Machu Picchu is considered one of the 7 new wonders of the modern world. Every tourist traveling to Pérou wishes to visit this mythical site, and virtually all tour operators include this historic site in their itineraries. If you wish to pay a fair price to reach Machu Picchu and prefer to organize your own journey, this practical guide will provide you with a wealth of information on prices, transportation options, schedules, and much more!

Important Practical Information Before Visiting Machu Picchu

The Peruvian government has determined that only 2,500 people per day are permitted to visit the Machu Picchu citadel. For this reason, it is important to book in advance, both your train tickets and your site entrance tickets, especially during peak season. It is possible to make reservations or check availability on the government website: http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/

Other ways to purchase tickets for Machu Picchu include travel agencies on the Cuzco main square, which will typically sell you the entire package, offering guides, their buses, or a taxi to pick you up from your hotel, with various options available. The goal is to add a small margin on each service. There is also the MachuPicchu Cultural Center (Instituto Nacional de Cultura) located at 238 Avenida de la Cultura in Cuzco, but this option can sometimes be quite lengthy due to long waiting lines.

Be careful not to buy tickets on-site, as there is no ticket office at the entrance of the archaeological site. Also, be cautious about purchasing counterfeit tickets sold on the street, as they will not be valid once you arrive.

In this article, we will cover the most traditional ways to reach Machu Picchu, namely by train and bus, though there are other routes we discuss on a page about alternative routes. It is very important to arrive at the station on the day of departure 30 minutes early, with 2 copies of your electronic tickets (one for check-in and one for boarding the train). Always make sure to have your passport with you!

Transportation, Rates, and Schedules for Machu Picchu

Transportation from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu

Several train companies transport tourists to Machu Picchu, with some departing from Cuzco only and others departing from both Cuzco and Ollantaytambo.

• Hiram Bingham Train

The Hiram Bingham train departs only from Poroy station, 20 minutes from Cuzco. This mythical train is a luxurious mode of transportation with wagons decorated in the purest style of the early 20th century. This train belongs to the "Orient Express" company and is among the most expensive and prestigious trains in the world.

The journey is highly enjoyable as staff are on hand to serve you beverages and meals, which you can savor while watching the landscape pass by through the train's panoramic windows. The ticket includes lunch and a cocktail, as well as a guide for groups of 14 people and afternoon tea on the terrace of the prestigious Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge!

• The Vistadome

The Vistadome is a relatively new train that serves as an alternative to the Hiram Bingham. While not as luxurious, it can truly be considered genuine first-class service.

It's an ideal train if you wish to capture magnificent photographs of the various landscapes the train passes through on its way to Machu Picchu. Indeed, the train's designers conceived an entirely panoramic train with enormous windows on the sides, as well as a glass roof! The Vistadome features a dining car, a bar, and musical performances to entertain passengers.

• The Expedition Train

The Expedition train is a more accessible mode of transportation for all tourists wishing to reach Machu Picchu. It departs from Poroy station in Cuzco, as well as from Ollantaytambo station. The atmosphere inside is quite pleasant, and it is comfortable enough for an enjoyable journey to the Incan citadel.

Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu

• The Vistadome

The Vistadome, that famous panoramic train covered in windows and quite elegant, mentioned earlier, can also depart from the town of Ollantaytambo toward Aguas Calientes. So if you wish to leave from this town to reach Machu Picchu, it is perfectly possible!

• The Expedition Train

Since the Expedition train is the most commonly used train to reach Machu Picchu, it's useful to know that it also departs from Ollantaytambo station, for two reasons. First, during part of the year between January and April (the rainy season), virtually all trains depart from there to avoid certain risks due to river flooding, so you'll have no choice!

The second reason might interest travelers looking to save money. In fact, by departing from Ollantaytambo it is possible to make interesting savings on ticket prices…

Transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Site

Once you reach the town of Aguas Calientes, you won't have much difficulty reaching the magnificent Machu Picchu site, as buses are frequent. Simply ask the drivers if there are available seats on their bus, or allow the "touts" at the station to show you the way…

A bus departs every 10 minutes toward Machu Picchu, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes on a steep road. The numerous tight curves offer magnificent views of the lush valley carved by the impetuous Vilcanota River. The most adventurous may prefer to hike up on foot, but in that case you should allow a good hour of walking!

• Hours of Operation

Machu Picchu is open between 6:00 AM and 5:30 PM, with the first buses beginning service at 5:30 AM, and you can take one every 10 minutes. Be careful with the last bus at 5:30 PM, as if you miss it, you'll be forced to walk back down, unless you want to save money, in which case, "happy hiking!"

• Rates

The Peruvian government has sought to prevent any chaos to protect the Machu Picchu site and prevent the location from becoming disorganized. The state has determined that the archaeological site can be visited by no more than 2,500 people daily. This has the effect of protecting the Incan city while also controlling tourist activities more precisely.

The price of a round-trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is approximately $17 for an adult and $9 for a child. It is possible to purchase only a one-way ticket to enjoy a short hike or to save a bit, at $12 for an adult and $5 for a child.

• Where to Buy Bus Tickets?

As we mentioned earlier, the Peruvian state has set a limit of 2,500 visitors per day to access the Machu Picchu site, so it is important not to venture too casually or to depart early in the morning to avoid the unpleasant surprise of finding yourself without a ticket!

It will be possible to purchase tickets at ticket offices in the town of Aguas Calientes or in Cuzco before taking the train, at Consettur offices located at 613 Avenida Pardo.