The train pulls into the small town of Aguas Calientes around noon with time for shopping in the extensive maze of handicraft stalls before making the short walk across the bridge to waiting buses for the ride up the serpentine road to Machu Picchu. Disembarking staff hands out bottles of water. There is even time to wander around the town that straddles the river. The hair–raising bus ride to the Sanctuary is one hairpin turn after another. It is part of the adventure with precipitous views––for those who dare to look––of the green valley far below. Arrival at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary is timed for 12:30, when the majority of the visitors are preparing to leave, giving passengers the advantage of exploring the ancient citadel in relative solitude. Note that it can get hot at that time of day though and photos will come out relatively flat, so stay the night here if you're trying to capture postcard–perfect pictures. An experienced guide leads the Hiram Bingham guests around the spectacular site. Regardless of the weather, which can be misty or rainy some months of the year, the experience is unforgettable. In the words of the train's namesake, explorer Hiram Bingham, "In the variety of its charms and the power of its spell, I know of no place in the world which can compare with it."