Aguas Calientes is the town that houses the archaeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu. It’s a must-see stop before exploring this wonder of the world. Upon visiting, you’ll discover a magical place filled with activities and incredible natural landscapes. But the most important thing is, how do you get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu? Discover everything you need to know before embarking on one of the best experiences of your life in our travel guide.

• What is Aguas Calientes?
• How to get to Aguas Calientes?
  • Travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
  • Trip from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes
• How to get to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail?
• How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
  • Bus trip to Machu Picchu
  • Hike to Machu Picchu
• How to buy a ticket to Machu Picchu step by step?
• Types of Machu Picchu tickets
• More information about tickets to Machu Picchu
• Best hotels in Aguas Calientes
• The best time to visit Machu Picchu
• More information about the trip to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Classic photo of a family of visitors at Machu Picchu

What is Aguas Calientes?

• Aguas Calientes is the town where the archaeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu is located.
• Located at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain, it is the closest town to the Inca City.
• This picturesque place is dedicated entirely to people who visit Machu Picchu.
• There are no vehicles on its streets, except for the buses that take visitors to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.
• Aguas Calientes has more hotels per square meter than any other place in the country.
• It offers top-quality tourist services, such as restaurants, bars, cafes, and more.
• Aguas Calientes is also known as Machu Picchu town.
• You’ll find plenty of activities to do, from hiking through its rich geographic biodiversity to visiting its hot springs.
• Aguas Calientes is surrounded by mountains with lush vegetation; it’s a magical place where you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale.

How to get to Aguas Calientes?

There are only two ways to get to Aguas Calientes: by train from Ollantaytambo and on foot from the hydroelectric station. Learn more about these routes to choose the one that best suits your travel itinerary.

Travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

• The trip begins in Cusco, boarding a vehicle that will take you to the town of Ollantaytambo. The trip takes approximately two hours.
• In Ollantaytambo you board the train that will take you to Machu Picchu, remember to buy your tickets in advance (Machu Picchu train ticket sales)
• The train ride takes almost two hours. Throughout the journey, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley, an unforgettable experience.
• This option is the most convenient and fastest, as it could take you only 4 hours to get to Aguas Calientes from Cusco.
• Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the companies responsible for train services to Aguas Calientes.

Trip from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes

• The trip via Hidroeléctrica is a more economical option to get to Aguas Calientes.
• The journey begins in Cusco towards the town of Santa Teresa (5 hours), followed by a short trip to the Hydroelectric Station (30 minutes).
• This route also allows you to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs, located in Santa Teresa.
• The 2-hour walk begins at the hydroelectric station.
• The route is filled with a great diversity of animals and plants, with photographic landscapes to be found at every step.
• The hike is very easy, with flat terrain and no uneven ground. Before starting the route, you’ll find many shops where you can buy whatever you need to make your adventure even better.

Routes to get to Aguas Calientes from the city of Cusco

When you arrive in Aguas Calientes, depending on your travel plan, you have the option of heading directly to Machu Picchu, or you can also choose to tour the town and visit the Inca citadel the next morning. This is the best way to organize your trip, given that morning is usually the best time to explore Machu Picchu. You’ll also be rested and able to explore the site without rushing.

How to get to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail?

• The Inca Trail is an impressive hiking route, considered one of the best treks in the world.
• It’s an immersive experience along well-preserved trails, where you can learn more about the geography surrounding Machu Picchu, as well as discover archaeological sites unique to the experience.
• There are only 500 tickets available per day, but demand is so high that you must reserve tickets four or five months in advance.
• The trek covers 39 kilometers on foot. Each night, the hike takes place in camps under the stars and among the mountains, adding to the beauty of the experience.
• The archaeological sites that you will visit on the route are: Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna.
• On the last day, you’ll enter the archaeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku (Sun Gate), from where you’ll get a unique view of the site.
• This route does not pass through Aguas Calientes, but rather runs through the mountains, starting in Piscacucho (kilometer 82) and ending in Machu Picchu.

This is part of the Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu.

The Short Inca Trail
There’s also a short version of the Inca Trail, which takes two days, covering only 12 kilometers. The experience begins at kilometer 104 of the railway to Aguas Calientes. Along the way, you’ll visit the archaeological sites of Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Inti Punku. This experience can be booked just two months in advance, so you won’t miss out on exploring Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail.

How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

When you’re in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have two options to reach the entrance to the Machu Picchu archaeological sanctuary. Choose the one that best suits your travel experience. You can also choose between the two options for your return trip.

Bus trip to Machu Picchu

• Just a few steps from Aguas Calientes’ main square, you’ll find the bus station that takes you to Machu Picchu.
• Buses depart from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu every 20 minutes, or until they are full.
• You can purchase bus tickets on the day of your trip, or you can also reserve them in advance. (Buy bus tickets to Machu Picchu)
• Buses are environmentally friendly and are the only means of transportation to get to Machu Picchu.
• The buses take between 20 and 25 minutes to reach the entrance gate to Machu Picchu. They cover a total of 9 kilometers along winding paths filled with vegetation.
• To return to Aguas Calientes, you can also choose to purchase a ticket. The station and ticket office are very close to the entrance to the archaeological site.

Hike to Machu Picchu

• If you are in good physical condition, or have plenty of time, you can choose to reach Machu Picchu on foot.
• The hike is in a straight line through many steps, an immersive experience in the middle of jungle areas.
• The route is very well signposted and can be completed in almost two hours, although it is somewhat exhausting.
• It is not recommended to hike up if you are going to enter the Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu mountains later: places where you will need a lot of energy to explore.
• It’s best to choose this route during the descent, as it’s much easier to navigate. It can be completed in just an hour.

Route to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes

How to buy a ticket to Machu Picchu step by step?

• One of the most common ways to visit Machu Picchu is with an organized tour. Another option is to purchase tickets directly.
• To purchase Machu Picchu tickets, select your dates and ticket type. Then, check availability, pay with Visa or MasterCard, and print your tickets.
• Huayna Picchu tickets must be purchased three months in advance. Otherwise, there will be no availability.
• Check how to purchase the Machu Picchu ticket.

Types of Machu Picchu tickets

There are ten types of tickets to enter Machu Picchu, each segmented into one of the three tour circuits. Some are only available on specific dates. Find out all the details about Machu Picchu entrance tickets:

More information about tickets to Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu can accommodate 5,600 people daily, so tickets sell out quickly. Make your reservation at least a month in advance.
• There are 4,600 tickets available for purchase online and 1,000 tickets available in person in Aguas Calientes. (Purchase your ticket to Machu Picchu here)
• There are only 500 trails available for the Classic Inca Trail. Remember that tickets must be purchased at least four months in advance.
• On the day of your visit to Machu Picchu, you must bring your printed ticket along with the documents you used to make your reservation.
• University students, minors, and tourists from the Andean Community of Nations (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia) receive discounts.

Best hotels in Aguas Calientes

The town of Aguas Calientes boasts a great tourist infrastructure and high-quality services. Among the best hotels are:

• 5-star hotels

  • Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
  • Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
  • Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo otel

• 4-star hotels

  • House of the Sun Machu Picchu
  • Taypikala Hotel Machupicchu
  • Living Land Machu Picchu

• 3-star hotels

  • Gringo Bill’s Boutique Hotel
  • Inti Punku MachuPicchu Hotel & Suites
  • Terrazas del Inca B&B

The best time to visit Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, including holidays. ( The best time to visit Machu Picchu )
• Most people choose to visit during the dry season (April to October), as the weather allows for sunny, clear skies, ideal for hiking.
• The other season is called the rainy season (November to March). During these months, there’s a greater chance of precipitation, although you’ll also find greener landscapes and fewer tourists.
• While there’s no bad time to visit Machu Picchu, the dry season offers sunnier days with a lower chance of rain.
• Also keep in mind that the dry season coincides with peak tourist season. During these months, you’ll need to book tickets further in advance.

More information about the trip to Machu Picchu

• Immediately after booking your Machu Picchu tickets, purchase your train tickets. These are also limited.
• If you forgot to book a tour package with a tour guide, you’ll find dozens of guides offering their services at the entrance to Machu Picchu.
• The tour of the Inca citadel lasts an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, if you have a ticket that includes a hike, it can be extended up to 6 hours.
• If you were unable to leave your luggage in Aguas Calientes, you can leave it outside the archaeological site; there is a place where you can rent a storage space.
• There are no restrooms inside Machu Picchu, so we recommend going before entering. Restrooms and some additional services are located outside the Inca citadel.
• In addition to climbing Machu Picchu, there are other activities you can do in Aguas Calientes, such as visiting its hot springs, its artisan market, the Mandor Gardens, the butterfly farm, and many more.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) How can I get to Aguas Calientes from Cusco?

  You have two options: take a train from Ollantaytambo, which is the fastest and most convenient way, or take a bus to the hydroelectric station and from there walk for about two hours to the town. It all depends on the type of experience you’re looking for.

• 2) What is the difference between going by train or by the Hydroelectric route?

  The train is more expensive, but also more comfortable and faster. The route via Hidroeléctrica is more economical and adventurous, as it includes a hike through the jungle. Both have their charms.

• 3) Can I walk to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes?

  Yes, the hike takes about two hours uphill through the jungle on stone steps. It’s demanding, but if you take it easy, you’ll see incredible scenery. If you prefer a less strenuous option, we recommend doing it on the way down, as the return journey takes half the time.

• 4) What is the bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu like?

  Traveling on the eco-friendly buses is very comfortable and fast, covering the entire route in just 25 minutes. It’s also the only type of transportation authorized for this route.

• 5) What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

  The most popular time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season (April through October). During these months, you’ll find clear skies and less chance of rain. However, it coincides with peak season, so there are more tourists and tickets sell out faster.

• 6) How long does the tour inside Machu Picchu last?

  The average hike takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. If your ticket includes an additional hike, such as to Huayna Picchu, your visit can be extended up to 6 hours.

• 7) How long does the train ride from Ollantaytambo take?

  The trip takes approximately two hours, and you’ll be able to see beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley throughout the journey. It’s the fastest way to get to Machu Picchu.

• 8) What is the weather like in Machu Picchu?

  The climate in Machu Picchu is humid, typical of a jungle region. Mornings are cloudy, giving it a mystical and beautiful appearance.

• 9) How many types of tickets are there at Machu Picchu?

  There are 10 types of tickets to enter Machu Picchu, all of which are divided into three tour circuits, to provide a better experience for visitors and also to protect the archaeological site.

• 10) What are the opening hours of Machu Picchu?

  Machu Picchu is open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last entry time is 3:00 p.m.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Fernanda C.

“A magical and unforgettable experience“

“Machu Picchu is a destination that exceeds all expectations. The majesty of its ruins and the natural environment create a unique atmosphere. To be there is to feel the history and energy of a sacred place.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 23, 2025