Step 1: Leave Cusco for Ollantaytambo or Hidroeléctrica

Cusco is the starting point.

You have 2 main routes:

 Option A: Cusco → Ollantaytambo (Most comfortable route)

• Transportation: taxi or minivan (1h 40min – 2h)

• Average cost: 15–25 USD

• It is the most commonly used route.

From Ollantaytambo you will take the train.

Option B: Cusco → Hidroeléctrica (Budget route)

• Transportation by car or minivan (6–7 hours)

• More economical

• From Hidroeléctrica you walk 2.5–3 hours to Aguas Calientes

 Recommended only if you are in good physical condition and have more time.

 Step 2: Take the train to Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Town) is the only town near the citadel.

From Ollantaytambo:

• Train duration: approximately 1h 30min

• Companies: PeruRail or IncaRail

• Book in advance during high season.

 Local tip: try to travel early to avoid setbacks.

Step 3: Go up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

From the town you have two options:

 Official bus

• Duration: 25 minutes

• Departs every 10–15 minutes

• More comfortable

• Recommended if your entry time is early (6:00 am)

Walking

• 1h 30min – 2h uphill

• It is demanding (many stairs)

• Ideal if you want to save money and enjoy trekking

 Step 4: Enter Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu has official circuits (1, 2, and 3).

Important recommendations:

✔ Buy your ticket weeks in advance
✔ Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time
✔ Bring your physical passport
✔ Large backpacks are not allowed

 Quick step-by-step summary

1️⃣ Cusco → Ollantaytambo (car or taxi)
2️⃣ Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (train)
3️⃣ Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu (bus or hike)
4️⃣ Entry according to your schedule and circuit

Local recommendations you should know

✔ If traveling in high season (May–September), book everything at least 1 month in advance
✔ Avoid traveling the same day as your international flight
✔ Always carry a rain poncho
✔ Double-check your entry time
✔ If it is your first time, we recommend Circuit 2

Alternative options

You can also get there by doing:

• Inca Trail (4 days)

• Salkantay Trek (5 days)

• Route via Hidroeléctrica

It will depend on your time and budget.

 Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, step by step and without getting lost.

The key is to plan each segment well and book in advance. It is not complicated, but it does require organization.

If you would like, I can prepare a complete guide about:

• Updated costs

• Route comparison

• Which circuit to choose

• How to buy official tickets