Day 4 – Week 1: Peru May 5

Machu Picchu Day Trip

Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Ollantaytambo

The Big Day

The PeruRail Journey

Board the iconic blue train for the scenic ride to Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes

The charming gateway town nestled in the valley below Machu Picchu

The Bus Ride Up

A winding 25-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes up to the Machu Picchu entrance

The Lost City of the Incas

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, perched 2,430m above sea level

Ancient Terraces

Agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside over 500 years ago

Overview

Theme: The Main Event

A full day trip: early train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, bus up to Machu Picchu, a short family-paced visit, then back down and return train to Ollantaytambo. It's a long day, but keeping Ollantaytambo as your base means no overnight bags and you sleep in a familiar bed tonight.

The Full Route

Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (Train)

~1.5 hours. Beautiful scenic ride along the river. Book PeruRail or Inca Rail. Aim for an early departure to maximize time.

Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu (Bus)

~25 minutes. Winding road up the mountain. Buy bus tickets in advance or at the booth in town.

Machu Picchu Visit

60–90 minutes on a family-friendly lower circuit. Take it in, get photos, don't rush—but also don't linger past your toddler's patience.

Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes (Bus)

~25 minutes back down. Grab lunch in Aguas Calientes before your return train.

Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo (Train)

~1.5 hours back. Book an afternoon return to give yourself buffer. Your toddler will likely nap on this one.

Our Circuit: Circuit 2 Classic

We're booked on Machu Picchu Circuit 2 Classic with an 11:00 AM entry time.

The standard route featuring the iconic postcard viewpoint overlooking the ruins with Huayna Picchu in the background
The most popular circuit—covers the main highlights without any steep mountain hikes
No add-on climbs (Huayna Picchu, Montana, etc.), just the classic experience at a family-friendly pace

Booking: Viator reference #1359016015 — 3 Adults, ~4 hours duration

Timeline

7:00–7:30 AM: Breakfast at hotel in Ollantaytambo
7:30 AM: Walk over to Ollantaytambo train station
8:00 AM: Train departs (Vistadome 601)
~9:30 AM: Arrive Aguas Calientes
9:30–10:15 AM: Free time in Aguas Calientes, catch bus up
~10:30 AM: Arrive at Machu Picchu entrance
11:00 AM: Enter Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 Classic)
~1:00 PM: Finish circuit, bus back down
1:30–3:00 PM: Lunch in Aguas Calientes
3:18 PM: Be at Aguas Calientes train station
3:48 PM: Return train departs (Vistadome 304)
~5:18 PM: Arrive Ollantaytambo, back to hotel

What to Bring

Passports – Required for entry (you can get a stamp too!)
Lots of snacks and water
Rain jacket or poncho (weather changes fast)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Carrier or hiking backpack for your toddler
Layers—can be cool in the morning, hot by midday

                No Strollers: The terrain is uneven stone and stairs. A carrier is essential for when little legs get tired.
            

Train Tips for Toddlers

Book the Vistadome or similar scenic car if budget allows—bigger windows, more space
Bring entertainment and snacks for the ride
The train has bathrooms (small but functional)
Staff often bring snacks and do a small fashion show—fun distraction!
The scenery is genuinely engaging—point out the river, mountains, and jungle transition