Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: A Journey through Time

Getting There

• Car

  If you're traveling by car from Cusco, start on Avenida de la Cultura and follow signs for the South Valley. Continue on the road until you reach the town of Ollantaytambo, which is about 1.5 to 2 hours from Cusco. Once in Ollantaytambo, park your car at a designated parking area. From Ollantaytambo, you'll need to take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Train tickets can be purchased in advance or at the station, and they typically cost between $50 and $150 depending on the class of service.

• Public Transportation

  To reach the Inca Trail starting point, take a bus or shared van from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. Buses leave from the Terminal Terrestre in Cusco, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Tickets usually cost around $10. Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, purchase your train ticket to Aguas Calientes. The train ride takes about 1.5 hours. Ensure you check the train schedule in advance and purchase your tickets early, especially during peak tourist season.

• Train

  From Ollantaytambo, board the train to Aguas Calientes. The train departs several times a day, and you can choose between different classes of service. The train journey offers stunning views and takes approximately 1.5 hours. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you can either walk or take a bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, which is about a 20-minute bus ride costing around $12 one way.

• Bus

  After arriving in Aguas Calientes, you can take a bus to the Machu Picchu entrance. The buses run frequently starting early in the morning until late afternoon. A round trip ticket costs approximately $24. It is advisable to purchase your bus tickets in advance, especially if you want to arrive early at Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise.