To visit Machu Picchu, you must first get to the city of Cusco, the historical capital of Peru and the starting point for most tours to the Inca Citadel. From there, the trip continues to the Sacred Valley, passing through the town of Ollantaytambo, where the most used train station for travelers is located.
The journey continues by train from Cusco to Machu Picchu, which arrives at the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), located in the high jungle of Peru, at 2,300 meters above sea level and about 112 km from Cusco. This small town has no roads, cars, or taxis; everything is walked, and the only connection with other cities is by railway. From there, you take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, or, if you prefer, you can do the walk of about an hour and a half to the entrance of the sanctuary.
After touring the Inca Citadel, many travelers wonder how to get from Machu Picchu to Cusco. There are several alternatives:
- Train from Machu Picchu to Cusco: It is the most comfortable and fastest way, with daily services that connect Aguas Calientes with Ollantaytambo and later with Cusco.
- By foot: For the more adventurous, it is possible to return by walking following alternative routes.
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Cusco: A combined option, taking a bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco after the train trip.
In summary, whether you are looking for information on how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco or how to get back from Machu Picchu to Cusco, the most used options are the train and tourist buses, although there is always the possibility of choosing trekking routes for those who want more adventure.
2 Best Ways To Get To Cusco from Machu Picchu
how to get back to cusco from machu picchu by train
This is the option most used by travelers. Its great advantage is the saving of time; it is the fastest alternative. In just three hours and 30 minutes, you could return from Machu Picchu to Cusco. Its starting point is the Aguas Calientes train station, which is 5 minutes from the main square of Machu Picchu village. There are two final stations before arriving in Cusco.
Return Train Stations
Ollantaytambo Train Station
The trip from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by train. Once you arrive at this train station, you have two options to return to Cusco.
- Private Car: At the Ollantaytambo train station, you will find many drivers offering transfers to Cusco. Private transportation ranges from S/150 to S/250 and you will find to parked in the train station garage. The price depends on the capacity of the van. If you need seating for more than 4 people, the price is higher. Usually, drivers will drop you off at your hotel or Airbnb.
- Tourist Transportation: If you want the best price for the transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, this option is for you. At the train station, drivers offer transfers in groups, usually with vans capable of accommodating 15, 20, or 35 travelers. The price typically ranges from 15 to 20 soles per person, and this transportation drops you off at San Francisco square, a 5-minute walk to the main square.
Many travelers prefer to visit Ollantaytambo before going to Cusco. It is more convenient to explore the town before returning
Poroy Train Station
Poroy is a small district located near Cusco city, where you can find the Poroy train station. From this train station, luxury trains such as the Hiram Bingham train and Vistadome Observatory train depart. Additionally, the Expedition train departs from here.
- The journey from Machu Picchu to Poroy takes three hours and 30 minutes by train. Once you arrive at Poroy, the drive to Cusco takes 30 minutes. At the train station, you can find taxis to Cusco, typically costing between S/30 and S/40. If you prefer a private transfer, we recommend reserving in advance as availability might be limited at the train station.
Cusco Train Station
The Cusco train station is located in the center of Cusco city, near the main square, just a 10-minute walk from the station.
- The journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco takes 4 hours by train, and from there, you can walk to your hotel or Airbnb. However, there are only two train services departing and returning each day.
how to get back to cusco from machu picchu by car
Many travelers choose this alternative to return from Machu Picchu to Cusco, as it is the most economic option, although it involves a longer trip with several connections. From the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) you must first get to Hidroeléctrica, which can be done in two ways:
- Train to Hidroeléctrica: the ticket costs around $35 per person and the journey takes about 30 minutes. It is worth taking if you are looking for comfort and speed, as well as enjoying the landscape of the subtropical area of Cusco.
- Walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica: ideal for those who want to explore more of the Amazon Route. It is approximately a 3-hour walk at a relaxed pace, during which you can appreciate the Machu Picchu mountain, the Vilcanota river, and the rich local flora and fauna.
Once in Hidroeléctrica, there are two main options to get to Cusco:
- Direct tourist bus: costs between S/80 and S/90 per person, takes about 4 hours, and arrives in Cusco around 10:00 p.m. It is the most practical option if you want to avoid intermediate stops.
- Local bus via Santa María: the most economic alternative. The first leg from Hidroeléctrica to Santa María costs between S/15 and S/20. From there you can take a local bus on the Quillabamba – Santa María – Cusco route for about S/30, with a total travel time of approximately 6 hours.
Which train should I take to return to Cusco from Machu Picchu?
There are many train departures from Machu Picchu to Cusco. You can choose any time; the first train departs at 05:30 AM, and the last train departs to Cusco at 10:00 PM. Trains depart approximately every hour.
The train has three levels of service:
Perurail
Peru Rail train to Machu Picchu company is the first train to operate in Cusco, this company was created on 1999 and this company offers the following train to Machu Picchu.
- The Expedition service is the most economical, and is highly recommended. You do not need more than this. It is a great service. Its price is around 120 USD round trip.
