Derek Montoya
Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is located in Peru. It is only accessible by train or on foot. The train journey to Machu Picchu is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world, taking travellers through stunning landscapes, from mountains to rainforests. The journey begins in either Poroy or Ollantaytambo, with the former not operating during the rainy season from January to April. The train ride takes three hours from Poroy and one hour and forty minutes from Ollantaytambo to reach Aguas Calientes, the small town located at the base of Machu Picchu. From there, visitors can either choose to hike up to Machu Picchu or take a shuttle bus, which takes around thirty-five to forty minutes.
What You'll Learn
Machu Picchu by bus from Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca site, is accessible by bus from Aguas Calientes. The bus ride takes about 35 to 40 minutes. The main bus stop in Aguas Calientes is located on Avenida Hermoas Ayer, close to the train station and within a 5-minute walk of any tourist hotel in the village. The shuttle bus operates with no set departure times and simply leaves when it is full. During peak times, shuttle buses depart every 10 minutes, while in the afternoon, waiting times are longer, and departures occur every 15 to 20 minutes.
The bus ride offers beautiful views as it follows the main Urubamba River for about a mile before crossing the river and ascending the mountain to Machu Picchu. The bus terminates outside the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, a few meters from the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Tickets for the bus can be purchased in Aguas Calientes and cost $12 each way. It is recommended to consider the timing and potential queues when buying tickets. Additionally, tickets must be purchased with cash and a photo ID.
Taking the bus is one of three main ways to visit Machu Picchu, with the other options being by train or hiking. The train journey offers a comfortable and scenic ride, while hiking provides a challenging but rewarding experience.
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Machu Picchu by train from Cusco
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca site located in southern Peru, about 50 miles northwest of Cusco. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in South America and the most visited tourist attraction in Peru. Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco by train is a popular option for travellers. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get to Machu Picchu by train from Cusco.
The Train Journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu
The train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu is a spectacular and unforgettable experience. The trip offers stunning views of Peru's landscapes, including lush rainforests and the towering Andes mountain range. The train ride takes about three hours from Poroy or one hour and forty minutes from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the base of Machu Picchu. It is important to note that the train does not run directly from Cusco to Machu Picchu due to the steep hills surrounding Cusco.
Train Stations and Schedules
The train journey to Machu Picchu usually starts from either Poroy or Ollantaytambo, depending on the season. During the rainy or low season (January to April), the train from Poroy does not operate. Combo tickets are available from Cusco, which include a bus ride to either Poroy or Ollantaytambo. It is recommended to check the schedules and book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Train Companies and Classes
There are two main train companies operating services to Machu Picchu: Inca Rail and Peru Rail. Both companies offer similar standards of service and travel time. They provide three classes of tickets: Expedition/Voyager, Vistadome/360°, and First Class/Private Experience. The main differences lie in the amenities, window sizes, and entertainment offered. Be sure to compare the offerings and choose the option that best suits your preferences and budget.
Buying Train Tickets
You can purchase train tickets online from the official websites of Inca Rail and Peru Rail. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during high season, as tickets can sell out quickly. The train tickets do not include the bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, so you will need to budget for that separately.
From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Once you arrive at Aguas Calientes by train, you have the option to walk up to Machu Picchu or take the shuttle bus. The walk involves many stairs and a steep climb, while the shuttle bus ride takes about 35-40 minutes. The shuttle bus departs from Avenida Hermoas Ayer in Aguas Calientes, near the train station, and costs $12 each way. Tickets for the shuttle bus can be purchased at the bus stop or outside the Machu Picchu citadel.
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Machu Picchu by train from Ollantaytambo
Machu Picchu is a spectacular ancient Inca site nestled in the mountains of Peru. Getting there is part of the adventure, and there are several ways to approach the site, each with its pros and cons. One of the most popular routes is the scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo, which takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Here is a detailed guide to help you plan your trip to Machu Picchu by train from Ollantaytambo.
Planning Your Journey
Before embarking on your journey, it is essential to book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak season. You can choose between two train companies, Inca Rail and Peru Rail, both offering similar standards of service and prices. Keep in mind that the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu does not operate during the rainy season, which usually lasts from January to April. During this period, the train departs from Poroy, which is closer to Cusco.
The Train Journey
The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is an experience in itself. As you leave the station, you will be treated to stunning views of the Peruvian landscape. The journey takes you through small villages and across incredible landscapes, gradually transitioning from mountains to lush rainforest as you approach your destination. The entire trip takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, and you will disembark at Aguas Calientes, a small town at the base of Machu Picchu.
