It too is a region of ancient sites and innovation, including salt mines which are still in use today.

Along the distance between these destinations are quaint towns and sweeping landscapes. It would be a shame to miss them; lucky for you, you're abord the Vistadome #304, so you won't miss a thing!

You can tell you're in for a treat as soon as your train pulls up. Oversized windows curve up and form the better part of the ceiling for an exquisite panormaic view. Rain or shine, you can take in every inch of the Peruvian landscape. If this is a family trip, there's no need to worry about who sits where, because the entire train is one big window seat. Everyone gets a comfortable chair, the windows boast UV protection, and air conditioning will keep you nice and cool. And still, it gets better! You'll also enjoy:

• A fashion show featuring creations made from alpaca wool (if you're making a return trip).

• The opportunity to learn about Andean culture watch a live dance performance.

• Refreshments, including a complimentary snack made from local ingredients and a beverage.

• Alpaca wool mementos that you can purchase as a gift (or keep for yourself).

Please make sure that your on-board luggage weighs no more than 11 pounds (5 kg), so a backpack or carry-on of 62 inches (157 cm) length, width, and height is recommended. On-board luggage is an honour-based system; train attendants will not be checking the weight of each individual bag, so please adhere to this rule. For good measure, you are advised to leave the brunt of your luggage in hotel storage and retrieve it upon your return (if going round-trip). If this is a one-way trip, then oversized baggage must be transported via another train at a cost of US$1.80/kg (2.2 pounds). The maximum overflow luggage amount is 22 pounds or 10 kg.

Don't just get from point A to point B — make the journey part of the adventure when you take in cities, farms, nature, and ancient pathways as you board the Vistadome #304. Slow down this vacation and watch the world go by without it passing you by.