Peru Day 5 – More Machu Picchu and Back to Cusco

Where and When: Machu Picchu – Peru, 30 May 2023

0630: Today, we have a second entry to Machu Picchu, at 0700.  We leave the hotel and walk 2 minutes to the bus station. Being the crack of dawn, there is hardly any queue for the bus.

0655: Arrive at Machu Picchu, but there 5 mins to go till the site is open.

0700: We are lucky enough to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu and it makes the early start worthwhile.

Unlike yesterday, the weather is much better, and we have clear blue skies.

Today, we decide to go around Circuit 2 of Machu Picchu. (Click here to read about what we did yesterday exploring Circuit 1).

Whereas Circuit 1 takes you to the picture postcard view of Machu picchu, Circuit 2 takes you higher up on the mountain. The climb is steeper, but from here you get the most panoramic view of the citadel and Huana Picchu behind it. 

You also see the mountain ranges behind Machu Picchu including parts of the nearby Hydro Electrical plant. 

0930: Since we started early today, we were able to see the Sun Temple and the Sun dial which are closed to visitors later in the day. This is located at a high point in the site and offers great views all around. 

1000: On this circuit you can also see Condor Temple. This is a temple with a sculpture an Andean condor in flight with natural rocks forming the wings and the body. 

1030: Second visit of Machu Pichu over, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

Tip: If you have time, you can also visit the Inca bridge on Circuit 2. We saw the signs to it but there was no indication how long it would take to make this detour. I have since found out it takes about 30 minutes extra, so definitely try this if you can spare the time.

1100: Arrive back to Aguas Calientes. There is time for lunch and some sourvernir shopping.

1307: At the station to catch our train.

1337: On train back to Ollantaytambo. The train comprises of only one carriage running as there are not many passengers.

On the way, there is a treat waiting for us. There is a traditional Peruvian dancing and singing on the train and passengers are encouraged to join.

This is followed by a fashion show. Having travelled by train all over the world, I’ve never seen a fashion show on a train. When you think about it, it is an ideal opportunity for a fashion show. The carriage aisle forms the perfect runway and you have a captive audience.

1504: Arrive in Olantaytambo. Our driver is there to take us back to to Cusco.

1700: Arrival in Cusco.

1830: Dinner at Taste of India restaurant in Central Cusco.

Tip: If you are travelling to Peru, plan to spend at least 2 days in Cusco. Although we have technically spent 2 nights here, we only really had a few hours to look around Cusco itself.  There was so much more to see, I really wish we had another day here.

Hotel review:
We are staying at the Abittarre Hotel in Cusco. The hotel it simple and small, but very comfortable. The location is also excellent. It is directly opposite the Quorichancha, the most important inca site in Cusco and also only a few minutes walk to central Cusco.