In one of our previous posts we wrote about everything you need to know for your entrance to Machu Picchu: history, location, prices and new entrance regulations. However, we touched very lightly on the different ways to get to Machu Picchu.

There are three ways to get to Machu Picchu with different costs: by train (with Peru Rail and Inca Rail companies); through the Inca Trail (crossing the Sun Gate or Inti Punku in a 4D/3N journey); or by taking the Hydroelectric Route in a hike of about three hours.

Getting to Machu Picchu by train

To get to Machu Picchu by train we can leave through three stations:

• Poroy Station (one way)
• Ollantaytambo Station (one way)
• Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu Station (return)

*Important: The Poroy station does not open during the rainy season due to the danger of landslides and maintenance of the railroad tracks.

Train tickets can be purchased in Lima or in Cusco itself, although to ensure the ticket -especially if we are traveling in high season- it is advisable to buy tickets via internet through the links of the train companies that we have left paragraphs above.

We can travel to Ollantaytambo by bus or minivan for approximately S/ 30 (€ 10). These vehicles leave from Pavitos Street, very close to the Plaza de Armas in Cusco and start constantly as the buses fill up with locals and tourists. It is public transport but safe. Cabs, although faster, have a higher cost; however, in groups of four people can be a good option sharing expenses.

A good idea before leaving for Machu Picchu is to spend the night in “Ollanta” (as the locals call it) and visit this charming Inca town that has preserved the same architecture since pre-Hispanic times. On the sides of the streets are still operating Inca water channels that survive as a living sample that has endured over time.

We can also visit the majestic ruins of the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, which was an important military, religious and agricultural complex during the Tahuantinsuyo (or Inca Empire). To reduce costs it is necessary to have the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which can be purchased at various points in Cusco and has a price of S / 130 (US$ 40).

The trip from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (or Machu Picchu Pueblo) takes about 2 hours. The train crosses the banks of the Urubamba River until it reaches the town of Aguas Calientes, in a journey that although short, has beautiful views crossing the railroad tracks of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and letting you see Andean communities, fields of crops and flora and fauna characteristic of the area.

One of the big complaints about this train service is the high price for tourists. While for an adult foreigner the ticket can reach US$ 120, for national tourists, foreigners residing in the country and those from the Andean Community, the price drops to S/ 20 (US$ 8).

Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Once the train we have taken in Ollantaytambo leaves us in Aguas Calientes we have two options to get to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Walking up in a journey of about an hour and a half (which can be tiring if we are not in good physical condition); or take a bus that runs along the Hiram Bingham road to the famous Inca citadel.

This bus ride takes about 30 minutes and costs US$ 24 round trip for a foreign adult; and US$ 15 for an adult national or foreign resident in Peru. The price is halved for children and students. It is also possible to buy these tickets only for one way or only for return if we dare to walk up but prefer to go down by bus.

The ticket office for these buses is located right next to the train station and they usually leave every 15 minutes from 5.30 am to 3.30 pm. The buses go down to Aguas Calientes from 6.00 am to 5.30 pm.

Getting to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is considered one of the best treks in the world thanks to its stunning scenery between snow-capped peaks of the Andes, the forests that wake up in the fog, or the lush vegetation of the jungle of Cusco.

This beautiful journey is usually done during 4D/3N through its 42 Km of route, crossing Inca ruins and villages nestled in time as Patallacta, Runku Rakay, Huayllabamba, Sayacmarca, Phuyu Pata Marca and Wiñaywayna.

For those interested in doing the Inca Trail, we must warn you that there is no possibility of doing this trekking on your own; there are only a few accredited agencies that can operate this incredible journey that crosses a stone road that passes through waterfalls, tunnels, mountains, in an environment where all the energy of the Andes flows.

The cost of the Inca Trail varies according to the agency and the services it provides. The prices are usually between US$ 400 and US$ 600, varying in details such as menus or amenities in the tents. All these tours usually have porters to help with the well-known “altitude sickness” and include sleeping tents (tents) and food along the way.

When we reach the end of the trail we will cross the Sun Gate and arrive at one of the most magical, amazing and unforgettable places for any adventurous traveler, the mysterious “Lost City of the Incas”, known as Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

The Inca Trail is highly demanded, so it is recommended to make reservations up to three months in advance. The daily quota is 500 people, of which only 200 will access the site. It is estimated that some 15,000 people make this trek to Machu Picchu every year.

For travelers with a tight schedule, there is a 2D/1N Inca Trail that also crosses the Sun Gate to reach the Inca citadel. *Please note: The Inca Trail is closed during the months of February for maintenance work.

Getting to Machu Picchu from Hidroeléctrica

The third way to get to Machu Picchu -and more economical- is through the Hydroelectric Route in a walk of about 3 hours following the rails of the train. Although it is a tiring walk and it is recommended to be in good physical condition, it is compensated by the beautiful views that we will have along the way.

To get to Hidroelectrica we will try to take an early bus from Cusco (7.30-8.00 am) for about S/ 35 (US$ 10) to start a 7 hour trip. Once we have arrived at Hidroeléctrica we will start the above mentioned 3 hour hike to Aguas Calientes.

We can also take a bus to Quillabamba to get off in Santa Maria. There we take another bus to Santa Teresa and from there a cab to Hidroeléctrica. It is also recommended to take this trip early to be able to start the hike to Aguas Calientes and arrive at a good time to spend the night in town.

*The route between Santa Maria and Santa Teresa is not paved so it is recommended NOT to take this option in the rainy season because of landslides and landslides that can put our safety at risk. The rainy season in Cusco is between the end of November and April.

The hike, although tiring, is not hard, because it is in a straight line without slopes. If we venture to make the hike in the rainy season it is recommended to take a plastic poncho (which can be purchased at any market in Cusco). If we regret wanting to walk we can take a train to make this journey for about US$ 31.

Whichever way you choose to get to Machu Picchu, it will have been worth it… and be honest, who does not get a swollen chest with joy when encountering this panorama?