How to Get to Machu Picchu? Routes to Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
There are three well-known ways to reach Machu Picchu. The first is the traditional route (by train), which takes approximately three hours. The second is for adventure tourism enthusiasts: the "Inca Trail," a hike that requires significant effort over four days. The most innovative option is to reach the town of Aguas Calientes by helicopter.
Train Route "Train trip to Machu Picchu"
There are 112 kilometers between the city of Cusco and the Puente Ruinas or Machu Picchu station by rail. The journey begins at the San Pedro station in Cusco, ascending the Picchu mountain along a zigzagging track until reaching the highest point known as "El Arco" in the northeastern part of the city.
From there, the train descends through the towns of Pory, Cachimatyo, and Izcuchaca towards the Anta Plateau, a vast livestock area. Continuing through the narrow Pomatales ravine, the route enters the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing the Pachar station. The train then crosses the Urubamba River to the right bank, reaching Ollantaytambo station before continuing to Puente Ruinas, the final destination.
Travelers who have already explored the Sacred Valley by road and do not wish to return to Cusco can board the train to Machu Picchu directly from Ollantaytambo station.
There are two services available: the tourist train and auto-wagons, which depart early in the morning and return in the afternoon.
Inca Trail Route
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered the most famous trekking route in South America due to the combination of natural beauty, archaeological sites, and historical significance. The journey begins at Kilometer 88 of the railway line towards the Convención Valley, at a location known as Q'oriwayrachina, covering a total distance of 39.6 kilometers to the sanctuary.
The trek starts by crossing the Kusichaca bridge, a suspension bridge made of steel cables, built similarly to its Inca-era counterpart over the Urubamba River. After passing through a eucalyptus forest, hikers quickly reach the archaeological sites of Q'ente, Pulpituyoc, Kusichaca, and Patallaca. After several hours of hiking, they arrive at Wayllabamba, where camping is recommended.
The second day is the most challenging, requiring an ascent to 4,200 meters above sea level before descending into the Pakamayu River valley, where hikers spend the night.
On the third day, the route passes impressive archaeological sites such as Runkuraqay, the Yanacocha lagoon, and Phuyupatamarca, near the Wiñayhuayna visitor center, where camping is an option.
On the fourth and final day of the adventure, it is recommended to start at 8 a.m. to reach Machu Picchu in about three hours, passing through cloud forest and along cliff edges.
Throughout the trek, hikers witness an incredible variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as spectacled bears, pumas, Andean foxes, river otters, wildcats, and more.
It is recommended to bring a sleeping bag, backpack, multi-purpose knife, altitude sickness medication, and an antivenom kit.
Helicopter Route
Only one company offers a daily flight at 8:45 a.m. from Cusco's Velasco Astete Airport. The flight takes 25 minutes to reach Aguas Calientes. From there, a bus ride to the citadel takes an additional 30 minutes. The entire journey from Cusco takes 55 minutes. From above, travelers can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, although the helicopter does not fly close to the archaeological site.
