We at Viagens Machu Picchu try our best to give you a comfortable journey to Machu Picchu, however entering the lost Inca City is not always simple. Machu Picchu was constructed in the midst of nowhere, surrounded by mountains and woods. But we tell you that the work will be rewarding!
Because the journey to the place is not the most direct, most people take advantage of the opportunity to add additional destinations to their Peru trip itinerary. You may also visit and stay in Cusco, the Inca Empire's capital, which is home to many incredible cultural attractions. Alternatively, you might visit Lima, a city on the Pacific Ocean that gets little rain.
When arranging a trip from Lima to Cusco, you've got two options: by land or by air. The land trip takes about twenty-two hours. While flying is the more convenient choice, with only 1 hour and 20 minutes of travel time.
Aside from being quicker, air travel is more fun. It offers great views of the Andes, adding a unique touch to the trip.
Cusco is the major city around Machu Picchu. Cusco is also home to Cusco Airport, the only one in the region. As a result, the journey to Cusco will take an extra hour after arrival in Lima. Airlines that operate this route include Latam, Sky Airline, and JET Smart.
Get the most out of your trip to Cusco or Lima, both of which have lovely attractions to explore. A few days in Cusco can also help you acclimatize and lessen your risk of altitude sickness.
This part of the trip may differ based on what you are looking for. As before stated, the trip from Cusco to Machupicchu Pueblo is around 100 kilometers long. It takes four hours to complete.
You can't drive directly to Machu Picchu. So, many people go to Ollantaytambo and then take the train to the citadel.
Some people choose a leisurely tour. They spend the day in Machupicchu Pueblo, which has shops, hotels, and restaurants. Others choose for a round-trip train journey that leaves Cusco and returns the same day.
Tip: If you only have one day to see Machu Picchu, buy a train ticket that leaves Cusco early and returns at the end of the day. Remember that tickets to Machu Picchu have a set admission time. Thus, train schedules and ticket times have to match. you can buy the tickets at the ticket office located in the different train stations gathered around the city.
Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the two train companies that operate in this part of Peru. Both firms provide similar services.
They offer an array of carriages, some nicer than others. Trains offer several price choices. Prices vary according to the day, season, class, and time of day.
Depending on what kind of experience you are looking for, you have many options:
• Expedition Train: The most popular choice for travelers. The Ollantaytambo rail station connects Cusco to Machu Picchu. This train departs from Urubamba Station. It travels from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo was another Inca-ruled city. The train also continues to Aguas Calientes town.
• Sacred Valley Train: This is a middle-class train that runs between Vistadome and Hiram Bingham. You may enjoy a vacation with first-class onboard facilities here.
• Hiram Bingham Train: This is one of the most deluxe trains on the route to Machu Picchu. The Hiram Bingham serves delicious dishes and a gourmet lunch. Other attractions include a stunning observation car and an onboard bar car.
Tip: If you travel during the day, we strongly recommend booking your ticket on the panoramic train. It has larger windows and a glass ceiling. The stunning sights along the route will renew you. You'll also get to view beautiful natural scenery like the Urubamba River.
Traveling by train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) from Cusco is a comfortable and convenient option. Peru Rail offers services from two stations: Poroy, located 11 km from the center of Cusco, and San Pedro, situated in the heart of the historic center. If you prioritize comfort, we suggest opting for departure from San Pedro station, with a duration of approximately 4 hours.
To go on a combined bus and train from Cusco, first take a bus or van from the city to Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is about 60 kilometers away. Arriving in Ollantaytambo, take the train to Aguas Calientes.
This service is available from both Peru Rail and Inca Rail and continues for around 4 hours and 10 minutes in total. This time is divided into approximately two hours by bus and one hour and fifteen minutes by rail.
Taking the train to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo is unforgettable. This city, 60 kilometers from Cusco, is remarkable and deserves a visit to its ancient site. You may get to Ollantaytambo by bus or public transit and spend the day touring the region.
Another thrilling alternative is to take a day trip through the Sacred Valley, finishing in Ollantaytambo. From there, you can go alone to Aguas Calientes and prepare to see the wonders of Machu Picchu.
Many adventurous travelers take the alternative route from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. The bus journey from Cusco to Santa Teresa takes approximately 5 hours. Once in Santa Teresa, take a short shared taxi ride to the Hidroeléctrica station. It usually lasts about 30 minutes.
From the Hidroeléctrica station, you can walk along the train tracks to reach Aguas Calientes. The walk takes 2 hours and offers breathtaking views of the landscape. It adds adventure to the journey. Or, you can choose a 45-minute train ride from there.
If you plan to visit Machu Picchu soon, please contact us right away! Our team of experts would be happy to help you each step of the way.
With the appropriate assistance, planning your vacation may be a snap! At Viagens Machu Picchu, we are committed to giving you everything you need to have a wonderful time in Peru.
Don't spend any more time; we have the most fascinating trip packages in Peru ready for you! Begin arranging your next holiday to the Inca Land with us, and discover the adventure of your dreams!
