Cusco to Machu Picchu: Trains, Tickets, & Tours in 2024

It’s not far from Cusco to Machu Picchu, but it’s an adventure to get from the city to the ancient Inca site in the mountains of Peru!

You have a few options to make the trip, but I’ll say right off the top:

• You cannot drive to Machu Picchu.
• You can’t even drive to Aguas Calientes, the town known as the gateway to Machu Picchu!

I’ll go through the options to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu, which include:

• Day Trip Tours from Cusco to Machu Picchu
• The Train from Cusco to Machu Picchu
• The Train from Ollantaytambo
• Hiking the Inca Trail

Each person or group goes to Peru with a different budget and timeframe. Hopefully, this post will help you decide which option works for you!

You can also use the table of contents to skip down to the section which appeals to you the most.

Cusco to Machu Picchu: The Best Tours

If you’d rather have someone else lead the way and deal with the hassles of organizing your journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu, these are the tours with the best reviews:

➡️ Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip

• Includes transportation, entry, and a guide.

➡️ Inca Trail (4 Days)

• Includes transportation, guide, etc.
• Click here for the 2-day option

➡️ Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

• 2-day tour from Cusco

Cusco to Machu Picchu: By Train

Taking a train from Cusco to Machu Picchu is the most popular way to travel between the sites.

Tourism workers protested a new ticketing system in January of 2024, shutting down the train tracks to Machu Picchu for days. In 2023, some civil unrest led to the suspension of tourism in Peru for a few weeks. Still, I wouldn’t let these temporary disruptions in Peru prevent me from visiting!

It’s a beautiful, scenic adventure on the train, from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo).

Several of the train cars will have rounded glass ceilings, giving passengers even more of a view of the surrounding mountains.

The train ride from the city to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. The duration will depend on a few factors, like the train company, the type of train, and whether it makes other stops along the way. 

Cusco to Aguas Calientes

Several train companies operate between Cusco and Aguas Calientes. The two prominent train companies serving this route are:

1. PeruRail: You can choose from different train services, including the Vistadome, Expedition, and the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train.
2. Inca Rail: The services offered include the Voyager, the 360°, and First-Class service.

These companies offer different classes of service, amenities, and prices. Their prices and schedules change, so it’s best to check their individual websites.

PRO TIP: Book your train tickets in advance, if you’re going to Peru in the peak tourist months (June, July, and August).

PeruRail from Cusco

On the 3.5 to 4-hour train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, you can opt for one of PeruRail’s Vistadome train cars. It’ll be pricier (upwards of $100 at times) but it’ll definitely be a memorable trip!

Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Once you get to Aguas Calientes, you can either hike to Machu Picchu (it’s quite a climb!) or take a bus ride up.

Personally, I’ve always taken the bus up the mountain and hiked back down after exploring Machu Picchu.

You can wait to book your bus tickets once you arrive in Aguas Calientes. It’s:

• $12 for a one-way ticket, or
• $20 for a roundtrip from the town up to Machu Picchu.

The booking office in Aguas Calientes is cash-only, and you’ll need to show them your passport.

You’ll book your bus ticket to correspond to your Machu Picchu entry time. For a 10:00am Machu Picchu entry, you’ll line up in town at 9:00am for a 9:20am bus. 

The line is lengthy, but don’t worry… they’ll have seats for everyone!

The ride itself is 25 minutes up a steep, cliffside road, which involves 14 hairpin turns.

You can see many of them in this aerial view:

There are no cars or taxis. You have to either take the bus … or hike!

If you buy a one-way ticket up, and decide not to hike down due to rain or other reasons, you’ll find another bus ticket office near the entry to Machu Picchu:

Cusco to Machu Picchu: Drive to Ollantaytambo

I love this lesser-known (but still popular) way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. We wound up doing it by accident, and we’re glad it worked out this way!

You can easily hire a driver to take you from Cusco to the ancient town of Ollantaytambo. 

The drive is only 50 miles, and it’ll take less than two-hours (unless you run into construction). 

