An unforgettable day exploring Peru’s ancient Inca citadel, with tips for visiting Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo.
Machu Picchu had been at the very top of my bucket list for years. But after a series of serious health challenges in 2024, visiting this incredible place took on an entirely new meaning.
For months, I faced the possibility that I might never regain the mobility needed to hike the distances I had always enjoyed. It was a difficult reality to consider, especially for someone whose happiest moments are often spent exploring trails and mountains.
During that time, I found myself thinking about the adventures I would most regret missing. Machu Picchu was front and center.
I made myself a promise: If I could overcome those challenges and regain my mobility, I would stop putting this dream off and make the trip a priority.
In May 2025, that promise became reality.
Ian and I set off on an incredible Peruvian adventure that included the Sacred Valley, several days in Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Amazon rainforest, and Lima. Each destination offered something special, but standing among the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu was the moment I had dreamed about for so long.
And it was worth every bit of the journey.
Machu Picchu at a Glance
- Location: Machu Picchu, Peru
- Visited: May 2025
- Starting point: Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley
- Transportation: Tuk-tuk, PeruRail train, and shuttle bus
- Train: PeruRail Vistadome (outbound), Expedition (return)
- Entry: 1:00 PM
- Circuit: 2-A, Classic Designed Route
- Guide: Self-guided
- Total experience: Full-day excursion from Ollantaytambo
- Best for: History lovers, photographers, adventure travelers, and anyone dreaming of experiencing one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites
Getting to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo
One of the best decisions we made was staying in Ollantaytambo rather than trying to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco.
Our home base was the charming Apu Lodge, and getting to the train station couldn’t have been easier. We hopped into a tuk-tuk for the short ride, boarded our PeruRail train, and settled in for a spectacular journey through the mountains.
We chose the PeruRail Vistadome for the trip to Aguas Calientes, and I’m so glad we did. And, we purchased our train tickets well in advance of our travel.
The panoramic windows offered beautiful views of the mountains, river, and surrounding landscape throughout the approximately 90-minute ride. Rather than feeling like transportation we simply needed to get through, the train journey became part of the adventure.
As someone prone to motion sickness in cars, boats, and occasionally airplanes, I had wondered whether the train might be uncomfortable. Thankfully, I had no issues at all.
Our Travel Timeline
Here’s how our day unfolded:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Around 8:00 AM | Departed Ollantaytambo by train |
| 9:30 AM | Arrived in Aguas Calientes |
| 11:00 AM | Boarded the shuttle bus |
| 11:30 AM | Arrived at Machu Picchu entrance area |
| 1:00 PM | Entered Machu Picchu, Circuit 2-A |
| 5:00 PM | Return shuttle bus |
| 5:30 PM | Back in Aguas Calientes |
| Around 7:00 PM | Return train to Ollantaytambo |
| 8:30 PM | Arrived back in Ollantaytambo |
We intentionally allowed plenty of time between each connection. I didn’t want to spend the day worrying about missing a bus, train, or timed entry.
That extra breathing room made the entire experience relaxed and enjoyable. Every connection went smoothly, and we never felt rushed.
Aguas Calientes: The Gateway to Machu Picchu
We arrived in Aguas Calientes with enough time to wander around town before lining up for our shuttle. We did not regret our decision to skip staying here overnight, as the town is very touristy.
We had purchased our bus tickets in advance, which I highly recommend. Once we figured out the lineup process by asking a few questions, one of us held our place while the other grabbed snacks.
The bus ride up the winding mountain road was straightforward, and before long, we were approaching the entrance to one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
Exploring Machu Picchu: Circuit 2-A
We selected Circuit 2-A, the Classic Designed Route, which provides an opportunity to explore many of Machu Picchu’s iconic ruins while enjoying the spectacular views that make this destination so recognizable.
We also intentionally chose a 1:00 PM entry.
Machu Picchu is famous for the clouds and fog that sometimes obscure its views, particularly in the morning. We hoped an afternoon visit would improve our chances of clear skies.
Of course, mountain weather is never guaranteed.
But we couldn’t have been luckier.
We arrived to clear skies, sweeping views, and the kind of scenery that makes you stop in your tracks.
After years of dreaming about this place, and months of wondering whether I’d ever be able to experience it, I was finally standing there.
It was absolutely breathtaking.
