Cusco to Machu Picchu

Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu

There are 3 options to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco: by train which is the most popular alternative, hiking the Inca trail or the Salkantay trek, and by bus. Taking the train from Poroy (near Cusco) or Ollantaytambo is the most common way to reach the Inca citadel. There are plenty of trains to Machu Picchu in the morning, afternoon and evening offered by 3 companies what makes it convenient.

Before, the most common route was leaving from Cusco early in the morning for a 4 hours journey on a train to get to Aguas Calientes (a.k.a. Machu Picchu town). Nowadays, the most popular option is to reach first Ollantaytambo (midway between Cusco and Aguas Calientes) by road either on a taxi, public bus or private transportation. From there it is only 1 hour and a half to Aguas Calientes town by train. Once there you can walk up to the Inca ruins (1 hour) or take a bus (25 minutes). There are buses leaving Aguas Calientes every 15 minutes or less from 5:30 am until 3:30 pm.

Hiking to Machu Picchu is the second most popular way of getting to the lost city of the Incas. Hikers have two alternatives: the famous Inca Trail or the Salkantay trek. Both hikes takes 4 days to reach Machu Picchu. It is not the fastest option but it is certainly more adventurous than riding on a train.

Finally, the last alternative is by bus. This is the cheapest way but also the least comfortable. From Cusco you have to take a local bus until Santa Maria (5 to 6 hours journey). From there it is one more hour to Santa Teresa, then on a taxi to Hidroelectrica (30 minutes) to take a train to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hour) and the final bus up to Machu Picchu (30 minutes). The whole journey cannot be done in one day. You need at least two days with an overnight in one of the towns on-route to make it to Machu Picchu. Also, this road is affected by landslides during the heaviest months of the rainy season (January and February).

By far the best way to go from Cusco to Machu Picchu is in one of our tours, no stress, no hassle, no worries. We offer convenience plus safety at affordable prices. If you want a relaxing journey by train from Cusco to Machu Picchu we recommend you our Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour. If you prefer adding some adventure to your trip by hiking either the popular Inca Trail or the less crowded Salkantay trek, you can book our Machu Picchu Explorer Tour. Either way, you will have a great time and a unforgettable experience.

Indiana Expedition EIRL
Address: Enrique Palacios 960 - 303 / Lima 18 / PERU
Telephone: +1 347 480 1250