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How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Portada / Useful information for travel to Peru / Data for traveler / How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Are you in Cusco and want to get to Machu Picchu? Although it is a relatively long journey—passing through different points of the Sacred Valley until reaching Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)—if you understand the types of transportation you need, the trip will not be complicated.

How to get to Machu Picchu in 3 simple steps?

These are the 3 easy and simple steps you need to follow to reach the Machu Picchu citadel.

STEP 1: From Cusco to the train station

For this first leg of the journey, you have two options:

  1. The Ollantaytambo train station, the most popular option.
  2. The Poroy train station, the closest to the city of Cusco.

In both cases, it is necessary to check schedules and purchase your train ticket at least 2 months in advance.

Ollantaytambo train station

This is the preferred option for most visitors.
You depart from the historic center of Cusco toward the Sacred Valley. After several hours of travel with views of mountains and Andean landscapes, you will arrive at the Ollantaytambo station, which operates year-round and is located right in front of the impressive archaeological site of the same name.

Poroy train station

This is the station closest to Cusco, allowing for a shorter journey with less time spent on the bus. However, it only operates during certain seasons and is closed during the rainy season (January to April) for safety reasons.

STEP 2: Train journey to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Traveling by train to Machu Picchu is a unique experience. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian cloud forest, making this one of the most exciting routes for any traveler.

After approximately 2 hours of travel, you will arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes, the closest point to the world wonder. There you will find restaurants, shops, and places to rest before the final stretch to the citadel.

STEP 3: Final ascent by bus to Machu Picchu

The final step to reach the citadel.
From Aguas Calientes, you can take the Consettur buses, which depart every 15 minutes. The ride takes about 30 minutes and will drop you off directly at the entrance to Machu Picchu.

Remember: The most recommended option is to take a tour with CuscoPeru.com, where you simply enjoy the journey and we take care of coordinating all transportation. But if you prefer to travel on your own, be sure to plan each leg carefully and with enough time to avoid any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions – How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco

It depends on the route you choose, but on average the full journey (tourist bus, train, and bus to the citadel) takes between 5 and 6 hours from Cusco.

The most economical option is to travel by public transportation to Santa Teresa, continue to Hydroelectric, and then walk for about 3 hours to Aguas Calientes. It is cheaper, but also longer and less comfortable.
If you are looking for a stress-free trip, at CuscoPeru.com we offer packages for different budgets.

Yes, especially if you are traveling during high season (May to September), when trains sell out quickly. Ideally, you should book 2 to 3 months in advance. During the low season there is more availability, but it is still not advisable to wait until the last minute.

Yes. With a Machu Picchu Full Day tour, you can leave Cusco between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m., visit the citadel, and return approximately between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m.

No. The train only takes you to Aguas Calientes. Entrance to Machu Picchu must be purchased separately and in advance, as daily visitor quotas are limited.

It is not mandatory, but it does have advantages. One of them is being able to enter early, when there are fewer visitors. You will enjoy a more peaceful experience, better photos, and a more relaxed visit.

The main stations are Ollantaytambo and Poroy. Most trains depart from Ollantaytambo because it operates year-round. The Poroy station is usually closed during the rainy season (November to March).

Yes. There is a steep trail that takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. It is free, but physically demanding. The bus, on the other hand, takes only 25 minutes and costs USD 12 one way or USD 24 round trip.

It depends on what you choose.

With an organized tour with CuscoPeru.com: USD 200 to USD 300, including tourist train, entrance ticket, transportation, and guide.

Luxury options: from USD 500.

Budget options: between USD 100 and USD 150.

Happy passengers