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Machu Picchu is one of the most astonishing destinations in the world, and there are several ways to get there. Whether you prefer the train, bus, a challenging hike, or even private transportation, there are options to suit all tastes. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to reach Machu Picchu so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
What are the transportation options for getting to Machu Picchu?
When planning your trip to Machu Picchu, it’s essential to know the different transportation options available to reach this impressive destination. Whether you prefer the comfort of a train ride or the adventure of a hike, understanding your choices can help you plan the perfect journey.
For those who love trekking, the Inca Trail 4 Days is a popular option that combines stunning scenery with the thrill of reaching Machu Picchu on foot. Alternatively, you can opt for a train journey with PeruRail or IncaRail, both offering various services from economical to luxurious. If you’re looking for a mix of comfort and adventure, you can also consider combining a bus ride with a scenic walk from Hidroeléctrica. Here we explain the most common alternatives so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Train
The train is the most popular and comfortable way to get to Machu Picchu. There are several companies that operate tourist trains from different starting points:
From Cusco: The Poroy station is located about 20 minutes by taxi from the center of Cusco. From here, you can take a direct train to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours.
From Ollantaytambo: This station is located in the Sacred Valley, a 1.5-hour drive from Cusco. Trains from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes take around 1.5 hours.
The main railway companies offering this service are PeruRail and IncaRail. Both offer different types of tickets, from economical options to luxurious panoramic trains with meal service.
Hiking
For adventurers, a hike to Machu Picchu can be an unforgettable experience. There are several hiking routes, with the most well-known being:
Inca Trail: It’s the most famous route and requires a four-day, three-night hike. It’s recommended to book several months in advance due to high demand.
Salkantay Trek: This more challenging alternative lasts five days and passes through stunning mountain landscapes.
Inca Jungle Trek: A four-day route that combines biking, hiking, and adventure sports.
These routes require proper physical preparation and are ideal for those who want to experience immersive nature in Peru.
Bus and Hike
Another more economical option is to combine a bus trip with a short hike:
From Cusco to Hidroeléctrica: You can take a bus from Cusco to the Hidroeléctrica station, a journey of approximately 6 hours. From there, a 2 to 3-hour hike along the train tracks takes you to Aguas Calientes.
How to get to Machu Picchu by train?
Traveling by train to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular and comfortable ways to reach this magical destination. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious experience or a more budget-friendly option, the train journey offers stunning views and a relaxing ride. For those who prefer a shorter hiking experience, the Inca Trail 2 Days is a great alternative that allows you to combine a brief trek with the convenience of the train. Here we explain everything you need to know to plan your train journey to this wonder of the world.
Train Options
There are two main companies that operate tourist trains to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and IncaRail. Both offer various services and levels of comfort to suit different budgets and preferences.
From Cusco (Poroy Station)
The Poroy train station is about 20 minutes by taxi from the center of Cusco. Trains from Poroy will take you directly to Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. This journey takes approximately 3.5 hours and offers stunning views of the Andean landscapes.
PeruRail: It offers several services, from the Expedition, which is an economical option, to the luxurious Hiram Bingham, which includes gourmet meals and live entertainment.
IncaRail: It also provides diverse options, from The Voyager train, more accessible, to First Class, with spacious seats and first-class service.
From Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is another popular starting point, especially if you are exploring the Sacred Valley. The Ollantaytambo station is a 1.5-hour drive from Cusco, and the train journey from here to Aguas Calientes takes about 1.5 hours.
PeruRail: It offers services similar to those from Poroy, but trains are usually more frequent, and schedules more varied.
IncaRail: It also operates trains from Ollantaytambo with a full range of options, ensuring you find one that suits your needs.
What to expect on the train journey?
Traveling by train to Machu Picchu is an experience in itself. The carriages are designed to maximize comfort and view. Some trains have panoramic glass roofs that allow you to enjoy the mountains and rivers as you head to your destination. Additionally, both PeruRail and IncaRail offer snacks and drinks during the journey.
How to buy tickets
It is advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially in high season (from May to September). You can purchase them on the PeruRail and IncaRail websites, at their offices in Cusco, or through travel agencies. Make sure to bring a printed or digital copy of your tickets and an identification document on the day of your trip.
What are the bus alternatives to Machu Picchu?
If you’re looking for a more economical or adventurous way to get to Machu Picchu, the bus is an excellent option. Here we explain the different bus alternatives that will take you to this iconic destination.
Bus from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica
One of the most popular routes to get to Machu Picchu by bus is to travel from Cusco to the Hidroeléctrica station. This option is ideal for travelers looking for a combination of transportation and adventure.
Itinerary
Departure from Cusco: Buses depart early in the morning from different points in Cusco. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.
Route: The bus passes through the Sacred Valley, crossing spectacular landscapes and ascending mountain roads.
Arrival at Hidroeléctrica: Upon arriving at Hidroeléctrica, you’ll have to walk for about 2 to 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu.
Bus from Ollantaytambo to Hidroeléctrica
Another alternative is to take a bus from Ollantaytambo to Hidroeléctrica. This option is convenient if you are already exploring the Sacred Valley and prefer to reduce travel time compared to the route from Cusco.
Departure from Ollantaytambo: Buses depart regularly from the center of Ollantaytambo.
