Aguas Calientes, also known as "Machu Picchu Pueblo," is a small and charming town located on the banks of the Urubamba River and is the closest town to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The distance between the two places is approximately 9 kilometers.
To get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, you must take a bus to Ollantaytambo and then head to the local station, which you can also reach by bus. You can purchase your tickets to Aguas Calientes with either of the two railway companies that operate the service. At CuscoPeru.com, we can assist you with purchasing your tickets safely through our sales agent, who will be happy to assist you.
Once you are in Aguas Calientes, there are two options for getting to Machu Picchu: by bus or on foot.
The bus is one of the options for getting to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. You can take a bus in the town of Aguas Calientes to travel up to the top of the mountain and eventually reach Machu Picchu.
The journey follows the Hiram Bingham Road and takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes uphill. Buses operate throughout the day, with frequent departures depending on visitor demand.
These tickets do not need to be booked in advance and can be purchased on the same day. However, if you want to avoid unexpected issues and have everything arranged from the beginning, there are Machu Picchu tours with train included that allow you to book each stage of your trip in advance and without complications.
Currently, buses depart from the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, buses leave every 10 minutes for the Inca citadel, and likewise, returning buses finish their route at the same station.
The cost of bus tickets to Machu Picchu varies depending on the passenger's nationality, age, and category. Below is a table showing all available prices:
| BUS TICKET | ONE WAY | ROUND TRIP |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign adult | USD 12.00 | USD 24.00 |
| Foreign child | USD 7.00 | USD 12.00 |
| Peruvian adult | USD 8.00 | USD 15.00 |
| Peruvian student | USD 6.00 | USD 10.00 |
| Peruvian child | USD 5.00 | USD 8.00 |
| Peruvian guide | S/. 6.00 | S/. 12.00 |
| Cusco resident | S/. 9.50 | S/. 19.00 |
| Machu Picchu resident | S/. 4.00 | S/. 8.00 |
From the town of Aguas Calientes, buses depart for the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, located on the upper part of a mountain covered with vegetation. The route features a steep ascent with numerous curves and switchbacks. After approximately 25 to 30 minutes, we arrive at the entrance control checkpoint to the citadel.
The downhill journey is easier and takes only 12 to 15 minutes to reach the Av. Hermanos Ayar station in Aguas Calientes again.
The hike begins in Machu Picchu Pueblo, following the same route used by buses until reaching the bridge that crosses the Urubamba River. At this point, you will find a control checkpoint where you will be asked to show your Machu Picchu ticket. Once you cross the bridge, you can see the road followed by the buses to the left and the beginning of the uphill stairs, which is the route you will take.
The ascent takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and requires a moderate level of fitness, as the stairs combined with the subtropical heat can be physically demanding. The first section of the ascent follows the road used by buses, followed by stairs that cut across the mountain slopes.
The climate is subtropical, with abundant lush green trees, flowers, orchids, vines, ants, and many other unusual and fascinating insects. Along the way, you will also find the Machu Picchu Site Museum and the butterfly house, which you can visit by purchasing an entrance ticket at the entrance.
The hike is classified as moderate to difficult and is recommended for people with good physical fitness who are accustomed to hiking. This route is demanding but not dangerous because the entire trail is signposted. However, it is very important to pay attention to the route, as some sections require walking along the road used by buses traveling up to Machu Picchu.
The descent is much easier; however, after visiting the Inca citadel, you may already be very tired. Therefore, you can purchase a bus ticket only for the downhill journey at the ticket booth located at the exit of Machu Picchu.
The following aspects should be considered when deciding whether hiking to Machu Picchu is suitable for you:
Yes, you can purchase it in Aguas Calientes; however, during high season, it is recommended to buy it in advance to reduce waiting times.
It is recommended to allow extra time for the queue, especially during the early morning hours. The journey takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes, but waiting times may vary depending on the number of visitors.
The ticket allows you to use the service within the corresponding operating hours. Buses depart continuously according to availability.
Yes, many travelers choose to take the bus uphill and walk back down, always considering their physical condition and the time available.
No. From Cusco, travelers normally combine ground transportation to a train station and then continue by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
No, it is not mandatory. The bus is an additional service for traveling uphill from Aguas Calientes; you can also choose to walk up.
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