I’d caution you against driving yourself, because:

• The roads are rough.
• Signage is poor.
• There aren’t many parking options in Ollantaytambo.
• The $50 to hire a driver will likely be more cost-efficient than renting.

Ollantaytambo is a charming, historic town you can spend the day exploring. It’s a living example of what an Inca town looked like.

You can visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, an Inca archaeological site featuring terraces and temples. 

A second set of ruins, the Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries, is across town. A hike to the top of these ancient grain storage facilities will provide panoramic views of this part of the Sacred Valley.

I really liked the cobblestone streets, well-preserved Inca architecture, and local markets and shops. Plus, Ollantaytambo has plenty of restaurants and cafes.

Depending on your timeframe, I’d also recommend staying the night at the beautiful StarDome Lodge.

➡️ Click to Book StarDome Lodge

It’s just outside of Ollantaytambo (their driver will pick you up) and the mountaintop views are incredible. The lodge is an unforgettable place to spend the night, with a great restaurant right on site!

This interactive map is centered on StarDome. The link will take you to the reputable Booking.com website. You can plug your dates in to see what works for you:

Hike From Cusco to Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is a bucket list hike for a lot of visitors to Peru. 

It’s important to note: You can’t hike it on your own. You’ll need a permit, and have to go through a licensed tour guide.

They’ll get you to the start of the Inca Trail, seen below, near Ollantaytambo.

Here are the basic steps for someone looking to hike the Inca Trail along part of their journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu:

1. Permit and Booking: Obtain a permit through a licensed tour operator (well in advance, as the number of hikers allowed on the trail each day is restricted). Make sure to book the tour with a reputable agency that provides experienced guides, porters, and necessary equipment.
2. Train to the Start of the Trail: The Inca Trail typically begins at a point known as Kilometer 82. The trailhead is located near the town of Ollantaytambo. From Cusco, you would need to take a train to Ollantaytambo, and then a bus or car to the trailhead.
3. Hiking Duration: The Inca Trail itself is approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) long and takes about 4 days to complete, including a visit to Machu Picchu on the final day. The trek involves challenging terrain, high altitudes, and a variety of Inca ruins and landmarks along the way.

Hikers are advised to spend at least a day or two in Cusco and/or Ollantaytambo, so your body adjusts to the high altitude, before hitting the trail.

➡️ Book the Inca Trail

Day Trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu

You can certainly do a day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu, but you’ll have to plan it out in advance and be prepared for a long day!

The first step would be securing your entry reservation for Machu Picchu. It’s a somewhat confusing government website. Make sure to hit the “Translate to English” prompt when it pops up.

From there, check the train schedules to see which will get you to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) in time to catch the bus to the entrance.

The bus + train option on PeruRail will leave before dawn, and get to from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo before 8:00am. It’s a bit of a hassle, since you’ll have to change from the bus to a train in Ollantaytambo, but still doable.

Alternatively, if your Machu Picchu entry is for later in the day, you can take the direct train from Cusco, which will get you there as early as 10:00am.

Again, keep in mind: you’ll have to allow yourself time in Aguas Calientes to buy bus tickets, get in line for the bus, and take the ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Anecdotally, if my entry for Machu Picchu was for noon, I’d still take the first direct train of the morning from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. Arriving by 10:00am will allow time to buy bus tickets, get a snack, and get in line for the bus by 11:00am.

Don’t forget: If you’re doing a day trip, you should buy your return train ticket in advance. Take one of the last trains of the day back to Cusco. After exploring Machu Picchu, you can opt to hike back down to Aguas Calientes. The town is full of shops and restaurants to spend time in while you wait for an evening train back to Cusco.

➡️ Book a Day Trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu Pueblo

Years ago, on my first trip to Machu Picchu, I was kicking myself for not spending more time in Aguas Calientes.

Cusco is a large city, full of things to do. But Aguas Calientes has a lot to offer, too! Plus, spending a night (preferably two nights) in town will allow you to fully enjoy your visit to Machu Picchu, without the stresses of having to watch the clock for your train.

