Aguas Calientes is a quaint town located on the banks of the Urubamba River and serves as the closest access point to the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. The distance between the two is approximately 9 kilometers. Aguas Calientes is also known as "Machu Picchu Pueblo."
To reach Aguas Calientes, one can take a train from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo, with two companies operating these services. It is also possible to travel by bus or private vehicle to a nearby point.
Once in Aguas Calientes, there are essentially two options to get to Machu Picchu: by bus or on foot.
The bus is one option to travel from Aguas Calientes up the mountain to Machu Picchu.
The journey typically takes about 25 minutes for the ascent and 12 to 15 minutes for the descent. The service is operated by CONSETTUR, and managed by the residents of Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Tickets can be purchased in two ways:
These tickets do not need to be reserved in advance and can be purchased on the day you plan to ascend to the citadel.
The starting point of the journey from Aguas Calientes to the citadel of Machu Picchu is at the CONSETTUR offices, located at Av. Hermanos Ayar S/N. From here, buses depart every ten minutes to the Incan citadel, and similarly, the buses returning from Machu Picchu end their route at this station.
The cost of bus tickets to ascend to Machu Picchu varies depending on the passenger's nationality, age, and status. Here is a table with all the available prices:
| Consettur Bus Ticket | a section | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adult foreigner | S/. 12.00 | S/. 24.00 |
| Foreign child | S/. 7.00 | S/. 12.00 |
| National adult | S/. 8.00 | S/. 15.00 |
| National student | S/. 6.00 | S/. 10.00 |
| National child | S/. 5.00 | S/. 8.00 |
| National guide | S/. 6.00 | S/. 12.00 |
| Resident of Cusco | S/. 9.50 | S/. 19.00 |
| Resident of Machu Picchu | S/. 4.00 | S/. 8.00 |
| Resident guide | S/. 4.00 | S/. 8.00 |
From the town of Aguas Calientes, the bus heads towards the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, located atop a lush, vegetated mountain. The route is characterized by a steep climb with numerous curves, and after about 25 minutes, the bus arrives at the entrance control station to the citadel.
The downhill trip is easier and only takes about 12 to 15 minutes to return to the station at Av. Hermanos Ayar in Aguas Calientes.
The hike starts in Machu Picchu Pueblo, following the same road used by the buses to the bridge over the Urubamba River. At this point, you will encounter an INC (National Institute of Culture of Peru) control booth, where your Machu Picchu ticket will be required. Once you cross the bridge, you will see the bus route veering left and the start of the uphill stairway, which is your path.
Generally, the ascent takes about one and a half to two hours and requires moderate physical fitness, as the combination of steep steps and subtropical heat can be quite exhausting.
The first part of the ascent runs alongside the road used by the buses, followed by steps that cut across the mountain slopes.
The climate is subtropical, meaning there is an abundance of lush green trees, flowers, orchids, vines, ants, and many other exotic and fascinating insects.
Along the way, you will also pass by the Machu Picchu site museum and the butterfly garden, both of which you can visit by purchasing tickets at their entrances.
The hike is classified as moderate to difficult. It is recommended for those in good physical condition accustomed to hiking.
While the path is demanding, it is not dangerous, as the entire trail is well-marked. However, it is crucial to stay alert, especially on sections where you may need to walk along the road shared with buses ascending to Machu Picchu.
The descent is considerably easier, but after a visit to the Inca citadel, you may be too tired, so consider purchasing a bus ticket for the downhill journey at the ticket booth located at the exit of Machu Picchu.
Consider the following tips when deciding whether the hike to Machu Picchu on foot is right for you:
