Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu: A Wanderer’s Guide

Cusco City is about 75 kilometers southeast of Machu Picchu. This isn’t very far, but your journey to the world-famous valley within the Peruvian Andes can take anywhere from a few hours to a week. It all depends on your mode of transportation toward Aguas Calientes, a town widely referred to as the seat of Machu Picchu.

The Rundown on How to Get to Machu Picchu From Cusco

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There are three basic methods of transportation that can get you to Machu Picchu from the city of Cusco. You can go by train, catch the bus or hike the entire way. Each excursion has one thing in common: you wind up at the beautiful Machu Picchu at the end of it all. Whether its by foot, winding road or chugging rail is all up to you.

Going By Train

The first and most straightforward option of getting to Machu Picchu is by train. It’s arguably the most satisfying, considering the journey through the mountains and countryside is strikingly beautiful. Taking just 3.5 hours, it’s also the quickest, so those with a strict itinerary may want to hop on the rail.

If Ollantaytambo is in your itinerary, you’re going to have to catch a train anyway. Train is the only way to get from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, so taking the rail all the way from Cusco only makes the route more direct. Here’s how to make the voyage by train:

• Book your train ticket ahead of time. The last thing you need is an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu with no way to get there.
• If you’re planning on bringing luggage heavier than 5 kilograms on the train, reach out to PeruRail in advance for permission.
• On the day of your departure, head toward the Poroy Train Station just outside of Cusco city. A taxi can get you there in about 20 minutes if traffic is light.
• Arrive at the train station half an hour prior to your departure. This will allow you time to register and get ready for boarding.
• About halfway through the trip, the train will stop in Ollantaytambo. Either keep going all the way to the citadel or stop here to discover other bits of Incan history.
• After 3.5 hours on the train from Cusco, you’ll have made it to Aguas Calientes! Take a shuttle or hike to the top.

There are four different trains that operate on the Cusco-to-Machu-Picchu route. The panoramic Vistadome, affordable IncaRail, speedy Expedition and luxurious Hiram Bingham all provide a unique experience. Whichever cart you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

Catching The Bus

If you’re keen on taking your time on the journey from Cusco, hopping on a bus is a solid option. Though not the most comfy ride, it’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

If hiking isn’t in the cards, you’ll need to take a shuttle from the town of Aguas Calientes to the ruins anyway. Here’s how to go by bus all the way from Cusco:

• As is the case with any transportation option, book your bus ticket in advance.
• Catch the bus to Quillabamba from Terminal Santiago in Cusco.
• After three hours, the bus will stop at Santa Maria. Get off here and catch another hour-long ride to Santa Teresa (and don’t be afraid to stay in Santa Teresa, either; the rooms are cheap and the hot springs are lovely).
• Once you arrive in Santa Teresa, find a taxi to take you to the nearby hydroelectric plant. It will only set you back a few soles.
• Once you reach the hydroelectric plant, you can walk the rest of the way by following the train tracks.

This route is actually not the only bus option. You can also catch a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and then hop on the train toward Aguas Calientes the rest of the way. If you do opt for this route, it’s best to keep your luggage light. Once in Aguas Calientes, the only way to get up to Machu Picchu is by way of a 25-minute shuttle bus. Shuttles depart for the ruins continuously from 5:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Making The Trek

Walking from Cusco to Machu Picchu is the classic route. After all, it’s what the Inca civilization did when they built the citadel in the 1500s.

Hiking journeys can be anywhere from 1 day to a week in length. If you book a tour through a reputable agency, you can choose how much you want to walk and opt for car rides the rest of the way. Here’s how to make the trek:

• As soon as you know when you’re going to Machu Picchu, apply for a hiking permit. The Inca Trail caps at 500 permits per day, only 200 of which are for tourists.
• The Inca Trail takes 4-5 days to complete. You must go with an official tour agency. Along the way, your guides will show you archaeological sites and ruins hidden throughout the paths.
• If four days is too long for you, try the 2-day Inca Trail option. Simply take the Cusco to Machu Picchu train, but disembark at kilometer 104. This is where the trail begins.
• Take the Salkantay route. This option typically takes seven days to complete. Get a ride to Mollepata, then walk and camp for five days. At this point, you’ll meet up with the Inca Trail for the remainder of the venture.
• Go for the Lares trek. It only takes 2-4 days and is the cheapest and simplest hiking option to Machu Picchu from Cusco.

With a few paths for hikers to take, getting to Machu Picchu is a destination in and of itself. By the time your tired feet reach the ultimate leg, you’ll be knee deep in wonder.