By Equipo PAT
How to get to Machu Picchu depends on your budget and how much you want to walk. There are three ways: the train to Aguas Calientes, the road route to Hidroeléctrica, and treks such as the Inca Trail. The train is the most comfortable option, while the road is the cheapest.
What are the ways to get to Machu Picchu?
There is no direct road to the citadel. For that reason, every route ends in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base, also called Machu Picchu Pueblo. From there, a bus climbs for about 30 minutes to the entrance, at 2,430 m (7,970 ft).
- By train: you leave from Ollantaytambo and arrive in under two hours.
- By road: you travel to Hidroeléctrica and walk about three hours.
- By trek: you hike one or several days on the Inca Trail or another route.
In addition, you always need a Machu Picchu ticket bought in advance. You buy it on the official portal tuboleto.cultura.pe, and spots sell out in high season.
How do you get to Machu Picchu by train?
The train leaves from Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, and reaches Aguas Calientes in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The route follows the Urubamba River between mountains covered in vegetation. For that reason, many travelers see it as part of the experience.
First you need to reach Ollantaytambo. From Cusco it is about two hours by road, for example by private transport or by bus. Then you take the train at the time you booked. The companies that run the route are PeruRail and Inca Rail. Prices and schedules change by season, so check them on their websites.
With our Machu Picchu by Train tour you make the trip in one day from Ollantaytambo. It costs from $359 and includes the round-trip train, bus, ticket and guide.
How do you get to Machu Picchu by road?
The road route is the cheapest. You travel by vehicle to Hidroeléctrica and then walk about three hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes. The path is almost flat, but long. It also offers views of Huayna Picchu along the way.
However, it is a very long day and you need to feel like walking. Bring comfortable shoes, water and sunscreen. If you want this option, look at Machu Picchu by Road, from $129. It includes transport, a guide, the ticket and the bus to the citadel.
How do you get to Machu Picchu on foot?
If you want to arrive on foot, you have several routes. Each one changes in days, difficulty and scenery. On the other hand, some need permits or spots that you must book far in advance.
- Short Inca Trail: two days and one night. It starts at Km 104.
- Classic Inca Trail: four days and three nights, with a demanding difficulty.
- Inca Jungle: four days with a downhill bike ride, hikes and hot springs.
For more alternatives, read our guide to alternative treks to the Inca Trail. You can book the Short Inca Trail from $429 or the Classic Inca Trail from $729.
Which option suits your time and budget?
This table compares the routes in our catalog. Prices are those of our tours.
| Option | Length | Difficulty | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu by Road | Full day | Moderate | $129 |
| Machu Picchu by Train | Full day | Moderate | $359 |
| Short Inca Trail | 2 days, 1 night | Moderate | $429 |
| Machu Picchu 2 days, 1 night | 2 days, 1 night | Easy | $459 |
| Inca Jungle | 4 days, 3 nights | Moderate | $479 |
| Classic Inca Trail | 4 days, 3 nights | Demanding | $729 |
As you can see, budget rules. If money is tight, choose the road. By contrast, if you want comfort, choose the train. If you like walking, start with the Short Inca Trail.
Is it worth sleeping in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, if you can. Sleeping in the town lets you take the first bus and see the citadel at sunrise. In addition, you avoid the rush of a round-trip day. Our Machu Picchu 2 days and 1 night program includes the train, a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the bus and a guide, from $459.
First you visit the Sacred Valley on the way to the station. If you want to plan that part better, see the Sacred Valley in one day.
What does a typical day by train look like?
A typical day starts early. First you are picked up and taken to the Ollantaytambo station. Then you ride the train to Aguas Calientes, where you take the bus to the citadel. There you take the guided tour and, after that, you have free time to explore at your own pace. Finally you go down to the town, have lunch and return by train.
For that reason, book your entry time and your train time early. If the schedules do not match, you lose hours in Aguas Calientes. Also remember that your ticket has an entry time, so do not arrive at the last minute.
What mistakes should you avoid when planning the trip?
Many travelers make the same mistakes. These are the most common:
- Buying the train without having the citadel ticket.
- Choosing a train time that leaves no time for the visit.
- Leaving the Inca Trail booking for just a few weeks before the trip.
- Arriving in Cusco and starting to hike the same day, without acclimatizing.
- Bringing large suitcases: the train has luggage limits, so check the company’s policy.
On the other hand, if you travel with children or older adults, choose the train or the two-day route. They are options without heavy physical effort and with more room to rest.
What should you bring on the day of the visit?
Bring only what you need, because there are bag checks at the citadel. You need your original passport, your ticket printed or on your phone, water and sunscreen. In addition, add a light poncho, since the weather changes fast between morning and afternoon.
So travel with a small backpack. If your trip lasts several days, leave the rest of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
When should you go to Machu Picchu and how do you prepare?
The dry season, from May to September, has less rain and more visitors. For that reason, book ahead. To choose the month, read the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Altitude matters too. Cusco sits above 3,300 m and Aguas Calientes at 2,040 m. Sleep one or two nights in Cusco before you start. More tips in how to acclimatize to altitude. To plan your visit, also see the official Machu Picchu website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get to Machu Picchu?
The train from Ollantaytambo, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to Aguas Calientes. From there, the bus climbs to the citadel in about 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu?
The road route to Hidroeléctrica and a walk of about three hours. Our Machu Picchu by Road tour starts from $129.
Is there a road to Machu Picchu?
Not all the way to the citadel. The road reaches Hidroeléctrica. From there you walk to Aguas Calientes, and a bus climbs from the town.
Do I need a ticket before I travel?
Yes. Buy your ticket in advance on the official portal of the Ministry of Culture, because spots sell out in high season.
Can I get to Machu Picchu from Cusco in a single day?
Yes, by train or by road, although it is a long day. Sleeping in Aguas Calientes lets you enter early and avoids the rush.
