The Incas definitely wanted to build Machu Picchu as close as possible to the Empire capital, Cusco. But why does it take too long to get to the Inca citadel? The location and the vastness of the country in which it is can be the answer.
Machu Picchu is on the tropical cloud forest, in the Peruvian jungle, at 42 miles northwest of Cusco. Besides, the Vilcanota river, dense and rugged jungle surrounds it. As if that were not enough, the Inca citadel is on the top of a mountain at 2430 meters above sea level.
Happily, there are 3 ways to go from Cusco to Machu Picchu: such as by train, by car, and by walking. Each one specialized for the traditional, modern, and adventure traveler.
Thus, with the help of the Machu Travel Peru team, we detailed 3 forms of access to the magical Inca citadel. So, travel to Machu Picchu from Cusco is very easy if you know these three options very well!
Everything you need to know to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Overview
Before planning a trip to Machu Picchu, take note of the following. All transportation types from Cusco have Machu Picchu town as their final destination. Aguas Calientes, the other name of the town, is on the Machu Picchu mountain botton. And it hosts the train station.
From Aguas Calientes, you can hike Machu Picchu mountain by 1 hour to get to the archaeological site entrance. You’ll need another hour to go back downhill.
Or you can take a CONSETTUR bus from Aguas Calientes and head to the park entrance (30 minute trip). The buses depart every 5 minutes, round trip.
There is an exception. The Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek allow you to go directly to the Inca citadel without passing through the town. If you realize these treks, you can even pass by the Inca Bridge or Huayna Picchu mountain.
With this in mind, let’s see the different types of transportation from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
By train
The train to Machu Picchu is the oldest and most traditional way to get to Aguas Calientes. The journey assures a variety of beautiful landscapes in the Peruvian Andes and jungles. During the trip, you can also appreciate the impressive Peruvian flora and fauna of the zone.
Cusco has two companies that provide the service of the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. Both offer a good level of tourist service. These are Peru Rail and Inca Rail.
A. Peru Rail
Peru Rail’s trains can depart from San Pedro train station (in the same Cusco city). From Poroy train station (1 hour northwest Cusco). Or from Ollantaytambo train station (2 hours northwest Cusco, in the Sacred Valley).
The company has many train schedules per day and 3 different classes of services. From the most economical to the most luxurious:
- The Expedition train has comfortable, cushioned seats and long windows at the sides. These allow passengers to appreciate the beautiful landscapes better during the route. In addition, the carriages have tables between seats, background music, and audio with tourist information. The cost of a round trip per person is approximately $120.00.
- The Vistadome train has the same services and characteristics as the Expeditions trains. The difference is the addition of parades of alpaca garments and cultural representation of the live “Saqra” dance. Without mentioning snacks and all these onboard! The cost of a round trip per person is approximately $170.00.
- The Hiram Bingham resembles the luxurious old British Pullman trains of the 1920s. A welcome drink before the board, gourmet brunch on the outward trip, gourmet dinner on the return trip, open bar, live Andean music by a band, and an observatory car. The service includes a special bus from Aguas Calientes to Archeological Park round trip, a tour guide per 10 passengers, and entrances to Machu Picchu. Without mentioning the 5-star hotel service onboard and a te party in the afternoon in the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. It is the only hotel in a reserved area, on the same top of the mountain where Machu Picchu is. The cost of a round trip per person is $999.00 approx.
B. Inca Rail
Otherwise, Inca Rail’s wagons depart only from the train station of Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. It is 2 hours northwest of Cusco, in the same Sacred Valley. The Inca Rail train tickets to Machu Picchu will depend on the train class the visitor chooses.
- The 360° trains are contemporary, featuring plush, spacious seating, tables interspersed, and expansive windows on both sides. It offers refreshments onboard and USB outlets for charging mobile devices. Additionally, there is a viewing car where passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes and the Peruvian rainforest. The cost of a round trip per person is approximately $115.00.
- The Voyager train has the same features as the 360º trains. It also has background music, snacks, and drinks for sale. Additionally, it features a traditional Andean-themed play called “Ollantay” performed onboard. The cost of a round trip per person is $130.00 approx.
- The Premium & Lounge consists of spacious dining cars plus a bar/lounge wagon. The seats and windows are padded and large, respectively. You can also relax on charming balconies with stunning views of the Andean landscapes. The service covers all snacks and drinks on board. In addition, you can order delicious meals from the menu. you can listen to live Andean music. The price goes around $250.00 approx.
- The First Class allows you to relax in comfortable seating with tables and large windows. Enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch while listening to traditional Andean music. The First Class also has a lounge bar where you can unwind. Don’t miss the theatrical performance based on the Ollantay Drama. Besides, there is an exclusive bus that takes passengers to Machu Picchu. The cost of a round trip per person is approximately $950.00.
