Journey Through Time at the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, start your journey from Cusco, which is approximately 80 kilometers away from the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Take the route from Cusco to Ollantaytambo via the PE-28 highway. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Once you reach Ollantaytambo, you will need to park your car and take a train to Aguas Calientes. Parking at the train station in Ollantaytambo is available but may have a cost, typically around 10-20 soles per day. The train journey to Aguas Calientes takes about 2 hours.

• Public Transportation (Bus + Train)

  To reach the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu using public transportation, start from Cusco and head to the Cusco Terminal Terrestre (bus terminal) where you can take a bus or collectivo (shared taxi) to Ollantaytambo. This travel typically costs around 10-15 soles and takes about 1.5 hours. From Ollantaytambo, you will need to buy a train ticket to Aguas Calientes, which costs approximately 60-150 soles depending on the train service (Inca Rail or Peru Rail) and the time of booking. The train ride to Aguas Calientes will take around 2 hours. Once in Aguas Calientes, you can either hike to Machu Picchu (approximately 1.5 hours uphill) or take a shuttle bus, which costs around 12-24 soles one way and takes about 30 minutes.

• Direct Train (from Cusco)

  Alternatively, you can take a direct train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. This option is available through Peru Rail or Inca Rail, and it is important to book your tickets in advance. The train leaves from Poroy Station, which is about 20 minutes from central Cusco. A taxi to Poroy will cost around 20-30 soles. The train ride takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and costs between 200-400 soles, depending on the service level. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, follow the same steps as above to reach Machu Picchu.