The citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the most important tourist attractions in Peru and South America, the traditional route to get there is with the train service from the town of Ollantaytambo.
A route that due to its high demand makes it more complicated to find available spaces, however, in Cusco there are different options to get to Machu Picchu.
Alternatives that undoubtedly turn the adventure of reaching the Wonder of the World into a completely unforgettable experience, surrounded by nature, snow-capped mountains, Amazonian forests, camping and completely separating from the stress of the city to connect with oneself.
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Machu Picchu can be reached from Cusco by bus, by the Inca Trail, by trekking to Salkantay, Sacred Valley route, on your own.
The route to get to Machu Picchu by car is a very rare option since there is no direct road to the village of Machu Picchu.
However, if you wish to take this route, you should consider that the journey is 2 days and 1 night, you will be transferred by car or tourist bus from Cusco to the town of Santa Teresa.
From this point we will have a walk of about 3 hours approximately, along the train tracks until we arrive to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night and rest.
The next day you will visit the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu accompanied by your guide, the tour is approximately 1-2 hrs, at the end of the tour you will return to the town of Aguas Calientes where you can visit the hot springs. Around noon you should start the 3 hour walk back to the hydroelectric where again take the mobility to return to Cusco.
The Inca Trail route is a much more incredible experience as this tour is 4 days and 3 nights, the hike is 40 KM, considered one of the best trekking routes, where you will make a long walk through the lush forests characteristic of the jungle eyebrow area of Peru. surrounding the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The experience is undoubtedly unique, since you can also contemplate the flora such as bromeliads, ferns, orchids and others, as well as native fauna such as the multiple variety of butterflies, spectacled bears, birds that characterizes Machu Picchu.
This tour follows the route of the Qhapaq Ñan, original Inca Trail that is currently protected by the state, so access to this tour is a bit complicated if you do not make the reservation at least 2 months in advance, for this tour is necessary if or if you hire the service with formal and authorized travel agencies, these include the guide service, income, and the necessary equipment for your adventure. Remember also that the Inca Trail route is closed during the month of February, due to the heavy rainy season, the best time to make this tour is in the months of May to August.
Undoubtedly this is one of the most extreme alternatives to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, a long trek of 5 days and 4 nights (70km approx.) through snowy mountains the first days, and tropical forests the last days of the trek.
The months of June, July, August are the most recommended for the Salkantay - Machu Picchu trek, as they are considered the dry season, with the absence of rain you will find the roads in better condition, but on the other hand the nights tend to be much colder.
Due to the cold weather during the first days of the trek, remember to bring appropriate clothing, as well as trekking shoes, waterproof jackets, and only what is necessary to avoid carrying too much extra weight along the trek.
The level of difficulty for this tour is high, since it must be taken into consideration that the maximum altitude reached during the hike is 4,650masl in the Abra Salkantay, it is a constant 5-day hike, through icy climates in the snowy, and the last days reaching a more tropical climate, for this tour it is advisable to go with a guide who has the experience and knowledge of the routes.
This circuit joins the Sacred Valley with the citadel of Machu Picchu, an option that makes the journey much more entertaining. During the first day you will visit the viewpoint of Taray, archaeological site of Pisac, lunch in Urubamba, continue to the town of Ollantaytambo. Here you will board the train that will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have dinner and spend the night in the assigned hotel.
The next day, you will visit the archaeological citadel of Machu Picchu, accompanied by your guide, then you can visit the hot springs and have lunch, finally return by train to the town of Ollantaytambo and by tourist bus to the city of Cusco.
Currently many visitors choose to go to the citadel of Machu Picchu on their own, and the fastest and most requested way is with the train service from the town of Ollantaytambo, also remember that for the entrance to Machu Picchu as train tickets must make reservations in advance, both can be purchased through the websites.
To get to the Ollantaytambo station is necessary to travel by car from the city of Cusco, for this you can move to the bus terminal and cars on the street pavitos, remember to bring your train tickets and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu printed, as well as your identification document (ID card, passport, foreigner card, etc) and the vaccine booklet against Covid with full doses, to board the train, you must be present at the station half an hour before the time specified on your ticket.
