Our Journey to Machu Picchu
The main reason we chose to adventure to Peru was to see Machu Picchu. It had been on both our bucket lists for some time. Here’s what that journey looked like:
Part 1: Cusco to Ollantaytambo
We left Cusco midday to make our way to the first stop on the way to Machu Picchu: Ollantaytambo. But on our way there, we took the scenic route through bits of the Sacred Valley. We first stopped in Chincheros for a wool demonstration from a local Peruvian. They showed us how they wash and dye the wool from alpacas. We did a little shopping while we were there, as well.
Afterwards, we headed to the Maras Salt Mines. It was a short stop, but a really spectacular view.
Then, we finally reached Ollantaytambo. We were leaving by train early the next day, so we found a hotel that was literally inside the train station. Which, on paper was a great idea. In reality, not the brightest plan because the trains ran til 10:00 pm and started up again at 5:00 am.
Luckily, there was a restaurant at the hotel, so we grabbed a quick bite before getting be bed early.
Part 2: Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
After our very early awakening by trains outside our window, we grabbed a super quick breakfast at the hotel and then walked out the door, right onto the train station to catch our train.
We traveled via Peru Rail and somehow snagged the best seats we’ve ever had on a train. A perfect view of all the beautiful scenery on the way to Aguas Calientes.
Once we arrived in Aguas Calientes, we ran straight to where we buy the bus tickets that take you up to Machu Picchu. Once those were acquired, we checked into the hotel and grabbed a light lunch.
Part 3: Machu Picchu Round 1
As we planned our trip, we decided that we’d get two tickets to Machu Picchu. Since they are timed, we wanted to make sure we didn’t miss out if we happened to be delayed at any point. So our first experience of Machu Picchu was in the afternoon on the first day in Aguas Calientes. From the town center, you have to wait in line for the bus that drives you up the mountain to the entrance to Machu Picchu. We had to time everything perfectly so we could get to our 1 pm entry time. The ride up was 30 minutes and the wait in line was nearly an hour! While we waited in line, it started to downpour. Luckily, we had our raincoats handy.
For our first round at Machu Picchu, we hired a guide to share the history of the site with us. We met him at the entrance and headed through the Circuit 2 route through the city. As we made our way around the ruins, we were rained on even more, but the views were great and we didn’t mind at all. Even got to say hello to some llamas.
By the time we finished up, it was fairly late, the ruins were actually going to be closing soon, so we hopped on the a bus back down to town. Then grabbed a quick dinner before turning in for the night.
Part 4: Machu Picchu Round 2
After spending the night in Aguas Calientes, we once again woke up bright and early, grabbed a quick bite at the hotel for breakfast, and were in line for the bus up to Machu Picchu by 6:00 am. And once again, we were rained on a bit while we waited.
For our second trip to Machu Picchu, we chose to go guide-less and just see it at our own pace. We also chose to do Circuit 2 again. This time it wasn’t raining, but there was a rolling fog that made it super moody and neat. But by the end of the route, the sun was out and shining.
We finished just in time to grab lunch back in town.
Part 5: Return Trip to Cusco
After our lunch we wondered around town for a bit before heading back to the hotel to pack up and check out. Then it was off to catch our train! We took the Peru Rail once again back to Ollantaytambo, this time with dancing. The train was unfortunately delayed at one point for over an hour, so we arrived in Ollantaytambo much later than scheduled.
From Ollantaytambo, we had booked the bus transfer to Cusco. This was luckily booked with Peru Rail when we booked our train tickets, so even though we were delayed, we didn’t actually miss our bus. But, when we arrived to the train station, we had to follow a guy with a sign through a super crowded area to the bus station. It was chaos! Eventually we made it onto the bus and were off to Cusco. With all the delays, we made it back to the hotel by 9 pm and we just crashed.
Getting to Machu Picchu was an adventure, but I’m glad I got to see it (twice!).
