Machu Picchu is one of the most acclaimed tourist destinations in South America, either for its imposing architecture, beautiful landscapes or perhaps for all the history contained in those walls. The truth is that it is a magical place that many are willing to discover. Of course, a trip from Cusco to MachuPicchu is quite an adventure, considering that it is located in the Peruvian Andes and part of the Amazon. Today we will be talking about how to get to MachuPicchu from Cusco. If you are interested in knowing, stay with us.
Where Machu Picchu is
Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, above the Urubamba River valley. It’s located in the southern hemisphere 13,164 degrees south of the equator. It is 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Cusco, on the crest of Machu Picchu Mountain, situated about 2,430 meters above sea level, more than 1,000 meters lower than Cusco, which has an elevation of 3,400 meters. As such, it had a more Amazonian climate than the Andean Inca capital. The only way to reach Machu Picchu is by train or on foot.
How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Two ways to get to Machu Picchu are known, which are 1. traveling the Inca trail; 2. By minibus and walking. Each of two options offers a different and unique experience, the choice is totally yours and will depend on what you are looking for.
According to experts, most visitors or tourists decide to travel by train, although the Inca Trail is the most incredible option, while the Hydroelectric, despite being the most economical, is the least taken option.
By train
You can get to Machu Picchu from Cusco on the train that runs between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu town.
- Now you may be wondering how to get from Cuzco to Ollantaytambo. You can do this route in groups, that’s how we did it. We explain in detail where they leave from and their price in our post One day in Ollantaytambo.
- To buy train tikets there are two companies: Peru Rail or Inca Rail. They told us that Inca Rail has more modern trains, but we booked it with Peru Rail at the Cuzco office, because the frequency of the trains is higher and the price of both companies is the same. We leave you here all the information to travel by train to Machu Picchu, after our experience.
- To avoid running out of train tickets, book at least 10 days in advance (in low season), and then buy the ticket to Machu Picchu. If you go in high season, book much in advance, as tickets fly.
By minibus and walking
If you choose this option you will have to go from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica in a shared minibus, and from there walk to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
- Much cheaper, because with this option you save the train. But in exchange, you need to go with little luggage and carry it on your back during the 3-hour walk to Aguas Calientes.
- If you choose this option to go to Machu Picchu on your own from Cuzco, you will really enjoy this route. You will see up close the Andes mountain range and the Amazon jungle where Machu Picchu is located. The trip takes place in a minibus with an approximate duration of 6 hours on a road that is 90% paved and the remaining 10% to be paved, but in very good condition.
- These minibus leave every day from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco at 7:20 in the morning.
