There is no doubt that Machu Picchu is a must-see stop on your trip to Peru, and it is not every day that you are lucky enough to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the modern World.
However, getting to Machu Picchu is an adventure in itself, so we recommend dusting off your trekking shoes and packing your favorite waterproof jacket because there is a path full of incredible landscapes and architectural works in an environment that will leave you breathless.
If you come from abroad, the first thing you need to know is that Machu Picchu is located in the department of Cusco, one hour and twenty minutes away by plane from Lima, the capital of the country.
Once you are in Cusco, the real journey to the Inca Citadel begins, which you can take advantage of depending on the time you have.
Route to Machu Picchu by train from Cusco
If you come from abroad, you will arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru. In Lima, at the same airport where you will arrive, Jorge Chavez Airport, you will have to take a plane to Cusco which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. You will arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, which is 20 minutes from the Plaza de Armas. Visit our blog for details and recommendations.
To get to the Machu Picchu Citadel, the wonder of the world, you must follow the following steps:
1. Buy your train tickets through our website at incarail.com or also at our ticket offices.
2. You must arrive at Av. El Sol 843 (block 6) in Cusco to take the bimodal bus to the Ollantaytambo train station. (1.5 hours)
3. At the Ollantaytambo train station, you will board the train you chose to travel on. (1.5 hours) to the Machu Picchu Pueblo train station.
4. There, you will have to take the Consettur bus that will take you to the Citadel (approximately 30 minutes away).
What do you need to enter the Citadel?
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu
- Consettur bus, which will take you from the Machu Picchu Pueblo train station to the Citadel.
- Certified guide
- Guarantee your entrance to Machu Picchu at the time of your convenience before it sells out.
Make your trip easier and buy it on our website, through the Inca Rail All-Inclusive, and arrive with everything organized and safe. Take advantage of your time to get to know and enjoy your trip, instead of waiting in lines and risking not finding tickets!
Here you will find: Machu Picchu tickets and Certified Guide.
Why take the Bimodal Service?
Security
Your safety is the most important thing for us, for this reason we put our private buses at your disposal for your transfer.
Practicality
Buy your train ticket to Machu Picchu with us and forget about coordinating additional transfers.
Other ways to get to and visit Machu Picchu
In addition to traveling to Machu Picchu on your own (via the train route from Ollantaytambo) there are other ways to get to and visit the Inca City:
Travel with an organized tour – Tours to Machu Picchu include transportation from Cusco (by bus and train) as well as the entrance ticket to the Inca City. The costs are higher than traveling on your own but the tourist avoids the hassle of organizing the trip.
Travel by the ‘Hydroelectric’ route – This is the most economical way to get to Machu Picchu. However, it takes much longer compared to the train trip from Ollantaytambo. The route starts from Cusco to the Hydroelectric power station (6 hours by bus). From there you take a train (30 minutes) or walk to the town of Aguas Calientes (2 hours).
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – This is the hiking route that the Incas took to get to Machu Picchu. It lasts 4 days, 3 nights and covers approximately 39 kilometers. On the last day, you reach the Inca City through the ‘Sun Gate’. It is considered one of the best hiking routes in the world.
Salkantay Trek – This is an extreme hiking route because it crosses high altitude landscapes such as the ‘Salkantay Pass (4,650 m.a.s.l.). It lasts 5 days, 4 nights and covers approximately 65 kilometers. On the last day, you reach Machu Picchu by bus from the town of Aguas Calientes.
Questions and answers about the trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu
1) How long does the trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu take?
There are three ways to get to Machu Picchu: with the Inca Trail (4 days), with the alternative route via Hydroelectric (8 hours) and with the train trip (4 hours). The latter is the fastest, safest and most used route by travelers.
2) Can I take the train directly from the city of Cusco?
Yes, there are approximately three train services a day in the city of Cusco. The trip to the final station of Aguas Calientes takes approximately 4 hours. However, due to the low frequency of departures, tourists prefer to take their train at the Ollantaytambo station.
3) Can I walk from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu?
While it is possible to walk this stretch, not many tourists decide to do so due to the difficulty and distance (more than 1 day of walking). The best option for an adventurous and cheap trip is to choose the route via Hidroeléctrica.
4) What is the local train? Can I take it?
The local train is a non-tourist service available only to Peruvians and, above all, to residents of the towns near Machu Picchu. The cost of the trip is only 12 soles per section.
5) Can I walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
Yes, this route is only 8 kilometers on foot. However, since the route is uphill on hundreds of stone steps, it is best to take the bus. Traveling by bus takes 30 minutes. Going up on foot, 2 hours or more.
6) What is the cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu?
The cheapest route is definitely the one that goes through the Hydroelectric Power Plant through the jungle of Cusco. On average this route to Machu Picchu can cost from 20 to 30 dollars.
7) Where can I buy train tickets?
Train tickets can be purchased online through the Peru Rail and Inca Rail websites. They can also be purchased at train stations or authorized offices in Cusco.
8) Where should I take the public buses from Cusco to Ollantaytambo?
The buses leave from Pavitos Street located in the historic center of Cusco. You can get there by taxi or on foot. The trip to Ollantaytambo takes 10 soles and lasts almost 2 hours.
9) How much does the trip to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric Power Plant cost?
This route is economical as it costs between 10 to 20 dollars per person.
10) How to make the trip to Machu Picchu by the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu is protected by the Peruvian State. Therefore, only tourists who book a tour through a travel agency can travel these trails. Agencies are the ones who manage permits for tourists.