From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Once you arrive at Aguas Calientes, you have two options to reach Machu Picchu. You can choose to hike up, which takes about an hour but involves climbing many stairs and a steep climb. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus for a more relaxed approach. The shuttle bus ride takes around 35 to 40 minutes and offers beautiful views along the way. The bus departs from Avenida Hermoas Ayer in Aguas Calientes, near the train station, and within a 5-minute walk of any tourist hotel in the village.
Tickets and Costs
The train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu varies in price depending on the class of service you choose. Both Inca Rail and Peru Rail offer three classes: Expedition or Voyager, Vistadome or 360°, and First Class or Private Experience. The standard options, Expedition and Voyager, provide comfortable seating, large windows, and informative commentary during the journey. The more luxurious options include additional perks such as free drinks, snacks, and cultural performances on board.
The shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu costs $12 each way, and tickets can be purchased at the bus stop or in advance online. Keep in mind that there are no official ticket sales websites, and tickets must be bought in person at authorised locations in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
When to Go
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from April to October, as the rainy season can make the journey more challenging and increase the risk of landslides. However, this is also the peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy more affordable prices, consider visiting during the shoulder season, such as June or August.
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Machu Picchu by bus and train from Cusco
Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas", is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, about 80km northwest of Cusco. The site is only accessible by bus or train, with no direct route by car.
By Bus
The bus ride to Machu Picchu from Cusco is the cheapest way to travel. There are two options: using a tour company, or doing it yourself. Tour companies offer a more direct route and more comfortable buses, but it is more expensive. The only "direct" buses from Cusco to Machu Picchu are run by these companies. Doing it yourself involves taking a combi or bus to Santa Teresa, and then a combi (a shared taxi) to Hidroelectrica. From Hidroelectrica, it is a 10km walk to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, which takes between two and three hours. This route is cheaper but more dangerous, with thin and poorly maintained roads.
By Train
The train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu is a spectacular trip through stunning Peruvian landscapes, including lush rainforest and the towering Andes mountains. The trip begins in either Poroy or Ollantaytambo, with combo tickets available to and from Cusco which include a bus from the station in Cusco to either Poroy or Ollantaytambo. The train does not run directly from Cusco due to the steep hills surrounding the city. The train journey takes three hours from Poroy or 1 hour and 40 minutes from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. From there, you can either walk up to Machu Picchu or take a shuttle bus.
By Foot
It is also possible to hike to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is a four-day hike that is often regarded as one of the top five hikes in the world. The classic Inca Trail trek is 42km and reaches an altitude of 4,200m. It passes through the Andes and various archaeological sites before reaching the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu.
Practical Information
Machu Picchu is a popular destination, with numbers of visitors exceeding 1.5 million in 2019. Only 2,500 tickets are available for the citadel each day, so it is important to book in advance. Tickets can be purchased online or in person in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. Foreign adult return tickets for the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu cost $19, with single tickets at $10.
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Machu Picchu by Inca Trail
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a world-famous hiking trail that takes trekkers along a segment of the historic routes built by the Incas in the Andes Mountains. The trail is considered the best hiking route in Peru and one of the best in the world. It is the only route to Machu Picchu that allows travellers to observe hidden archaeological sites.
There are several options for hiking the Inca Trail, with tours ranging from 2 to 7 days. The "classic Inca Trail" is a 26-mile trail typically completed in 4 days and 3 nights of camping. The trail includes 39 kilometres of original Inca construction and various microclimates, from Alpine tundra to jungle-like settings. The highest point on the trail is Dead Woman's Pass, at 4,215 metres above sea level.
The 4-day trek starts in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the community of Piscacucho, and ends at the Sun Gate, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Along the way, trekkers pass through numerous archaeological sites, including Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna. The trail offers some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable, with views of towering mountains, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife.
To hike the Inca Trail, it is necessary to book through an approved tour provider as the Peruvian government limits the number of people who can access the trail daily to 500. Booking in advance is crucial as permits tend to sell out months ahead. It is also important to arrive early in Cusco to acclimatise to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a challenging yet rewarding experience, offering trekkers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the Incas while enjoying the stunning natural surroundings.
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Frequently asked questions
The bus journey from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes between 25 and 40 minutes.
The bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu costs $12 each way, or $24 return. Tickets for children are $6 each way, or $10 return.
The bus stop in Aguas Calientes is located on Avenida Hermoas Ayer, close to the train station and within a 5-minute walk of any tourist hotel in the village.
