Organizing a trip to Machu Picchu can be confusing if you are not familiar with the routes, schedules, and types of transportation. That is why we have gathered here the most commonly used options to reach Aguas Calientes and go up to the llaqta of Machu Picchu.
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The most common way to reach the citadel is from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train, a service operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail that comfortably connects travelers with the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. These operators offer different service categories, ranging from luxury trains to more economical options.
PeruRail is the oldest company offering train services to two of Peru’s most representative destinations, such as Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. The train services it offers on the Cusco - Machu Picchu route are:
Inca Rail, unlike PeruRail, operates only between the stations of Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. However, it is possible to find departures from Cusco to Machu Picchu through its bimodal service, which includes a tourist bus to Ollantaytambo, where passengers board the train. The train services it offers on the route to Machu Picchu are:
You can purchase train tickets on each company’s website:
You can also buy them in person at their offices located in Cusco:
If you would like to learn more about the trains, visit Trains to Machu Picchu, where you will find more detailed information.
From the town of Aguas Calientes, buses depart for the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which is located high on a mountain covered and surrounded by vegetation.
The road is characterized by a steep climb full of curves, where you can observe mountains covered with lush vegetation and the Vilcanota River.
After a journey of approximately 25 to 30 minutes, you will arrive at the entrance control checkpoint to the citadel.
The return trip to the Av. Hermanos Ayar station in Aguas Calientes takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
The cost of bus tickets to go up to Machu Picchu varies depending on the traveler’s nationality, age, and condition.
Tickets to Machu Picchu can be purchased online and in person only in Machu Picchu Pueblo. At CuscoPeru.com, we help you purchase your tickets safely through a sales agent who will be happy to assist you. If you prefer to avoid this process and have everything organized from Cusco, you can book a tour to Machu Picchu with admission included to secure your entrance ticket, transfers, and guided visit in a single service.
You must log in to the ticket sales website, indicate the date you will visit Machu Picchu, the entry time, enter your personal information, and follow all the steps indicated until completing the payment.
Entrance tickets are purchased by presenting an original and valid passport and/or national identity document.
If you would like to learn more about departure schedules, we recommend visiting: Buses to Machu Picchu, where you will find more detailed information.
The llaqta of Machu Picchu, also known as the Inca citadel, is located within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Visits are regulated by the Ministry of Culture of Peru through the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco.
The archaeological complex of Machu Picchu has 3 circuits divided into 10 types of entrance tickets:
Some routes may be available only during high season or according to provisions issued by the Ministry of Culture.
If you would like to learn more about entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, we recommend visiting: Tourist Ticket for Machu Picchu, where you will find more detailed information.
Happy passengers