C. Bimodal service
The bimodal service is useful to those people who want to get fast to Machu Picchu. The speed of the train ride in both companies is low given that they are remodeled trains.
This service consists of a trip by bus and a trip by train. In the case of Peru Rail, buses depart from Wanchaq Train Station. After a bus trip of 2 hours, the passengers make a transfer to the train at Ollantaytambo station.
Or, after a 1-hour bus trip, you´ll be able to make a transfer to a train at the Poroy station. Develop the same modality for the return.
In the case of Inca Rail, all its buses depart from its office on Sol Avenue 615, heading to Ollantaytambo. From this station, the passenger makes a transfer to the Inca Rail trains and heads to Machu Picchu.
By car
You can travel from Cusco to Santa Teresa town, which is 204 kilometers away, by private car or public bus. The car trip takes about 5 hours. After, tourists need to take another 30-minute ride by car from Santa Teresa to reach “The Hydroelectric” train station.
From there, they can continue on to Aguas Calientes by local train, which is not a tourist service. The train trip lasts 45 minutes. Undoubtedly, this is the cheapest Machu Picchu trip cost, despite taking longer to get there.
From “The Hydroelectric” train station, tourists can also start a 3-hour trek along the railways to Aguas Calientes.
Returning to Cusco is only by train.
By walking
1. Inca Trail
4 days and 3 nights. Imagine walking the same path the Incas used centuries ago to reach Machu Picchu. Well, this journey assures you that you will have the same experience the Inca explorers once had.
The Inca Trail allows only 500 visitors per day. To secure a spot, you must book through a local authorized travel agency at least 6 months in advance. The government doesn’t allow hiking the trail independently.
The route begins at 84 km, in the middle of the railway from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. To disembark, you must present special permission to the train staff (provided by the authorized travel agency).
Once you reach 84 km, you will begin your trek at 4224 meters above sea level. The stunning Andean and jungle scenery will surround you.
There is another option, which is to begin at 104 km. This is a more relaxed Inca Trail and lasts only 1 day!
Additionally, you will uncover enchanting Inca ruins near Machu Picchu. You will enjoy seeing the native plants and animals on your trip. Finally, the end of the hike is the entering Machu Picchu citadel. Of course, check the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
2. Salkantay Trek
4 days and 3 nights. Among the new best things to do in Cusco surroundings, the Salkantay Trek should never be missing from your list. The trek begins in the Soraypampa camp zone, located 122 km northwest of Cusco in the Mollepata district.
You only need normal transportation (car, van, minivan, or bus) to get there and begin the adventure! In the same way, you don’t need to sign up or register in advance to take this route. You can also go on the trek alone. However, we recommend contacting a local tour operator or guide before starting the trek.
The path goes around the snowy Salkantay mountain at 6264 m.a.s.l, passing through Andean, jungle, and glacier landscapes. Visitors will walk on rocks, mud, grass, and snow all in one walk! You will see unique plants and animals in the different Andes, Jungle, and Glacier climates. In addition, the route finishes in the same Machu Picchu citadel.
3. Inca Jungle Trek
4 days and 3 nights. The Inca Trail hikes are reserved for travelers with adventurous souls. Visitors can enjoy cycling, hiking, white-water rafting, zip-lining, and relaxing in Santa Teresa’s thermal baths.
All begin in Abra Malaga, a high point of 4316 m.a.s.l. located 108 km northwest of Cusco. From this point, the descent by bicycle begins to the town of Santa Maria, where you can go rafting. The next day, you will start the trekking to Santa Teresa, where you can do canopying and bathe in hot springs.
The next day, trekking to Machu Picchu. The experience is exhausting but well worth it. Visitors don’t require tickets for the tour. However, owing to the logistics involved, it is always advisable to use a tour operator.
During the tour, you will experience extreme climate change from the Andes to the Peruvian jungle. In the same way, the trek finishes in the same Machu Picchu town. It was an unforgettable experience!
4. Lares Trek
4 days and 3 nights. Lares is a little town located 198 kilometers northwest of Cusco; you only need car transportation to get there.
This town has a lovely hot spring where you can relax before starting the hike. Along the way, you’ll also see icy lakes, stunning snowy mountains, and glaciers.
The trekking route finishes in Ollantaytambo, where visitors must take a train to Aguas Calientes. Four days of magical experiences on this route are well worth it.
“THE BIGGEST ADVENTURE YOU CAN TAKE IS TO LIVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS”
We hope to show you the different alternatives to getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco. There are many options available for purchasing tickets and reservations for your trip. Buy your bus or train tickets, entrance fees, and reservations from a local travel agency.
It is best to do this at least 6 months before your trip starts. Remember that Machu Picchu is one of the new seven wonders with a high demand for visitors per month. If you have questions or need help with a tourist package, the Machu Travel Peru team is ready to assist you!
