Getting to Machu Picchu always has one thing in common: at some point on the journey you will end up in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the town at the foot of the mountain. From there, the final stretch is done by bus or on foot up to the entrance gate.
Here you have, explained in simple language for your travelers, the main ways to go from Cusco to Machu Picchu, with their advantages and what type of traveler each option is best for.
1. Train from Cusco (direct route)
This is the most comfortable and straightforward way to travel.
- Departures from stations near Cusco (depending on the season) with a direct route to Aguas Calientes.
- The trip takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
- There are different types of service: basic, tourist, panoramic, and luxury, with large windows to enjoy the Sacred Valley scenery.
Ideal for:
Travelers who want to save time, travel comfortably, families with children, older adults, or those visiting Machu Picchu in just one or two days.
2. Bus + train through the Sacred Valley (route via Ollantaytambo)
This is the most popular option because there are more schedules and price ranges.
- Cusco → Ollantaytambo
- By tourist bus or shared van, the road journey takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.
- Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes by train
- From this station, trains depart continuously toward Machu Picchu Pueblo.
- The train ride takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, following the river and crossing the Sacred Valley.
Advantages:
- More variety of schedules and prices than the direct train from Cusco.
- Possibility of combining it with a visit to the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo) the day before.
Ideal for:
Those who want to optimize their budget without giving up the comfort of the train, and take advantage of the trip to get to know the Sacred Valley.
3. Bus to Hidroeléctrica + hike or short train
This is the budget-friendly and adventurous route to reach Machu Picchu.
- Cusco → Hidroeléctrica
- You travel by bus or minivan to the area known as Hidroeléctrica (via Santa María – Santa Teresa).
- The road journey takes about 5–7 hours, depending on the service and traffic.
- Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes
- From there you have two options:
- A 2 to 3-hour hike following the train tracks along an almost flat path surrounded by vegetation.
- Take a local or tourist train for about 30 minutes to the town.
- From there you have two options:
Advantages:
- Much cheaper than the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
- High jungle landscapes and an overland travel experience very different from the train.
Important for your travelers:
- It’s a long and tiring route to do as a same-day round trip.
- It’s not recommended in bad weather, for people with knee/back problems, or for those traveling with very limited time.
4. Multi-day hikes: reaching Machu Picchu on foot
For many travelers, Machu Picchu is the final reward after a mountain trek. The best-known routes are:
a) Classic Inca Trail (4 days / 3 nights)
- It usually starts at km 82 of the railway and reaches Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
- It requires booking several months in advance because daily spaces are limited.
- You walk along original Inca paths and visit other archaeological sites along the way.
b) Salkantay Trek (4–5 days)
- Mountain route that passes by snow-capped peaks like Salkantay and then descends into the high jungle until reaching Aguas Calientes.
- It does not use the traditional Inca Trail, so it usually has more availability.
- Medium–high physical demand: it reaches passes over 4,500 m (14,700 ft) in altitude.
c) Other alternative routes
- Lares Trek, Inca Jungle (which combines biking, hiking, and sometimes zip-lining), among others.
Ideal for:
Active travelers looking for adventure, nature, and several days of disconnection before reaching the citadel.
5. Final stretch: from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu gate
Whichever route you choose from Cusco, in the end you will always arrive in Aguas Calientes, and from there you have two options for the last stretch:
Bus up
- Official service that connects the town with the entrance to Machu Picchu along a winding mountain road.
- The ride takes about 25–30 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day.
Hike
- Ascent by stairways and a path that crosses the road several times.
- It takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on pace and fitness.
- You need to start very early if you want to arrive for the first entry times.
