The only road that leads to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is the Hiram Bingham Highway, a precarious eight kilometer road that transports domestic and foreign tourists from the town of Aguas Calientes to the world wonder.
This road crosses in its first section the so-called Puente Ruinas in Perú, a platform that was launched over the Vilcanota river more than 40 years ago and that falls apart in front of the eyes of both locals and strangers.
To get from Puente Ruinas to Machu Picchu is required 45 minutes to an hour if the same Bingham Bridge is used.
Puente Ruinas in Machu Picchu
What is the Puente Ruinas? The Puente Ruinas is a vehicular and pedestrian bridge that crosses the Vilcanota River (also known as the Urubamba River). It is located on the outskirts of Aguas Calientes, in the area known as "Ruinas", which marks the beginning of the ascent path to Machu Picchu via the walking route.
The Puente Ruinas on the way to Machu Picchu is a bridge that crosses the Urubamba river to reach the ruins of Machu Picchu. This bridge, whose structure crosses more than 100 vehicles daily, measures 51 meters in length, supporting up to more than 42 tons. It is made up of steel beams and crossbars with fixing rivets of the same material.
The "abutments" of the aforementioned road were found in the latest explorations and are located about 30 meters from the Ruinas bridge, where buses that go to the entrances of the Inca citadel and tourists who wish to do it on foot currently cross it.
"In many segments it is a modern path, it is part of the path that Bingham took on July 24, 1911 to reach the key of Machu Picchu", said the head of the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, who also highlighted the importance of the historical data of the area that deserve to put them in value.
Currently, only a minimum percentage of the more than 4,000 daily tourists access Machu Picchu by the pedestrian route from the Puente Ruinas Perú, a route that takes about 45 minutes to an hour. With the actions of the Culture Directorate of Cusco, tourism would be increased and decentralized.
About the Puente Ruinas
Function and current use
- It is the control point for visitors walking up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. Here, entrance tickets and personal documents are checked before allowing access to the ascent path.
- It is also the starting point for tourist buses, although visitors going by bus usually board from a station closer to the town.
- The area near the Puente Ruinas is used by some tourism agencies as a base camp.
- Many tourists who want a more active or economical experience choose to walk from the Puente Ruinas to the citadel, which takes between 1h30 to 2h depending on the pace.
Location
It is located approximately a 20-minute walk from the main square of Aguas Calientes, following the path towards the bus station and then along the river. The route is paved up to the bridge and is signposted.
Surroundings
The bridge is surrounded by dense high jungle vegetation, typical of the Peruvian cloud forest. Near the bridge, there are also some minor archaeological remains, camping areas, and views of the Vilcanota River.
Ruins Bridge as a Camping Area
Although it is not as well-known a tourist area as others, the area near Puente Ruinas (Ruins Bridge) is used by some tourism agencies as a base camp , especially for 2-day tours like the Inca Trail with camping , making this an important point for visiting Machu Picchu the next day. This primarily occurs in alternative or low-cost itineraries, where the aim is to avoid staying overnight in Aguas Calientes hotels.
Campground features
- It is located next to the Vilcanota River, which offers a relaxing natural and sound environment.
- The area is flat and has vehicle access, which facilitates equipment transport.
- Some spaces have already been prepared for setting up tents, kitchen areas, and basic services.
What kind of tours camp here?
- Budget or combined routes, such as those that arrive via Hidroeléctrica and prefer to camp instead of staying in the town.
- Short Inca Trail excursions to Machu Picchu, with the camping option included.
- Groups that want to be closer to the entrance to Machu Picchu to start the walk very early (before dawn).
Advantages of camping at Puente Ruinas
- Proximity: Being only a 20–30 minute walk from the entrance to the pedestrian path to Machu Picchu.
- Natural environment: Surrounded by vegetation, birds, and the sound of the river, it is a quiet alternative to the hustle and bustle of the town.
- Reduced cost: Ideal for travelers on a tight budget or large groups.
Important considerations
- It is not a free or massive campsite. You must book with an authorized agency that has permits and adequate logistics.
- The climate is humid and temperate, so it is important to bring waterproof tents and insect repellent.
- There are not many tourist services in the area (like shops or restaurants), so everything must be organized beforehand
 |
 |
 |
How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is reached through the Hiram Bingham road in 2 different ways:
- A bus trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu that lasts approximately 30 minutes.
- A short walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu with a duration of approximately 2 hours.
How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on foot?
It is a great idea to go from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on foot. The route on foot is through a steep mountain so it requires great physical effort.
The first sections are on one side of the road. Then, you go up several stairs that cut the slopes of the mountains. The last section continues along the road until you reach the entrance gate to Machu Picchu.
How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu by bus?
The box office of the buses to Machu Picchu is very close to the final train station of Aguas Calientes. From there buses depart to the Wonder of the World.
You can only buy bus tickets by presenting your valid passport or identity document. The bus ride is short. It lasts approximately 30 minutes. Climb a high mountain until you reach the entrance door to the Wonder of the World.
Are there other routes to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
The only two valid ways to get to Machu Picchu are by bus or on foot along the Hiram Bingham road.
Some tourists look for unauthorized alternative roads to enter Machu Picchu illegally. These routes are dangerous. The authorities are authorized to sanction visitors who try to illegally reach the Inca Citadel.
To walk up to Machu Picchu the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is necessarily required. Otherwise, they will not allow you to pass through the ‘Puente Ruinas’ in Perú, 15 minutes after starting the journey.
When to visit Machu Picchu?
The rainy season in Machu Picchu officially begins in October and ends in April, but the rainiest period is from November to March. July and August are the high season months of summer, with a large influx of visitors entering the ruins. Therefore, the most recommended is to travel to Machu Picchu in September or late spring.
Also this is the best season to follow the Inca trail (4 day Inca Trail Tour, Machu Picchu 3 day hike, 2 day Inca Trail, 2 day Inca Trail with camping, one day Inca Trail) that leads to Machu Picchu; or some of the Alternative Treks to Inca Trail (Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao Trek 5 Days, Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek, Choquequirao Trek 4 Days)
