Originally Posted by
skye1
Thanks for the insights on MP at sunrise. I've heard similar and mixed reviews. I've heard it's an absolutely amazing culmination to the experience of doing the 4-day Inca Trail hike, but that if one were to simply do a day-trip there, there are options for a slightly later departure than oh-my-gosh-o-clock-in-the-morning. Have inquired of the hotel as to options as well, awaiting reply.
From recent personal experience on the Inca Trail hike, I can tell you that it really was an amazing end to a fantastic hike. We reached MP around ~730a and the crowds didn't really come in until around 9-930 (and even then, it really wasnt that bad). FWIW, MP was completely shrouded in fog at sunrise when we were there.
If you reach Aguas Calientes by 730a or so (by the morning train), you should be at MP by ~8 (the bus ride takes around 20-25 minutes). Aguas Calientes is a very touristy town that I didnt really care much for, so I would personally favor a day-trip to MP but as said by the earlier poster, YMMV.