Exploring Machu Picchu: The Post-Bus Hike Explained

Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but getting there can be complicated and stressful. There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu, including hiking, taking a bus, or taking a train. If you are hiking the Classic Inca Trail, it is important to book well in advance as hiking permits are limited to 500 trekkers per day. The Classic Inca Trail is a 4-day hike that covers 43km and often includes steep climbs. If you are taking a bus, you can get one from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes and costs about $10 one way and $20 return. If you are taking the train, there are two companies that offer services to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes 30 minutes

The bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is called a colectivo. Colectivos are coaches that seat up to 16 people and have no set fare, timetable, or departure time. Instead, you share the cost of the ride with your fellow passengers, and the bus generally departs when full (every 20 to 30 minutes) between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm. The journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes about 2 hours.

From Ollantaytambo, you will take a train to Aguas Calientes. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you can either hike or take a bus up to Machu Picchu. The bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes 30 minutes, and there is a bus departing every 10 minutes from 5:30 am to 5:30 pm. You can buy your bus tickets from the ticket booth near the departure area.

If you opt to hike, it will take approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, and it is around 9.5 kilometres.

The bus costs $10 one-way and $20 return

The bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is the last leg of the journey to the Inca City. The bus terminal is just a few steps from the train station, where the train trip from Cusco ends. The bus journey is ascending for approximately 30 minutes and costs $10 one-way and $20 return. The first bus to Machu Picchu leaves at 5:30 a.m. and the last bus leaves at 3:30 p.m.

The bus ride to Machu Picchu lasts approximately 30 minutes. The outward route is uphill on the slopes of a mountain. At the top is the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. The return journey is downhill and also takes around 30 minutes. The final stop is near the train rails of the town of Aguas Calientes, just a few steps from the train station.

The bus service from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu offers a variety of benefits. By obtaining the bus ticket, you get personalised assistance, the cheapest prices, payment facilities and security during the purchase process. The entire purchase process is online. You can pay with Visa, MasterCard or other cards. At the end, the ticket will arrive directly to your email.

The bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is a comfortable and safe way to travel. The buses are spacious, with comfortable seats and respect the speed limit. All protection measures are met for a completely safe trip.

There is a bus every 10-15 minutes from 5:30 am

If you're looking to hike to Machu Picchu, there are a few different options for getting there. One popular option is to take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The good news is that there is a bus departing every 10-15 minutes from 5:30 am, so you won't have to wait long to start your journey. The buses depart near Plaza Principal in Aguas Calientes and arrive at the official tourist entrance to Machu Picchu.

Keep in mind that queues for the buses can form as early as 5:00 am during the peak season. The cost of a one-way ticket is usually around $10, while a return ticket is about $20. It's recommended to buy your ticket in advance, especially if you're visiting during peak times. You can purchase tickets in Aguas Calientes or at Machu Picchu if you only need a one-way ticket back.

If you're looking for a more scenic and comfortable option to get to Machu Picchu, you might consider taking the train. The train journey is truly spectacular, taking you through lush rainforests and the towering Andes mountains. The train departs from either Poroy or Ollantaytambo, depending on the season, as the train in Poroy doesn't run during the rainy season (January to April). Combo tickets are available that include a bus from Cusco to either Poroy or Ollantaytambo.

There are two train companies that operate services to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both companies offer similar standards and travel times, with a variety of classes to choose from. The main difference is their departure times, so be sure to check their websites when planning your trip.

The train journey from Poroy to Machu Picchu takes about three hours, while the journey from Ollantaytambo takes about one hour and forty minutes. Once you arrive at Aguas Calientes, you can either hike up to Machu Picchu or take the bus. The hike can be challenging due to the many stairs and steep climb, so it's important to consider your fitness level.

Whether you choose to take the bus or the train to Machu Picchu, remember to give yourself enough time to purchase tickets and budget for any additional costs. Both options offer a unique and memorable experience, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and enjoy your journey to this incredible destination!

Queues for the bus can be long, so plan accordingly

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that there are alternative options to reach Machu Picchu if you prefer to avoid the potential queues for the bus. One option is to hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. The hike covers a distance of around 9.5 kilometres (5.9 miles) and offers unimpeded views of the ruins. If you choose to hike, ensure that you are well-prepared with suitable footwear, hydration, snacks, and sun protection, as the hike can be challenging.

Furthermore, if you are travelling from Cusco to Machu Picchu, there are various transport options available, including bus, train, organised tour, or self-drive. All these options will first take you to the town of Ollantaytambo, from where you can board a train to Aguas Calientes. By planning your journey in advance and considering the potential queue times, you can ensure a smoother travel experience to Machu Picchu.

You can buy bus tickets in Aguas Calientes or at Machu Picchu

There is only one company that sells tickets for this route, Consettur. Their ticket office in Aguas Calientes is located at Av. Hermanos Ayar S/N, before the Puente Ruinas, and is open from 5 am to 9 pm, seven days a week. Tickets can also be purchased at the entrance gate to the Inca City.

During the high tourist season (June, July, and August), long queues often form in Aguas Calientes for bus tickets. Tickets can also be purchased in person at two other locations in Cusco:

• Av. Infancia 433 – Wanchaq – From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Av. El Sol 380 – Banco Interbank – From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets can also be purchased online via the Consettur website or through a tourism agency.

The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 30 minutes, and the return journey is around 25 minutes. Buses depart every 10 minutes, or every 5 minutes during busy morning periods. The first bus leaves at 5:30 am and the last bus leaves at 3:30 pm.

Frequently asked questions