The majestic fortress of Machu Picchu is a magical place that leaves all visitors speechless with its spectacular landscape and fascinating history. This archaeological site is situated in a strategic location surrounded by beautiful mountains, which provided the Incas with an advantage due to its difficult access.
Visiting this Wonder of the World is one of the best experiences you can have, so you’ll likely want to enjoy it peacefully and without any additional concerns. Moreover, if you are traveling with children or seniors, you’ll need a more comfortable way to ascend to the ancient Inca citadel.
Don’t worry, we have good news for you: it is possible to reach Machu Picchu without walking.
Do you want to know the easiest way? In this blog, we’ll clarify your doubts to help you have a perfect trip.
Where is Machu Picchu located?
The ancient city of Machu Picchu is located in southern Peru, within the Cusco region. More specifically, it is situated in the province of Urubamba, an area that lies between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. At an altitude of 2,430 meters (7,970 feet), it is nestled in the midst of a tropical mountain forest. This location is very difficult to access, which is why the Incas chose to build their city right there, keeping themselves well protected from any threats.
The road distance between Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco is 210 km, so most travelers dismiss this option and choose a more comfortable and faster mode of transportation: the train.
The railway is one of the best ways to reach Machu Picchu, as it lets visitors arrive feeling energized and excited to explore every inch of the site. It is also a more inclusive and comfortable option for families with children, older adults, or people with limited mobility.
Traveling by train in Peru isn’t easy, as the country has many natural obstacles like canyons, rivers, and mountains. This is a unique route that offers a beautiful and changing scenery. Through the window, you can see the beginning of the Cusco jungle and feel completely surrounded by dense vegetation—a small preview of what awaits you at the great Inca fortress.
Machu Picchu by Train: Speed and Comfort
The closest train station to Machu Picchu is in Aguas Calientes, the small village located right below the fortress. There are several ways to reach this point, depending on where you want to start your journey.
Currently, the route is operated by two railway companies that have explicit permission to run this service: Inca Rail and Peru Rail. These companies offer various options, from basic services to luxury experiences, allowing you to choose calmly which train to take.
Train Stations in Cusco
The train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes no more than 4 hours, which can be an advantage if you have limited time to visit this monument. Within the city, there are several stations that operate this route, although some are used more frequently than others. Discover the options that the Imperial City has to offer!
- San Pedro Station: This station is located in the center of Cusco, in front of one of the city’s most famous markets. However, it only allows train departures during limited morning hours to avoid interfering with the daily life of the metropolis.
- Wanchaq Station: Located near the city center, about a 15-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas, this station does not offer direct service to Aguas Calientes. Instead, buses depart from this stop to the Ollantaytambo station, which does provide access to the village of Machu Picchu.
- Poroy Station: This terminal is located in the district of Poroy and can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, with a cost of 30 to 50 soles. It was built as an alternative to San Pedro Station, but it has now become the first choice for many tourists.
It’s important to mention that Inca Rail does not offer direct service from Cusco. If passengers wish to depart from this city, a transportation service is provided to take them to Ollantaytambo, where they can board the train.
Train Stations in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
If you want to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas and learn more about this civilization before delving into its greatest creation, you also have the option to take the train to Machu Picchu from one of the nearby towns.
- Urubamba Station: This beautiful town is located just 53 km away from Cusco, in the heart of the Sacred Valley. It offers attractions such as the tours of Maras and Moray, and the journey to the village of Machu Picchu takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- Ollantaytambo Station: This is the choice of most travelers. The town of Ollantaytambo is located halfway between Cusco and Machu Picchu, making the train journey no longer than 1 hour and 45 minutes. This village also has significant archaeological treasures that visitors can explore before heading to Aguas Calientes.
Hidroeléctrica Train Station
There is another option to reach Machu Picchu that it’s more economical and doesn’t involve trekking, but takes a bit more time. This route involves a combination of car and train travel.