It also gives you more time to visit some of the sites right in town. Aside from great restaurants and a large open-air market, you can hike up to the waterfall or hot springs, which are just on the outskirts.

Keep in mind: there are no taxis to Aguas Calientes. You’ll definitely have to take the train out of town, to either Ollantaytambo or all the way back to Cusco. 

You could always book the shorter train trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and then hire a driver in the town square to take you back to Cusco.

Cusco to Machu Picchu By Car

It’s not possible to drive from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It’s not even an option to drive from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).

The only vehicles in Aguas Calientes are the buses, which are used to ferry visitors and guides from town up the mountain to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Other blogs and websites can be misleading about this.

Be wary of tours which offer a “private driver from Cusco to Machu Picchu.”

The fine print will reveal: the driver will take you in a car from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. From there, you’ll have to take the train.

Even the people who live and work at the restaurants and hotels in Aguas Calientes don’t have cars. They, too, have to take trains out of town!

Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets

The Peruvian government manages the entrance to Machu Picchu, and implemented changes and regulations to preserve the site and control the crowds.

The entry system includes a limitation on the number of tickets available each day, as well as specific time slots for entry:

1. Daily Visitor Limit: The Peruvian limits visitors to Machu Picchu to around 4,500 per day in 2024, up from 3,800 in 2023. This number includes both regular entrance tickets and permits for the additional climbs such as Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
2. Timed Entry: To manage the flow of visitors and prevent overcrowding, the entrance tickets are issued for specific time slots. The first entry is at 6:00am, with the final entry at 3:00pm. Machu Picchu closes daily at 5:00pm.
3. Booking and Reservations: Make sure to book your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (June, July, and August), as the tickets can sell out quickly. Plus, the earlier you book, the more options you’ll have when it comes to choosing the time you want to enter.

Changes at Machu Picchu

Something else you’ll notice when you book is: You have to choose a “circuit” to walk at Machu Picchu. The paths are now full of signs, directing you where you are… and are not … allowed to go, based on which ticket you’ve purchased.

Gone are the days when you could wander around on your own, and choose to hike Huayna Picchu (Wayna Picchu) or explore some of the extra trails at Machu Picchu.

I was excited to hike up to the top again, and disappointed to be stopped by the staff at a check-in shack.

Peru imposed major restrictions post-pandemic. They force visitors to choose one area to explore.

After experiencing Machu Picchu both before and after these new restrictions and circuits were imposed, this is my advice for first-time visitors:

1. Choose Circuit 2: It’ll provide you with the iconic views from the highest spot, plus allow you to walk through both the ‘urban’ part where people lived and the terraces where they farmed.
2. If you want to hike Huayna Picchu (which I recommend), be strategic. You’ll have to book two entries. First, book a reservation for early in the morning for Huayna Picchu. Then book a separate reservation (noon or later) for Circuit 2. This provides the best of both worlds! The other option is to book Huayna Picchu one day, spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and then book Circuit 2 for the following day. That’s my plan for my next visit!

Returning visitors will also notice an influx of security guards, stationed throughout the site, scolding visitors for going the wrong way or for crossing over the rope lines.

The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu & Cusco

My short answer to the question: “What’s the best time to visit Machu Picchu?” is: May or September. The shoulder season months are mostly dry, and tourist crowds are smaller than they are in the summer.

With that said, I’ve also been to Machu Picchu in January, and had a great time.

Here’s a longer explanation of what you can expect, broken down by season:

1. High Season (May to September): This is the dry season, making it the most popular time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu. The weather is generally sunny and pleasant, with minimal rainfall. However, it also means larger crowds, higher prices, and more competition for hotels, hostels, tours, and tickets. Book things in advance, if you’re visiting Peru in the dry season.
2. Transition/Shoulder Season (April and October): The shoulder seasons offer a balance between relatively good weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak season. April marks the end of the rainy season, while October is the beginning of the wetter months. You might have cloudier weather with rain showers, but your visit won’t be a washout. Plus, you’ll save a little on hotels and have more options for tours.
3. Low Season (November to March): This is the rainy season, with frequent showers and occasional heavy downpours. While the weather may be less predictable and some hiking trails may be muddy, visiting during the low season offers lower prices and small crowds. If you plan to hike the Inca Trail, it’s crucial to consider the weather and trail conditions, especially during the rainy season.