Route: This journey is shorter than from Cusco and also offers stunning views of the Andes.
Arrival at Hidroeléctrica: Like from Cusco, upon arriving at Hidroeléctrica, you’ll need to walk 2 to 3 hours to Aguas Calientes.
Local Buses in Aguas Calientes
Once in Aguas Calientes, there are local bus services that take you directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu. These buses operate from early in the morning until late afternoon and depart every 15-20 minutes.
Travel duration: The journey from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 30 minutes.
Tickets: You can purchase tickets in the town of Aguas Calientes itself, and it is advisable to do so in advance, especially in high season.
Benefits and considerations
Traveling by bus to Machu Picchu is an economical option and allows you to enjoy the Andean landscapes in a closer way. However, it’s essential to consider that the hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Is it possible to reach Machu Picchu on foot?
Yes, it is entirely possible to reach Machu Picchu on foot, and in fact, it’s one of the most thrilling and adventurous ways to reach this wonder of the world.
Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is the most famous hiking route to Machu Picchu. This hike is an unforgettable experience that takes you through breathtaking landscapes, archaeological sites, and stunning nature.
Duration: The classic hike lasts four days and three nights.
Distance: Approximately 43 kilometers.
Difficulty level: Moderate to high. It requires good physical condition and acclimatization to the altitude.
Reservations: It’s necessary to book several months in advance due to high demand and access restrictions imposed to protect the trail.
Salkantay Trek
For those seeking a less crowded alternative, the Salkantay Trek is an excellent choice. This route offers spectacular views of Mount Salkantay and diverse landscapes from tropical jungle to snow-capped mountains.
Duration: Five days and four nights.
Distance: Approximately 72 kilometers.
Difficulty level: High. It’s a demanding route that requires good physical preparation.
Highlights: Includes the Humantay Lagoon and panoramic views of Mount Salkantay.
Inca Jungle Trek
The Inca Jungle Trek is a unique option that combines hiking with adventure activities such as biking and rafting. It’s perfect for those seeking a diverse and exciting experience.
Duration: Four days and three nights.
Distance: Varies depending on the activities but includes several kilometers of hiking.
Difficulty level: Moderate. Ideal for those seeking a combination of activities.
Highlights: Mountain biking, rafting, and thermal baths in Cocalmayo.
Hidroeléctrica Route
The Hidroeléctrica route is an economical and accessible alternative to reach Machu Picchu on foot. It combines a bus trip with a relatively straightforward hike.
Bus journey duration: Approximately 6 hours from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica.
Hike duration: 2 to 3 hours along the train tracks from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
Difficulty level: Low to moderate. It’s a flat and well-marked hike.
Highlights: Hiking alongside the Urubamba River and lush landscapes.
What private transportation options are there to reach Machu Picchu?
If you’re looking for a comfortable and personalized way to reach Machu Picchu, opting for private transportation can be the best choice. Here we explain the different private transportation alternatives that will take you to this magical destination.
Private Driver Service
Hiring a private driver is an excellent option if you prefer to travel with more comfort and flexibility. This service allows you to adjust your itinerary according to your needs and enjoy a more relaxed journey.
From Cusco to Ollantaytambo: A private driver can pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. This journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Ollantaytambo, you can take a train to Machu Picchu.
From Cusco to Hidroeléctrica: Another option is for the driver to take you directly from Cusco to the Hidroeléctrica station, a journey that takes around 6 hours. From there, you can walk 2 to 3 hours to Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu.
Private Taxis
Private taxis offer a flexible and fast alternative to travel to different starting points for Machu Picchu. It’s possible to hire a taxi for direct trips or even for personalized tours.
From Cusco to Poroy: You can take a private taxi from the center of Cusco to the train station in Poroy, which takes about 20 minutes. From Poroy, trains will take you directly to Machu Picchu.
From Ollantaytambo to Hidroeléctrica: If you are already in the Sacred Valley, you can hire a taxi to take you from Ollantaytambo to Hidroeléctrica, reducing travel time and allowing you to enjoy the Andean landscape.
How to combine different means of transportation to reach Machu Picchu?
Reaching Machu Picchu can be an exciting adventure if you decide to combine different means of transportation. Here we show you the options and how you can mix them to create a tailor-made trip.
Combination of Bus and Train
One of the most popular ways to reach Machu Picchu is to combine a bus trip with a train journey. This method allows you to enjoy different landscapes and experiences on a single trip.
From Cusco to Ollantaytambo by bus: You can take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. This journey allows you to explore the Sacred Valley and enjoy stunning views.
From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes by train: From Ollantaytambo, board a train operated by PeruRail or IncaRail that will take you to Aguas Calientes in about 1.5 hours. Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu, and from here, you can take a local bus directly to the archaeological site.
Combination of Private Vehicle and Hike
If you prefer a more adventurous experience, you can combine a private vehicle with a hike.
From Cusco to Hidroeléctrica by private vehicle: Hire a private driver or rent a vehicle and drive from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica, a journey that takes approximately 6 hours. This route offers panoramic views of the Andes and allows you to stop at various points of interest along the way.
From Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes on foot: Once in Hidroeléctrica, start a 2 to 3-hour hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. This hike is relatively flat and offers beautiful landscapes of the Peruvian jungle.
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