Are you trying to work out the very best way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
One of the most unforgettable highlights that you can visit on your trip through Peru, this sacred Inca citadel is known for its ancient history, breathtaking panoramic views and surrounding jungle and cloudforests. Working out how you will get from Cusco to Machu Picchu can be a challenge given all of the possible options, so it’s worth property understanding them and how they vary to decide which option is best for you.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. This includes the distance between the two, the main methods of reaching this star highlight, and the pros and cons of each. We’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.
Everything You Need To Know About Getting From Cusco To Machu Picchu
The Distance Between Cusco And Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is located some 120km northeast of Cusco, which can take anywhere from 4-10 hours to reach depending on the type of tour or transport method that you choose to get there with. Because these sacred ruins are located nearer to the Amazon at a lower altitude of 2430m compared to Cusco’s 3399m elevation high up in the Andes – here at the ruins we can see cliffs covered in thick green vegetation, as well as the surrounding cloudforests that are home to unique species like the Spectacled Bear and the Giant Hummingbird.
How Many Days Are Worth Spending In Machu Picchu And Aguas Calientes?
The majority of tourists visit Machu Picchu with two days, with the first spent getting to Aguas Calientes and enjoying a hotel and relaxing night – and then visiting the ruins the following morning before heading back to Cusco. We suggest the same unless you are in a rush – then in that case it’s worth looking at a same-day Machu Picchu tour where you will travel by train and see the ruins in the late morning before returning.
Alternatively, you can also spend longer in the region with 2-4 days, which is ideal for those who want to see beautiful waterfalls and wildlife around Aguas Calientes, and also enjoy a slower-style trip. Those looking to head on the Inca Trail will also need 2-4 days depending on the hiking route they choose – given the treks are long and require overnight camping along the Andes and cloudforests.
Comparing The 3 Main Ways To Get From Cusco To Machu Picchu
Let’s now explore the main ways of getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Using The Public Buses And Shuttles
From Cusco you can take organised shuttles and public buses to the gateway town of Ollantaytambo, which takes around 2 hours. From here you will then need to take a shuttle to the hidroeléctrica track (roughly 4 hours), and then walk the remaining train track path for 1.5 hours until you reach Aguas Calientes.
🚌 Overall it’s the cheapest option costing around $35 for a one-way ride – however as it takes between 7-9 hours one-way, you must stay overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Heading On The Scenic Trains
One of the most popular ways of getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco is by train. After the 2 hour bus ride to Ollantaytambo, you’ll then board one of the scenic trains provided by IncaRail or PeruRail, which takes around 1.5 hours to reach Aguas Calientes (trains do however vary in luxury depending on how much you want to spend).
🚅 Overall this option costs around $100 for the most basic train on a one-way ride, and upwards of $350+ for a one-way ride on the more luxurious trains. The journey takes roughly 3.5-4.5 hours one-way.
Embarking On A Multi-Day Hiking Adventure
Those after the most unforgettable experience will love the multi-day hiking routes. This includes trekking the Four Day Inca Trail where you’ll camp in cloudforests and see ancient ruins like Wiñay Wayna and Sayacmarca, or head on the Five Day Salkantay Trek and see glacial lagoons and snow-capped peaks along your journey.
👣 Overall these are best for those who have the time and don’t want to worry about schedules, and treks can cost anywhere from $600-$$800+ depending on the provider and option.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Get From Cusco To Machu Picchu
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu, as well as anything else you need to know.
How Much Does It Cost To Get To Machu Picchu From Cusco?
This really depends on the level of service you want, and how many days your tour to Machu Picchu will be. A same-day tour using bus or the Vistadome Train can cost around $200-$350, while an included overnight stay is around $350-$450. On the other hand, multi-days treks to Machu Picchu like the four day Inca Trail cost between $600-$800, while luxury train + hotel stays can easily cost over $1000.
Is The Train To Machu Picchu Worth It?
If you want the most comfortable and scenic ride into Machu Picchu, then the train is definitely worth it. Here you can board either in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, and enjoy panoramic windows with incredible vistas of the Sacred Valley and towering Andean peaks. The Voyager and Vistadome Trains are the cheapest entry-level options, while the Hiram Bingham Train is the most expensive and includes luxurious service and gourmet meals.
How Do You Get From Aguas Calientes To Machu Picchu?
Most people only worry about getting from Cusco to Aguas Calientes – however there’s still further to go to reach the ancient ruins. Perched on top of a mountain, you can take a bus which departs every 15 minutes from the main plaza in Aguas Calientes up to the ruins – which takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk up the mountain path which takes between 1-2 hours depending on your pace.
Overview Of Getting From Cusco To Machu Picchu
And that’s all for this guide on how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
The biggest star highlight on any vacation through Peru, Machu Picchu is perfect for those who want to explore the ancient Inca civilization’s very best work, spotting wildlife in the misty cloudforests, as well as enjoying a true adventure regardless of how you will get there. Overall there are various options of getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu, which will depend on your budget, how many days you want to spend there, as well as if you prioritise luxury or raw adventure.
Ready to book your Machu Picchu experience? Take a look at Our Overnight Machu Picchu Tour Now, which includes all private transportation, meals, train rides to and from Cusco, as well as exploring other ruins and highlights in the Sacred Valley with your expert tour guide.