How to Get to Machu Picchu

✨ BEFORE YOU GO: Key Things to Book in Advance

1. Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket

   • Book through the official site: https://machupicchu.gob.pe

   • Choose Circuit 1, 2, 3, or 4 depending on your hiking preference.

     • Circuit 1/2: Higher viewpoints and classic photos

     • Circuit 3/4: Lower circuits, easier and faster

   • Optional add-ons: Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain (limited availability—book early!)

   • Bring your passport when booking AND visiting — it’s required for entry.

2. Train Tickets

   • Buy from PeruRail or Inca Rail (both reliable, different stations/times):

     • https://www.perurail.com

     • https://incarail.com

   • Departure stations:

     • Cusco (San Pedro or Poroy Station)

     • Ollantaytambo (easiest and most popular) — especially if staying in the Sacred Valley

3. Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

   • Book online or buy in Aguas Calientes the day before.

   • Tickets: https://www.consettur.com

   • Buses start running at 5:30 AM daily. First-come, first-served.

4. Optional: Hire a Guide

   • Guides are required unless you’ve already been to Machu Picchu.

   • You can book online in advance, through a tour operator, or hire a certified guide at the entrance in Aguas Calientes.

   • Expect to pay $25–60 USD per person, depending on group or private.

🚉 OPTION 1: From Cusco to Machu Picchu

1. Early Morning Departure from Cusco

   • Take a taxi or transfer to Poroy Station (30 min from Cusco) or San Pedro Station.

   • Trains depart between 5:00 AM–7:30 AM (depending on company).

2. Train Ride to Aguas Calientes

   • Duration: ~3.5 to 4 hours from Cusco

   • Scenic ride along the Urubamba River — sit on the left side for the best views.

   • Bring snacks, layers, and passport.

3. Arrive in Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Pueblo)

   • You can stay overnight OR head straight up to Machu Picchu.

4. Take the Shuttle Bus to Machu Picchu Entrance

   • Duration: 25–30 minutes

   • Buses depart every 5–10 minutes starting at 5:30 AM

   • Expect long lines in peak season; try to line up by 4:45 AM if you want to be on the first bus for sunrise.

5. Enter Machu Picchu

   • Show your passport, entry ticket, and guide (if required)

   • Allow 2–4 hours for your visit, depending on the circuit and if you add a hike.

6. Return to Cusco

   • Reverse the process: Take bus back to Aguas Calientes → train to Poroy or Ollantaytambo → taxi or transfer to Cusco.

🏞 OPTION 2: From Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo or Urubamba)

1. Morning Departure from Sacred Valley

   • Stay overnight in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, or Pisac.

   • From Ollantaytambo Station, trains are frequent and faster than from Cusco.

2. Train to Aguas Calientes

   • Duration: 1.5–2 hours

   • Trains start as early as 5:00 AM; pick one that gives you time for a bus ride + tour.

3. Shuttle Bus to Machu Picchu + Tour

   • Same process as above (buy ticket in advance or in town, line up early).

4. Return to Sacred Valley or Continue to Cusco

   • After your visit, either return to Ollantaytambo (then transfer to Cusco) or stay overnight in Aguas Calientes.