Exploring Without a Guide
Before our trip, we spent time learning about Machu Picchu’s history, engineering, and the significance of the various structures within the ruins.
Because we’d already done quite a bit of research, we decided to explore without a guide.
For us, that was the perfect choice.
We could move at our own pace, stop whenever something caught our attention, take photographs, and spend as much time as we wanted simply absorbing our surroundings.
The experience was about more than checking famous landmarks off a list. We wanted time to appreciate the extraordinary setting and the ingenuity required to build a city in such a challenging landscape.
The precision of the stonework, the sophisticated water-management systems, and the relationship between the architecture, surrounding mountains, and astronomical observations were fascinating.
It’s difficult to comprehend how the Inca accomplished so much in such a remote and rugged environment.
And seeing it in person made everything we’d read beforehand that much more meaningful.
Practical Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu
A little advance planning can make an enormous difference in your experience.
1. Book your entrance tickets well in advance
Machu Picchu uses timed-entry tickets and designated circuits. If you’re hoping to explore the classic archaeological route, pay close attention to which circuit you’re purchasing. The official tickets are sold through the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, although there are many other online websites that resell tickets. We chose the official government website. Because the final ticket portion of the website was entirely in Spanish, I did opt to have a bilingual friend help navigate the online purchase.
We chose Circuit 2-A and were very happy with the experience.
2. Reserve your shuttle bus tickets ahead of time
Purchasing our bus tickets in advance eliminated one more thing to worry about on the day of our visit. For this too, we chose the official website.
You’ll still need to understand the boarding queues and allow enough time to reach the entrance before your scheduled entry.
3. Allow generous time between connections
We built extra time into our train, bus, and entrance schedule, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Even though our transportation went smoothly, having that flexibility made the day far less stressful.
4. Use the restroom before entering
There are no restroom facilities along the visitor circuits inside Machu Picchu.
As someone with a tiny bladder who typically drinks water throughout the day, this was one of my biggest practical concerns!
I adjusted my usual hydration routine that morning and made sure to use the restroom immediately before entering.
Fortunately, everything worked out perfectly.
I wouldn’t recommend becoming dehydrated, particularly at elevation, but it’s definitely worth planning your restroom stops and hydration carefully.
5. Understand that the circuits are one-way
Once you begin your designated route, you generally cannot backtrack to revisit an area you’ve already passed.
Take your time, enjoy the viewpoints, and capture the photographs you want as you go.
6. Pack for changing mountain weather
Even when the forecast looks promising, weather conditions can change quickly.
We carried a backpack with rain jackets and an extra layer.
Our weather inside Machu Picchu was nearly perfect, but the skies opened up and heavy rain began just as we boarded our bus to leave.
Talk about lucky timing!
7. Consider the afternoon for clearer views
Our 1:00 PM entry worked beautifully, and we enjoyed clear skies throughout our visit.
Morning fog can be part of Machu Picchu’s magic, but it can also obscure the views. Afternoon entry may offer an advantage on some days, although there’s never a guarantee.
Would I Do Anything Differently?
For years, I had imagined hiking into Machu Picchu rather than arriving by train and bus.
But after everything I’d experienced with my health, I wasn’t entirely confident that I was ready to take on a multiday trek.
Choosing the train and shuttle bus allowed me to experience the destination I’d dreamed about without pushing beyond what felt reasonable at the time.
And I have absolutely zero regrets.
Our transportation was easy, our schedule was comfortable, and the entire day unfolded beautifully.
Most importantly, I was there.
I was healthy enough to travel, walk through the ancient ruins, and experience a place that had occupied my imagination for years.
Final Thoughts: A Dream Worth Prioritizing
Machu Picchu is one of those rare destinations that truly lives up to its reputation.
The dramatic mountain setting alone is extraordinary. Add the remarkable engineering, fascinating history, and incredible accomplishments of the Inca civilization, and it’s an experience unlike anywhere else I’ve traveled.
But for me, this visit meant something more.
It was a reminder of how quickly life can change, how much our health and mobility matter, and why I don’t want to keep postponing the adventures that mean the most to me.
I went to Peru hoping to experience one of the world’s great wonders.
I came home with that experience, a deeper appreciation for what my body had overcome, and a memory I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.
Machu Picchu was a bucket list dream come true.
And if it’s on your list, too, I hope you find a way to make it happen.
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