How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco: Your Complete Guide

Introduction: How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Getting to Machu Picchu is a bucket-list adventure for many travelers, but figuring out the logistics can be challenging. Whether you’re navigating by bus, or train, or exploring the Sacred Valley along the way, here’s a detailed guide on how to reach this iconic destination from Cusco.

How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco: Your Complete Guide - Table of Contents

Updated – November 5, 2024

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Introduction – How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Starting Your Journey in Cusco
Taking the Train to Aguas Calientes
Taking the Bus to Machu Picchu
Cost of Getting to Machu Picchu
Do You Need a Guide to Visit Machu Picchu
Conclusion
Machu Picchu Transportation Options
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Starting Your Journey in Cusco

To begin your journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu, head to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll catch a train. Most travelers take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo as it’s the most convenient route. Once there, you can board one of the many trains that operate daily.

Taking the Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

Once in Ollantaytambo, the train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) is your next step. It’s essential to book your train ticket in advance, especially during peak season, as seats fill up quickly.

The most popular option is the Voyager Train Service, which costs around S/. 459 ($122) round-trip.

Pro Tip: Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes early and be ready to show your ticket.

Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

From Aguas Calientes, there are two main ways to reach Machu Picchu. Most travelers take the bus to Machu Picchu’s entrance, a journey that takes about 20 minutes and costs around S/. 78 ($22). Alternatively, you can hike up the switchback path, though this is more physically demanding.

Cost of Getting to Machu Picchu

Here’s a breakdown of travel costs to consider:

Entrance Fee to Machu Picchu: S/. 152 ($45)
Train Ticket (Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes): S/. 459 ($122)
Bus Ticket from Cusco to Ollantaytambo: S/. 15 ($4) each way
Bus Ticket (Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu): S/. 78 ($22)

Do You Need a Guide for Machu Picchu?

While a guide is technically required for entering Machu Picchu, enforcement may vary. Guides are available at Machu Picchu’s entrance and generally cost between $70 and $140. Hiring a guide enriches the experience and ensures you’re following site regulations.

Conclusion

Planning your trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu can be straightforward when you know the transportation options, cost breakdown, and requirements. Whether you choose to arrange everything independently or book a guided tour, your journey to Machu Picchu is sure to be unforgettable.

Machu Picchu Transportation Options

Linked below are various transportation options for getting to Machu Picchu. If you purchase a tour or package using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.

Official Ticket- Machu Picchu Lost Citadel - $72.00

The Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, with more than 32,000 hectares, houses many incomparable natural and archaeological attractions, roads, bridges, mountains, waterfalls, flora and fauna, own eyebrow of the jungle and more and more places are still discovered in Machu Picchu.

Explore the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu at your own pace and skip the long lines with a standard entrance ticket to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you have already organized your transportation and tour guide and just need your official ticket to the attraction this is the perfect offer for you. The tour guide can also be hired at the ruins.

Discover landmark attractions at your own pace, such as the Temple of the Sun, the terraced fields of the agricultural sector, the Intihuatana stone, and take the famous picture from the observatory with the lost citadel behind.

Bus Ticket - Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Bus ticket - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - $20.52

avoid the queu to buy the bus ticket, this is an easy way to buy it ans to save your time while you are in Cusco.

Bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu - $47.56

Take a comfortable 20-minute bus ride from the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as the town of Aguas Calientes) through a road that zig zags from the foot of a mountain all the way up to the entrance of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. The bus is air-conditioned, eco-friendly and the only authorized method of transportation from the nearest town of Machu Picchu Pueblo to the entrance of the Machu Picchu ruins.

You will receive 2 tickets. One ticket to go up to Machu Picchu and another ticket to return (Round trip tickets). These are the official bus tickets that will be emailed to you and that you must PRINT and bring with you to skip the long lines at the purchasing booth. As long as you bring your printed tickets, you simply board any bus at any time within their hours of operation.

Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket and Bus to Entrance Combo - $123.08

Explore the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu at your own pace and your own schedule. Avoid long lines at Machu Picchu by booking your bus and entrance tickets in advance.

PeruRail Expedition Train to Machu Picchu - $55.00

If you are looking for an adventure on your way to Machu Picchu at an unbeatable price, on a train with all the onboard comfort, the PeruRail Expedition train has just what you need.

The train cars of the PeruRail Expedition train are steeped in the designs of Incan culture, the perfect way to start your trip to the Machu Picchu citadel. The PeruRail Expedition gives you the chance to take in the unbelievable scenery and take incredible panoramic pictures of a journey unlike any other.

You will be waited on by a highly-trained staff member for the duration of your trip. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy a Food and Beverage service for sale, where you will find a wide variety of top quality products. You can find the catalogue here.

Departures are scheduled everyday, with a variety of schedules and frequencies.

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