Cusco Day Trips

As I mentioned, it’s best to spend a day or two in Cusco, allowing your body to acclimate to the elevation before going to Machu Picchu.

There’s plenty to do in the city itself. Or you can consider these easy day trips:

The Sacred Valley

A day trip to the Sacred Valley from Cusco is an enriching cultural and historical experience that allows you to appreciate the heritage and natural wonders of the Andean region. 

You’ll drive through lush green valleys, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains as you follow the Urubamba River.

 The Sacred Valley is home to Inca archaeological sites, like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, where you can learn about Inca culture, plus the engineering and architectural skills used to build the temples and terraces.

Salt Mines of Maras

Near Moray, you’ll find the Salt Mines of Maras, or Salineras de Maras. This is a privately-run salt mine, owned by local families.

The thousands of salt evaporation ponds date back to before the Inca period. It’s a beautiful, unique site, where you’ll learn about the traditional salt extraction methods still practiced by local families.

Elevation at Peru’s Top Sites

• Machu Picchu: Approximately 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level.
• Cusco: Approximately 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) above sea level.
• Ollantaytambo: Approximately 9,160 feet (2,792 meters) above sea level.
• Moray: Approximately 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) above sea level.
• Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo): Approximately 6,693 feet (2,040 meters) above sea level.
• Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Approximately 16,466 feet (5,020 meters) above sea level.
• Humantay Lake: Approximately 13,779 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level (photo. below).

FAQs: Cusco to Machu Picchu

Let’s tackle a few more frequently-asked-questions about visiting Machu Picchu from Cusco, Peru. Many of these have already been answered above.

Can you drive yourself to Machu Picchu?

No, the road from Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) is only used by the buses bringing visitors and guides from the town up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. There are no other vehicles in Aguas Calientes. Everyone has to use the train system.

Can you drive yourself to Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu Pueblo?

No, there are no roads to Aguas Calientes, so even people who live in town have to take the train out.

Can you hire a taxi or drive from Cusco to Aguas Calientes?

Despite what other websites and blogs say, you can not hire a driver or taxi to take you to Aguas Calientes. You can hire a drive to take you from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, but you’ll have to take the train from there to Aguas Calientes.

What’s the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The best time of year to visit Machu Picchu, in my opinion, is May or September. It’s the dry season, but demand for tickets is less than what you’ll find in the peak season, between June and August. Late April and early October are also good times to visit.

As for the time of day, you’ll have fewer people at Machu Picchu early in the morning. The first entry is at 6:00am. This is also when clouds and fog are heaviest, so you might have to wait for the fog to lift to get the best view.

How many hours does it take to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

The train from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) takes 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on which line you take and whether it makes other stops.

An alternative would be a two-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, and a 1.5-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes.

Is Cusco higher than Machu Picchu?

Yes, Cusco’s elevation is just over 11,000 feet, while the elevation at Machu Picchu is around 8,000 feet above sea level.

Is Cusco colder than Machu Picchu?

Temperatures for people visiting Machu Picchu will range through the day, so dress in layers. Generally, the climate remains mild year-round, with highs usually in the 60s. You’ll likely be chilly in the morning before things warm up, so bring a few layers to shed. Once you start hiking around, you’ll warm up quickly!

Wrap: The Best Advice on Going From Cusco to Machu Picchu

Taking a group tour from Cusco is a great option, if you’d like someone else to do all of the planning and organizing for you.

For me, I vote for hiring a driver to take you from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. It’s worth spending a day and a night there, exploring the town and the ruins.

The following day, you can take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu!