How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? This ultimate guide will show you how to get there from Cusco, including transportation options and tips for a smooth journey.
Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic destinations in the world, but getting there can be a bit of a challenge. If you’re starting your journey in Cusco, there are several options for getting to Machu Picchu, each with its own pros and cons. This guide will help you choose the best way to travel to this incredible site, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
Decide on Your Route to Machu Picchu
Before you start your journey to Machu Picchu, you need to decide on your route. There are 3 main options:
1) Taking the bus from Cusco to Machu Picchu
2) Taking the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu
3) Hiking from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Taking the bus from Cusco to Machu Picchu
To get to Machu Picchu from Cusco by bus, you will first need to get to the town of Ollantaytambo, which is about 2 hours by bus from Cusco. From Ollantaytambo. Once at Ollantaytambo, you can take a train or a bus to Aguas Calientes, which is the closest town to Machu Picchu.
Here are the steps to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco by bus:
Go to the Cusco bus station, which is located on Pavitos street.
Take a shared bus headed for Ollantaytambo. most public buses leave for Ollantaytambo. You can ask for further recommendations from your hotel or hostel.
The journey to Ollantaytambo takes 1.5 hours, and the road can be winding, so be prepared for some motion sickness.
Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, you can take a train or a bus to Aguas Calientes. The train is a more comfortable option, but it can be expensive. The bus is cheaper, but it takes longer and can be crowded.
If you have decided to go to Machu Picchu by bus from Cusco, it is best to take the bus to Aguas Calientes from Cusco. There are some travel agencies that offer this alternative route at a very reasonable price.
The bus ride is about 6 hours approximately. You will pass through villages, rivers, beautiful mountains and snow-capped mountains along the way.
You will be then dropped off in the town called Hidroelectrica, from where it is necessary to walk to the town of Aguas Calientes along the train tracks or you can also board the train to Agua Calientes.
Taking the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Traveling to Machu Picchu by train is one of the fastest ways to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Although it is the most expensive way. However if you travel in low tourist season you can get a cheap ticket.
You can travel on your own or on a Machu Picchu tour from Cusco. Here are some steps to follow:
Start by purchasing your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu to ensure that you will visit Machu Picchu on your preferred date. Then buy your train ticket. You can buy your train ticket online or in Cusco. Although it is advisable to purchase your ticket beforehand.
There are 2 railway companies where you can buy your train ticket. Peru Rail company and Inca Rail both offer the route to Machu Picchu, from Cusco or from Ollantaytambo.
We advise you to take Peru Rail company as it offers some additional services and the best panoramic train to Machu Picchu.
The best thing about going with Peru Rail is that they run trains to Aguas Calientes every hour. This depends on where you take the train, if you take it from Poroy you will probably only find a few. But if you take the train from Ollantaytambo you will find many timetable options.
If you want to spend more time travelling by train during your trip to Machu Picchu, start your trip from Poroy. Poroy train station is only 30 minutes away from the city of Cusco.
But if you want to save time and prefer to spend more time in Machu Picchu then choose the option to go by bus to Ollantaytambo and board the train from there. This route is the shortest you can find.
Hiking from Cusco to Machu Picchu
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, hiking from Cusco to Machu Picchu is an experience you won’t want to miss.
There is a variety of treks you can take to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Each trek offer a unique experience. Here are some of the best treks to consider:
The classic Inca Trail: This is the most popular and famous trek to Machu Picchu. The 4 day hike takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery, this hike includes visits to some of the ruins you will find along the way. The Inca Trail requires a permit, and spaces are limited, so it is highly recommended to book well in advance.
There are 4 versions of the Inca Trail tour: The 1 day Inca Trail which you go and return to Cusco the same day.
The Inca Trail of 2 days and 1 night and the classic trail of 4 and 5 days.
Note that to do any of the above options it is only possible to do it through an authorized travel agency.
Salkantay Trek: This is a five-day trek to Machu Picchu, the trek takes you through the Salkantay mountain range, with incredible views of the snow-capped peaks and remote villages.
The Salkantay trek, as opposed to the 4-day Inca Trail, ends in the town of Aguas Calientes, not at the Sun Gate like the Inca Trail. In order to do this trek you don’t need a permit, which means you can go at any time, you don’t necessarily need to book in advance.
Lares Trek: The Lares Trek is a more off-the-beaten-path trek that takes you through traditional Andean communities. You will pass through the most isolated indigenous communities keeping the Inca culture alive. This trek has a difficulty level of 3 from 1 to 5. Lares hike includes a visit to hot springs.
Choquequirao Trek: The Choquequirao trek is an adventure that you shoud not miss. The ruins of Choquequirao are located high in the Vilcabamba mountain range, the 15th-Century Choquequirao Archaeological Complex is only accessible by foot.
Trek, a breathtaking journey through the Peruvian Andes that will leave you awestruck and inspired.
This trek is often offered on a 8, 6, or 5 day trek from Cusco. The trek takes you to a hidden gem often compared to Machu Picchu in terms of its beauty and historical significance. Along the way, you’ll traverse rugged mountain landscapes, pass through remote villages, and witness stunning vistas that will take your breath away.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek: This 3-day trek is a good option for those short on time. The trek takes you to the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, a smaller Incan site that’s still worth seeing. This trek is conncected with Machu Picchu on the 3.
