Discover all the alternatives for traveling from the city of Cusco to the Inca wonder. Compare times and prices, and choose the route that best suits your adventure.
Getting to Machu Picchu is not as simple as taking a single bus from the city of Cusco. Due to its remote location, nestled in the cloud forest mountains, the citadel has no direct roads. This forces travelers to choose between different transportation methods that combine vehicles, trains, and, in many cases, hiking.
It is important to analyze your options in advance, as your choice will depend entirely on three factors: your budget, your available time, and your physical endurance level.
This is the preferred option for 80% of visitors. This journey begins by boarding a train in the Sacred Valley (usually at the Ollantaytambo station) and ends at the Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) station. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and offers spectacular views of the Vilcanota River canyon through panoramic windows.
It is the ideal alternative if you are traveling with children, older adults, or if you have a tight itinerary of just a few days. Remember that train tickets usually sell out almost as fast as entry tickets to the citadel, so it is vital to buy them months in advance.
To arrive by rail, there are only two authorized companies. Both offer excellent and safe service, but they have different categories:
Known as the "Amazon Route," this is the favorite choice for backpackers and budget travelers. It consists of a minivan ride from the city of Cusco to the Hidroeléctrica Hydroelectric Plant sector—a winding 6 to 7-hour journey that crosses the Málaga Pass (Abra Málaga) and descends into the high jungle.
Once at Hidroeléctrica, travelers must undertake a flat hike of approximately 10 kilometers (2 to 3 hours) alongside the train tracks until reaching Aguas Calientes. Although it is much cheaper than the train, it requires at least two full days to complete the round trip safely.
If you are looking for the original experience, this route is the only one that allows you to hike directly into the citadel through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), just as the Incas did. It is a 4-day, 3-night camping trek covering 43 kilometers of cobblestone paths, crossing mountain passes at over 4,200 meters high, and visiting exclusive ruins along the way.
The Peruvian government strictly limits access to just 500 people per day (including guides and porters). Because of this, it is essential to book your spot through an authorized agency about 6 to 8 months in advance.
If you missed out on permits for the Inca Trail or are looking for more natural landscapes, these treks are perfect:
If you bought your train ticket departing from Ollantaytambo (almost 2 hours from Cusco) or Poroy (30 minutes away), you will need ground transportation to get there. The most common and economical way is to take the colectivos or minivans that depart from Pavitos Street in downtown Cusco.
You can also opt for private taxis if you prefer more comfort and want to manage your own schedule. Make sure to calculate your travel times carefully and arrive at your station at least 30 minutes before your train's departure.
Once you arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo (whether by train or hiking), you will find yourself at the base of the mountain. To go up to the entrance gate of the ruins, the Consettur company operates a fleet of eco-buses that drive up the winding Hiram Bingham highway.
The ride takes 30 minutes. You can buy these tickets in person in Aguas Calientes or online. If you prefer to avoid paying for this bus, you can hike up via stone stairs—an intense physical effort that takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, recommended only if you are in good physical shape.
It is crucial to know that train companies have strict luggage policies. Generally, you are only allowed to board with a carry-on backpack or bag that does not exceed 5 to 8 kilograms (11 to 17 pounds). There is no room for large or wheeled suitcases in the train cars.
If you are traveling with large luggage for the rest of your stay in Peru, the standard recommendation is to leave your main suitcases in the storage room of your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. These hotels offer this luggage storage service free of charge, allowing you to bring only the essentials for your days in Aguas Calientes.
Throughout your entire route to Machu Picchu, you will encounter multiple checkpoints. It is mandatory to present your original passport or official ID (DNI, ID card) that you used to make all your reservations. Photocopies are not accepted.
Final Note: This document must exactly match the information printed on your train tickets, bus tickets, and, above all, your official entry ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel. Otherwise, authorities will deny you access at the checkpoints.
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