Vis­it­ing Machu Picchu

Cusco to Aguas Calientes by Train

The train journey to Aguas Calientes is an adventure in itself. The tracks wind through stunning scenery, making for a memorable start to your Machu Picchu experience. Two train companies offer services from Cusco and Ollantaytambo:

• PeruRail: Offers a range of train classes, from the luxurious Hiram Bingham to more budget-friendly options.
• IncaRail: Another reputable provider with various comfort levels to choose from.

Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season (June-August), to secure your preferred train and departure time.

To learn more about the different trains, and service levels, and to compare PeruRail and IncaRail, you can refer to our comprehensive article: IncaRail vs PeruRail.

Cusco to Aguas Calientes by Van

Combis or colectivos (shared vans) offer a budget-friendly alternative to the train. These vans travel to the Hidroeléctrica train station, located approximately 10km outside of Aguas Calientes.

• Tickets: You can purchase tickets in advance through your accommodation or a tour company in Cusco. This ensures you a seat, especially during peak season, but you can also try your luck and buy a ticket on the day of departure.
• Departure: Vans depart from Cusco's Plaza de Armas (the main square) and only leave once they are full. This allows for some price negotiation because drivers are eager to be on their way (one-way trips usually cost around 40 soles). Check with your accommodation for estimated departure times, as they can change, but aiming to arrive before 8:30 AM is currently recommended.
• Journey: The journey takes around five to six hours, with stops for bathroom breaks and lunch.

From Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes:

Once you arrive at Hidroeléctrica, you have two options:

• Walking: The most popular choice for budget travellers is to walk along the train tracks for about two hours until you reach Aguas Calientes. It's a flat and easy hike.
• Train: If you're fortunate with the timing, you can catch a train into town, but departures are limited. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

Safety Tip: The train line is still active, so remain vigilant and stay clear of the tracks when trains approach.

Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

From Aguas Calientes, you can either hike for 90 minutes or take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Purchasing bus tickets in advance is recommended, especially if you have a tight schedule. Consettur is the sole bus operator servicing Machu Picchu, with over 27 years of experience. Their buses are modern, safe, and equipped with air conditioning and heating.

Here's what you need to know about their service:

• Schedule: Buses run up to Machu Picchu from 5:30 AM to 3:30 PM and return from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, 365 days a year.
• Duration: The bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes along a winding road.
• Frequency: Buses generally depart every 10 minutes, but you can only board a bus approximately 30 minutes before your designated Machu Picchu entry time. This helps manage crowds and ensures a smooth entrance process.
• Boarding: Look for staff holding signs with time slots corresponding to your Machu Picchu ticket and join the appropriate queue. You'll need to present both your bus and Machu Picchu tickets.
• Departure point: Buses depart from Avenida Hermanos Ayar, just past the turning to Puente Sinchi Roca, near the Consettur ticket office. Staff with signs will guide you.
• Ticket prices: A one-way ticket costs USD 12, and a round-trip ticket costs USD 24. You'll need to provide your passport or government ID when booking.
• Purchasing tickets: Tickets can be purchased online or at the Consettur ticket offices in Cusco (Av. Pardo 827) and Aguas Calientes (Puente Sinchi Roca 111).

Machu Picchu Circuits

Circuit 1

A shorter route highlighting the Temple of the Sun Viewpoint, the quarry, the Water Mirrors, and the Urban Sector. It also provides access to the lower and upper platforms offering stunning views. Allow at least two hours.

Circuit 2

This popular route covers the lower and upper platforms, the Temple of the Sun Viewpoint, the Quarry, the Sacred Plaza, the Intiwatana Pyramid, the Water Mirrors, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor. Allow at least three hours.

Circuit 3

The shortest route, includes the upper agricultural zone, the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the Water Mirrors, and the ceremonial water fountains. Allow at least one and a half hours.

Circuit 4

An extension of Circuit 3, this route takes in the upper agricultural zone, the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, the Water Mirrors, the ceremonial water fountains, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor. Allow at least two and a half hours.

Machu Picchu Tickets

Machu Picchu tickets can be purchased online through the official government website or with an agency in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. There are five different tickets available, each offering a different experience within the citadel. You must choose the right ticket for your preferred circuit and activities, as changes cannot be made after purchase. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

The five ticket options are:

1. Llaqta de Machu Picchu (Circuits 1, 2, 3, or 4)

This ticket covers the four main circuits within the citadel. You must choose a circuit before entering, as Circuits 1 and 2 have a different entrance than Circuits 3 and 4. Due to COVID-19 regulations, all circuits are now one-way, so soak up each section along the route as you won't be able to backtrack. 

Price: USD 40.69 (international adult).

2. Circuit 4 and Wayna Picchu Mountain

This ticket combines Circuit 4 with a hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu Mountain, also known as Huayna Picchu. The mountain stands at 2,693 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The hike is considered challenging and it takes approximately three hours to complete the round trip.

Important Considerations:

Limited Tickets: Tickets for this combined option are limited and sell out quickly, so book well in advance.

Timed Entry: When booking, you must select your preferred time slot for the hike. You'll be allowed to enter the Machu Picchu citadel one hour before your designated hike time.

