Information Sheet Last Updated: 2005
Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco
TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU
Trains leave from the San Pedro Station on Cascaparo, about 6 blocks from the Plaza de Armas. There are 4 different train services, for further information check out PeruRail´s website, www.perurail.com.
Hiram Bingham Sevice
- For those wanting to splash out, the Hiram Bingham service at $476 includes the train journey from Poroy (outside Cusco) to Aguas Calientes, then a bus service to Machu Picchu and also the entrance to the ruins and guide. The following meals are also included –brunch, lunch, tea and dinner
- The train leaves 9:00am and returns to Poroy at 10:00pm. This service runs Monday – Saturday
Vistadome Service
- This service leaves from Cusco at 6:00am, arriving at Aguas Calientes at 9:40am. In the afternoon. The train departs Aguas Calientes at 3.30pm and arrives back in Cusco at 7:20pm.
- The cost of this service is $101.15 roundtrip or $59.50 one way.
Backpacker I
- This service leaves Cusco at 6:15am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 10:10am. In the afternoon, the train departs at 3:55pm and arrives back in Cusco at 8:20pm.
- The cost of this service is $66.45 roundtrip or $41.65 one way.
On both the Vistadome and Backpacker I service there is an option to disembark at Poroy, outside Cusco, and take a bus back down to Cusco. This saves about 45 travel time and costs 5 soles.
Backpacker II (Budget Option)
- This service is not advertised on PeruRails website. This is the cheapest service and departs from Ollantaytambo at 7:45pm, arriving at Aguas Calientes at 9:20pm. You will need to spend 2 nights in Aguas Calientes because the service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo leaves at 5:45am and arrives back at Ollantaytambo at 7:40am.
- The number to call to see if there are tickets left: (51 84) 204-110
- The cost is $24 return or $12. These tickets need to be purchased in Ollantaytambo.
Cerrojo
- This service is not advertised on PeruRails website. This is the cheapest service and departs from Ollantaytambo at 20.00 arriving at Aguas Calientes at 21.40. You will need to spend 2 nights in Aguas Calientes because the service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo leaves at 05.45 in the morning and arrives back at Ollantaytambo at 07.40.
- The cost of this service is $40 return or $20 single. These tickets can now be bought from the Wanchaq Station in Cusco or at the Ollantaytambo train station.
- From Cusco take the Bus to Ollantaytambo (only 3 direct buses a day) Cost – s/5 OR take bus to Urubamba (leaves every 20 minutes from the same terminal, Avenida Grau) Costs--s/3. Then from Urumbamba take a combi to Ollaytaytambo, costs s/1. It is also possible to take a colectivo taxi from Cusco to Urumbamba from Calle Pavitos, which is opposite the bus station on Avenida Grau. The cost is 5 soles and is a lot quicker than the bus.
TRAIN RESERVATIONS
You can make reservations in advance from abroad by emailing reservas@perurail.com or telephoning (51)(84) 238722. Tickets can also be purchased from Wanchaq train station, Avenida Pachacutec, in Cusco. Please note, the train for Machu Picchu leaves another train station.
Tickets can also be purchased from Wanchaq train station, Avenida Pachacutec, in Cusco.The opening hours are as follows, Monday- Friday 7am-5pm & Saturday, Sundays & Bank Holidays, 7am-12pm.
Some tour agencies sell tickets as well, but charge a higher price. Tourists may no longer use the local train.
Visit www.perurail.com for more information on train schedules and ticket prices.
Tickets for the Backpacker II service must be brought in Ollantaytambo. Some tour agencies sell tickets as well, but charge a higher price. Tourists may no longer use the local train.
To see the sunrise, catch the early shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes ($10 round trip), which should leave a half hour before first light. Buses go every 20 minutes or when they are full in the high season. You can also walk to up Machu Picchu; however, it is a steep 1 hour climb.
Walking to Machu Picchu
- You can walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (all uphill and 2 to 3 hours) but it is not advisable. It is better to take the bus from Aguas Calientes. First departure 6am from Aguas Calientes, and leave about every 20 minutes. Costs $6 (return $12).
- Machu Picchu entry fee – 77 soles
- With ISIC – 35 soles