Machu picchu by train
the easiest way to get to machu picchu, specifically to aguas calientes (also known as machu picchu town), is by train (inca rail or peru rail).
once you arrive in aguas calientes, which sits at the base of the mountain that houses the inca citadel, you have two options to ascend: take a local bus or hike up.
option 1: take the bus
the company consettur operates the buses that run between aguas calientes and the machu picchu entrance. these basic but comfortable vehicles depart near the local market from 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with departures every 10 to 20 minutes. the ride takes about 30 minutes on a winding, steep road. the one-way cost is us$12.
option 2: hike up
for those looking for a more active experience, it is possible to hike from aguas calientes to the machu picchu entrance. this route follows a series of steep stone steps and takes around one hour. it’s important to note that the hike ends at the main gate, not directly inside the citadel. the main advantage of this option is that it’s free — you only need your entrance ticket to machu picchu.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Hiking the Inca Trail is one of the most popular ways to reach Machu Picchu for many travelers, as it follows the same ancient path once used by the Incas.
This journey begins in the Sacred Valley, specifically at kilometer 82 of the railway between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Over the next four days, hikers walk between 6 and 8 hours a day, spending the nights camping under a starry sky. Along the way, you’ll pass through diverse ecosystems, stunning archaeological sites, and breathtaking landscapes. The final stretch offers an unforgettable view of the Inca citadel — truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Alternatives to the Classic Inca Trail
If you weren’t able to get a permit for the traditional Inca Trail, there are other equally impressive alternative routes. Some of the most recommended options include:
- Short Inca Trail (2 days)
- Choquequirao Trek (5 days)
- Lares Trek (5 days)
- Salkantay Trek (5 days)
- Inca Jungle Trek (4 days)
Each of these treks offers a unique mix of adventure, incredible scenery, and deep connection to history and culture.andina.
Permits and Tickets
Machu Picchu is considered a Historic Sanctuary by USAID and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning it is strictly protected. Currently, only 5,600 visitors are allowed per day, divided into different time slots. Since 2019, it is no longer possible to stay the entire day with just one ticket.
- General admission: S/152 (approximately US$46)
- Admission with access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: S/200 (around US$60)
These combo tickets include entry to the main citadel plus one of the additional hikes. Time slots for these special routes are between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Make sure to book in advance — especially for Huayna Picchu, which is limited to just 400 visitors per day!
Entry Times
Entry tickets are timed, starting from 6:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. Each visitor is allowed up to 3 hours inside the archaeological site, although sometimes slightly longer visits are permitted depending on tourist flow.
Three hours is usually enough to explore the citadel at a relaxed pace, especially if you’re with a guide. If you’d like to stay longer, you can purchase a second entry ticket.
Machu Picchu by Car
You can’t reach Machu Picchu directly by car, but you can get pretty close. The furthest point accessible by vehicle is the small town of Hidroeléctrica, from where you’ll need to hike approximately 3 hours to reach Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu).
Route from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica by Car
You can depart from Cusco on a private tour or shared transport headed toward Hidroeléctrica. The journey takes about 6 to 7 hours and includes stunning scenery as you pass through the Sacred Valley, the Andes Mountains, and parts of the high jungle.
Typical route:
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Santa María – Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica
The final stretch from Santa María to Hidroeléctrica is on a narrow, unpaved mountain road with sharp curves — but the views are well worth it.
Hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes
From Hidroeléctrica, you must walk approximately 10 km (about 2.5 to 3 hours) along the train tracks to reach Aguas Calientes. It’s a flat, easy path surrounded by lush vegetation, rivers, and mountains. It’s recommended to bring water, snacks, and comfortable clothing.
