🚆 Step 1: Travel to Cusco
To reach Machu Picchu, you must first travel to Cusco, the nearest city and airport to the archaeological site. From Cusco, most travelers head to Ollantaytambo and then to Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes).
🚉 From Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
✅ Option 1: By Train
- Duration: ~90 minutes
- Distance: ~43 km
- Route: Scenic train ride through the Andes and along the Vilcanota River
Most travelers take the train from Cusco (4 hours), Urubamba (3 hours), or Ollantaytambo (2 hours) to Machu Picchu Pueblo. PeruRail and Inca Rail offer multiple daily departures, including luxury options like the Belmond Hiram Bingham. Book tickets well in advance, especially during peak season.
Note: Once you arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo, you’ll need to take a bus or hike to reach the archaeological site.
🥾 Option 2: Hike the Inca Trail
- Duration: 4 days
- Distance: ~42 km
- Route: Mountain trail through the Andes
Thousands of travelers hike the Inca Trail each year. This guided trek starts at Km82 along the railway and ends at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu. Only 500 people are allowed on the trail at a time, so book early with a licensed tour operator. You’ll need to walk back to the main entrance to access the citadel.
🚐 Option 3: Alternative Route via Santa Teresa
- Duration: ~4 hours from Ollantaytambo
- Route: Winding roads with steep cliffs; partially paved
Option A:
- Hire a taxi from Cusco to Santa Teresa
- ~4 hours from Ollantaytambo (S/.350 / ~$125 USD)
- ~6 hours from Cusco (S/.450 / ~$160 USD)
- From Santa Teresa, take the train (12 km) or walk along the tracks (~2.5 hours) to Aguas Calientes
Option B:
- Take a bus from Cusco (Santiago terminal) to Santa María (~5 hours / S/.15 / ~$5.35 USD)
- Then take a colectivo (S/.6 / ~$2.15 USD) or shared taxi (S/.10 / ~$3.60 USD) to Santa Teresa (~1.5–2 hours)
- From Santa Teresa, take the train or walk to Aguas Calientes
Important Notes:
- Choose a cautious driver—there are over 100 sharp curves and dramatic views
- Avoid this route at night or during the rainy season (December–March) due to landslides and stream crossings
🚌 From Machu Picchu Pueblo to the Ruins
✅ Option 1: By Bus
- Duration: ~25 minutes
- Route: Narrow, unpaved road with switchbacks
Exit the train station, pass through the market stalls, and cross the pedestrian bridge. You’ll find the bus ticket office on Avenida Hermanos Ayar. Buses depart nearby and are easy to spot due to long queues.
Round-trip bus fares:
- Foreign adults: $24 USD
- Foreign children: $12 USD
- Peruvian adults: $15 USD
- Peruvian children: $8 USD
🥾 Option 2: On Foot
- Duration: 1–2 hours uphill, ~1 hour downhill
- Distance: ~8 km
- Route: Steep staircases along the same path as the bus
This hike is only recommended for those in good physical condition. Follow the main road out of town, cross the Ruins Bridge, and climb the steep steps. The trail is slippery when wet and offers no unique views compared to the bus ride.
Tip: Save your energy for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes.