- The Vistadome is a little more expensive, but practically no difference with the Expedition. Only windows a little larger. It's not worth paying more just for that. The windows of the Expedition are more than enough to enjoy the tour of the Sacred Valley.
- Orient Express Machu Picchu. But it is the luxury car and its price does not lower USD 300.
Inca Rail
Inca Rail is new train company to operate in Cusco. this company was created on June 2014. This company offers the following train from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
- The Voyager train to Machu Picchu
- The Voyager Premium & Lounge Bimodal
- The 360° Panoramic train Machu Picchu
The tickets can be purchased on the company's website, Peru Rail. There is also the option of the Inca Rail company. Their prices are a little lower.
about the Trek to Machu Picchu
All treks from Cusco to Machu Picchu require planning for the return trip to Cusco. Here, you can find the best hikes from Cusco, and upon returning, you can choose the best option for your return, whether it's catching the train or bus.
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Inca Trail
The second most popular option. Arrive at Machu Picchu as in the old days, through the roads used by the Inca Empire. Well ... not as in the old days.
Formerly the roads allowed the Inca Empire to move from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. At present, for a tourist theme, the famous Inca Trail that the agencies sell and the one authorized by the Peruvian government, starts at km 82, near Ollantaytambo. It's about two hours of travel from Cusco by train. So, what we call the Inca Trail, is only a part of those ancient roads. The classic tour lasts 4 days and 3 nights. Day 4 is not part of the road itself, it is the day you visit Machu Picchu.
There is another option, which instead of carrying out the Inca Trail in 4 days, is done in 5 days. Doing it in more time helps decrease the physical demand. Yes, demand, because it is a path through the mountains, which reaches up to 4,200 meters above sea level, with lack of oxygen. Definitely, it's not for anyone. But you do not have to prepare a year either. With running two or three months before is enough. Also, arrive a few days before Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude. Of course, the better prepared you are, the less difficult it will be for you, and the more you will enjoy it. The great advantage of the Inca Trail, although a little folkloric this advantage, is that Machu Picchu is accessed through the Puerta del Sol, the original entrance to the citadel, and not the one currently used in the rest of the options, the tourist door to say it in some way. In case you want to book this way, you must do it several months in advance, about 6. Since the demand is high and only 500 people per day are allowed. Among those 500 count the cooks, guides, etc. And the cost, well, is the most expensive of all the options. Up to $ 750.-
Salkantay Trek
This is another that became very fashionable because the quotas for the Inca Trail are completed quickly. The Salkantay, although many agencies sell it as an Inca Trail, is not. It is an alternative road, not regulated by the Peruvian government, so it has no quota limit. It is a road of 5 days and 4 nights. Some agencies offer the option to do so in 6 days. One of the main advantages that I see, is that you get to a higher altitude than the Inca Trail, up to 4,500 meters above sea level and the snow-capped mountains are impressive. Also, the demand of this road is a little greater than that of the Inca. The end of the road is in Aguas Calientes, and not by the Puerta del Sol as the Inca Trail. The Salkantay Trail ends in Santa Teresa, and from there you will walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, as well as the Alternative Road. Its price ranges from USD 520 to USD 900, depending on how many people are. -
Kilometer 104 - Inca Trail
This is the short version of the famous and amazing Inca Trail, for those who have little time available, but in no way want to miss this unique walk and enjoy beautiful landscapes and diversity of plants such as the Orchid and variety of birds. This walk is 11 kilometers, the walk lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours until you reach the Puerta del Sol known as Inti Punku, where you can get the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu. -
Lares Trek
This road leaves from the town of Lares, near Cusco. Walk several points of the Sacred Valley in 4 days and 3 nights (option to do it in 5 days). It ends in the town of Ollantaytambo, from where the train is taken to continue towards Aguas Calientes. -
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
Choquequirao is a city similar to Machu Picchu that was discovered some years ago. And only now it is beginning to explode tourism. They are still in the stage of investigation, excavations, and cleaning of the brush. Being a place still almost untouched, I think it's worth going. But yes, this path is not for anyone. It is the most difficult of all and in the world of trekking it is cataloged with Difficult Level. That is, it requires a lot of physical demands, you have to prepare very well. The road lasts 8 days and 7 nights. After visiting Choquequeirao, the road to Machu Piccu begins. -
Inca Jungle
This is another quite recent alternative and with a lot of adventure. The road begins in Ollantaytambo, and from there are 4 days of adventures. You will have downhill by bike, rafting, zip line, and of course, trekking. With this option you will also get to Santa Teresa to walk the tracks to Aguas Calientes. A different option and that is shaping up as a good alternative to the Alternative Way or at Km 82.
Others Alternative Treks no popular to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
Hiking tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
INCA TRAIL TREKS
- 3 Day Inca Trail Tour
- Short Inca Trail
- 5 Day Inca Trail Hike
- Inca Trail Hiking Tour 4 Days
- Inca Trail and Amazon Rainforest
- 2 Day Inca Trail Hike With Camping
TOURS TO MACHU PICCHU
- Lima to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
- 2 Day Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu tour from Cusco
- Combo Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Honeymoon
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
