We travelled there and back via Peru Rail Vista dome and enjoyed the spectacular scenery and efficient service ...about 1 hour
Walked from station directly to Gringo Bills guest house in the town of Machu Picchu (10 mins walk)
Spent the day walking along the river to the hot springs then to the butterfly house .. had tea there and saw a few butterflies , many cocoons and caterpillars .. beautiful scenary river and rocks and mountains but butterflies? Don't go for the butterflies!
Had early dinner in the village then to bed to awake at 4:30 for excellent buffet breakfast included in the rate of the charming zany inn.
Our wonderful guide Carlos Castillo from Ventura travel company met us in the lobby at 5:30 and we set off leaving our luggage behind at thei inn , for the bus to MP . Long line already awaited at bus stop but somehow we were soon on a bus rounding the mountain on a stunning short 25 mins trip to the citadel. At the top we were among the first to enter and see the wonders of Machu Picchu with our own eyes. Awesome in the real sense of the word.
Beware there are no rest rooms inside the citadel so have a single sol available in order to pay for a trip to the restroom before entering the citadel!
Your ticket entitles you to spend from 6-12 inside the citadel (?or you can choose afternoon hours 12:00 - 17:09)
In the early morning there are few visitors and it is cold .. perfect climbing weather . Wear layers so you can strip as the day wears on . By noon I was wearing a short sleeved T shirt. Also bring hiking poles they will help you balance on the steep rocky stairs up to the temples. Don't be afraid to come to Machu Picchu. Even if you cannot climb easily there is a lot to see on the lower levels and it is a sight you will never forget .
Do as much as you are comfortable doing but if you can reach the summit you will feel exhilarated!
We returned to the inn in time to pick up our luggage and enjoy the spectacular train ride back to Urabamba . We were met by a pre arranged taxi , picked up our luggage at the Hotel Tampa del Inka where we had stayed in Urabamba and in silence drove to Cusco our next destination savoring the memory of Machu Picchu