The journey begins with a car ride from Cusco to the small town of Santa María, which takes about 4 hours. After that, another 30-minute drive is needed to reach Santa Teresa, followed by a 30-minute trip to Hidroléctrica. At this point, you can choose to walk for 3 hours to get to Aguas Calientes or board a train that takes 30 minutes and goes directly to the village of Machu Picchu. The cost for the car transport is about $15 USD in total, while the train fare is $33 USD (one way). There are two departures daily, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Due to the longer route and the need to change transport several times, it may not be the easiest choice. However, completing the journey by foot from Hidroelétrica to Aguas Calientes is a great method to connect with nature. Walking surrounded by exotic plants and the sound of the Urubamba River is a unique experience that you might enjoy.
Important Information
- Schedules: Trains to Machu Picchu travel from 3:20 AM to 9:00 PM, and return from 5:35 AM to 9:50 PM. The schedules vary depending on the company and the departure station. You can check the details on each company’s respective website.
- Prices: Considering that there are more exclusive trains than others, the price will depend on your choice. It will also vary based on whether you select the bimodal service (bus + train) or the regular service (train only). Below, we show the base fares for a one-way trip. Below, we present the base fares for a one-way trip.
| TYPE OF SERVICE | PERU RAIL | INCA RAIL | BASE PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECONOMIC | LOCAL TRAIN | X | 12 USD (PERUVIANS ONLY) |
| STANDARD | EXPEDITION | VOYAGER | FROM 55 USD |
| PREMIUM | VISTADOME | THE 360° | FROM 90 USD |
| EXCLUSIVE | VISTADOME OBSERVATORY | PREMIUM & LOUNGE | FROM 110 USD |
| LUXURY | HIRAM BINGHAM | FIRST CLASS | FROM 500 USD |
- Discounts for Children: Both railway companies offer promotions for those traveling with young children. Here are some of the details:
- Children under 3 years old can travel for free on Peru Rail, as long as they are accompanied by family members.
- Children aged 0 to 2 years can travel for free on Inca Rail if they sit on a parent’s or guardian’s lap.
- Both companies offer a 50% discount for children under 12 years old.
- Closures: The stations of San Pedro, Wanchaq, Poroy, and Urubamba are closed to the public during the rainy season (from January 1 to April 30).
Get to Machu Picchu without effort!
You heard that right. Ascending to Machu Picchu without walking is a reality. Once you’re in Aguas Calientes, ready to spend one of the best days of your life, it will be time to make your way up this masterpiece of engineering.
The town of Aguas Calientes offers a transportation service that takes passengers to the Inca citadel in just 25 minutes. Therefore, if you don’t want to walk for 2 hours to reach the monument, you can enjoy a pleasant ride on this bus, which will drop you right at the entrance of the sanctuary. The route to go up runs from 5:30 AM to 3:30 PM, while the descent operates from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Additionally, the buses depart every 5 to 15 minutes.
Traveler’s Tip: Check your entry time to Machu Picchu and your train itinerary to choose the most convenient bus, without compromising the rest of your trip.
Where to Buy Your Bus Tickets
To avoid lines or even missing out on a seat, we recommend purchasing your bus tickets early in advance.
The company responsible for this route is called “Consettur,” and it has offices in Aguas Calientes and Cusco (Av. Pardo 827). Tickets can also be booked on their website, which is convenient if you are coming from abroad. Please remember that when making a purchase, you will need to present or specify an identification document.
Below, we provide the detailed prices for transportation (one way):
| FOREIGNER | NACIONALE | |
|---|---|---|
| ADULTS | 12 USD | 8 USD |
| CHILDS | 7 USD | 5 USD |
| STUDENTS | X | 6 USD |
| GUIDES | X | 6 USD |
Reach Machu Picchu Through Valleys and Mountains
If you love adventure and want to enjoy unimaginable landscapes, you can also trek to Machu Picchu, discovering the best of nature and the history of the Andes. There are various options to choose from depending on your time and preferences, but all of them culminate at the magnificent Machu Picchu.
There are several routes to choose from based on your time and preferences, but all of them lead to the stunning Machu Picchu.
Are you ready for an unforgettable experience?
Let’s go!
You may be interested in:
- The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
- Which Mountain Should I Choose?: Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Tickets to Machu Picchu: Everything you need to know!
- Train to Machu Picchu: Complete Guide
- The 7 Best Treks to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Weather: Climate and Forecast
- Is Visiting Cusco & Machu Picchu in the Rainy Season Worth It?
- Choosing the Best Route to Machu Picchu
- The Ultimate Travel Guide to Machu Picchu
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