Signposts: Pay close attention to the signposts directing you to the trailhead, so you don't miss the starting point.

Difficulty: The Wayna Picchu hike is not for the faint of heart. It involves steep ascents, narrow paths, and some sections with exposed edges. Be prepared for a physically demanding climb.

Price: USD 53.53 (international adult).

3. Machu Picchu Mountain and Circuit 3

This ticket combines Circuit 3 with a rewarding hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain, standing tall at 3,082 meters above sea level. The hike is considered moderate in difficulty and takes approximately three and a half hours for a round trip. Along the way, you can visit the Guardian's Gate House, which offers a unique viewpoint over the citadel. Panoramic vistas at the summit, showcase the beauty of the Urubamba Valley below, and the surrounding peaks.

Important Considerations:

Limited Tickets: Tickets for this combined option are limited and in high demand, so book well in advance to secure your spot.

Timed Entry: When booking, you must select your preferred time slot for the Machu Picchu Mountain hike. You'll be granted entry to the Machu Picchu citadel one hour before your designated hike time.

Signposts: Pay close attention to the signposts guiding you to the Machu Picchu Mountain trailhead, so you don’t miss the starting point.

Difficulty: While considered moderate, the hike does involve a steady ascent and can be challenging for those not accustomed to hiking at altitude. Be prepared for the physical demands and pace yourself.

Price: USD 53.53 (international adult).

4. Circuit 4 and Huchuy Picchu Mountain

This ticket combines Circuit 4 with a hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu Mountain, a less strenuous alternative to Wayna Picchu Mountain. The summit of Huchuy Picchu offers a different vantage point of the citadel, providing a unique perspective of this ancient site.

Important Considerations:

Limited Tickets: Tickets for this combined option are limited, so it's advisable to book well in advance to secure your spot.

Timed Entry: When booking, you must select your preferred time slot for the Huchuy Picchu hike. You'll be granted entry to the Machu Picchu citadel one hour before your designated hike time.

Signposts: Pay close attention to the signposts guiding you to the Huchuy Picchu trailhead, so you don’t miss the starting point.

Difficulty: With an elevation of 2,497 meters above sea level, Huchuy Picchu offers a moderate challenge and takes approximately two hours to complete the round trip.

Price: USD 40.69 (international adult).

5. Circuit 1 or 2 and Inka Bridge

This ticket allows you to choose between Circuit 1 or Circuit 2 and includes a short excursion to the Inka Bridge. The bridge historically served as an alternate entrance to the citadel and was strategically removed during times of threat. You can still see remnants of the wooden planks laid across a narrow stone path. This offers a glimpse into the citadel's defensive strategies.

Important Considerations:

Signposts: Pay attention to the signposts directing you to the Inka Bridge.

Difficulty: The round trip to the Inka Bridge takes approximately 30 minutes, making it an easy addition to your chosen circuit.

Price: USD 40.69 (international adult).

Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

Before you visit Machu Picchu, be aware of the following:

Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

The best time to visit Machu Picchu depends on your priorities and preferences.

• Dry Season (May - September): This is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is generally dry and sunny with clear skies. It’s an ideal time for hiking the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu. However, it is also the most crowded, and accommodation prices can be higher.
• Shoulder Seasons (April and October): These months offer a good balance of decent weather and fewer crowds. The temperatures are still pleasant, and you're more likely to find deals on accommodation.
• Wet Season (November - March): This season sees more rainfall and some of the surrounding hiking trails will be closed for safety reasons. However, the crowds are much thinner, and the landscape is lush and green.

Machu Picchu Opening Times

The main opening hours are: 6:00-17:30. Some of the main sites within the citadel have separate opening hours, entry outside these times is not permitted, even with a valid ticket.

• The Intiwatana Pyramid opening hours are 7:00-10:00.
• The Temple of the Condor opening hours are 10:00-13:00.
• The Temple of the Sun opening hours are 13:00-16:00.

Closures at Machu Picchu

• The Sun Gate (Inti Punku) is no longer accessible from within Machu Picchu.
• The Temple of the Sun is currently closed to visitors.

Restrooms at Machu Picchu

Toilets are available at the entrance of Machu Picchu, but not within the citadel itself.

What to Pack for Machu Picchu

• Pack a rain jacket, layers, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and a hat to cope with unpredictable weather conditions.
• Consider bringing insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other insects.

Prohibited Items:

• Food
• Selfie sticks
• Bags larger than 40cm x 35cm x 20cm
• Matches
• Drones
• Firearms and knives
• Umbrellas
• Cigarettes and e-cigarettes
• Drugs and alcohol
• Speakers
• Pets
• High heels

Guides at Machu Picchu

Guides are not mandatory for visiting the citadel, however, hiring one can enhance your experience as they can shed light on the possible history and purpose of the structures. Guides wait to be hired at the bus stop and are available from the many travel agencies in town.

Tourist Information at Machu Picchu

For assistance and information in Aguas Calientes, visit the iPerú office on Av. Pachacútec. The staff are very knowledgable and friendly.

Visiting Machu Picchu is an experience that will etch itself into your memory. From the scenic train ride to the awe-inspiring citadel, it's a trip filled with ancient wonder and natural beauty. Go prepared and you’ll enjoy every minute.