Did you really go to Peru if you didn’t see Machu Picchu? Trust me, everywhere you go (especially in Cusco) folks will ask when you’re going to Machu Picchu. Most of these folks will then proceed to hand you a business card and tell you they’ll happily take you.
However, most tour operators I’ve seen/researched can be pricey. Instead, I did a DIY Machu Picchu trip and I’m sharing how you can do it on your own too!
Please note: This post shares information based on new rules and regulations implemented in early 2019. Which were put in place to conserve the New Wonder of the World and help with crowd control. As well as improve the overall experience for visitors.
How to get to Aguas Calientes
Most folks make a trip to Machu Picchu after flying into Cusco. You can do a day trip from Cusco. Or, stay the night in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo (a town nearby) before or after visiting Machu Picchu. Since the site opens at 6 am, many decide to spend the night in one of these towns to catch the sunrise. Unfortunately, my time was limited, so I could only do a day trip from Cusco. But if you have time to stay in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes, I’d definitely recommend it!
Regardless which option you choose, you’ll have to get to Aguas Calientes (a.k.a Machu Picchu Pueblo/town).
From Cusco
The easiest way to get to Aguas Calientes is via train and you have three options. Peru Rail, Inca Rail, and Belmond Andean Explorer. These three train operators have different ways they get to Aguas Calientes from Cusco and Ollantaytambo.
Inca Rail
Inca Rail has cheaper train prices and three departure options with different pick-up points. They are:
- Cusco > Machu Picchu
- Poroy Cusco > Machu Picchu
- Ollantaytambo > Machu Picchu
Peru Rail
Like Inca Rail, Peru Rail has cheaper ticket prices and three departure options with different pick-up points. They are:
- Cusco > Machu Picchu
- Ollantaytambo > Machu Picchu
- Urubamba > Machu Picchu
Belmond
This train operator is on the pricer side, but I heard the amenities are amazing. Belmond only has one pick-up option.
- Wanchaq Station (Cusco) > Machu Picchu
I went with Inca Rail and chose their Cusco > Machu Picchu route. And I purchased their “Voyager Bimodal” package. With this package, I had to arrive at Inca Rail’s office in Cusco (Av. El Sol 843). From there, a bus took us to the Ollantaytambo station where we boarded an Inca Rail train to Aguas Calientes.
The entire process was seamless. When I arrived at Inca Rail’s office, they provided a light breakfast and a water bottle. Their office had a water bubbler, a coca tea/leaves station, and a bathroom. The ride going to Ollantaytambo was a Greyhound/Peter Pan-type bus, and coming back was a smaller van. Also, the train rides were beautiful. They had big windows to take in the views, and comfortable seats. On both train rides, we were given a light snack and beverage. Also, we got to try shots of Pisco Sour on the train ride back.
From Ollantaytambo
Consider staying overnight in Ollantaytambo, if you have the time. You can easily book a driver via Taxidatum to take you from Cusco Airport to Ollantaytambo. Or, another location in Cusco. Then, make your way to Machu Picchu in the morning via one of the train options above.
This option might be ideal for those nervous about immediately being in Cusco’s high altitude.
How to get to Machu Picchu citadel
Once you’ve arrived at Aguas Calientes, congrats! You’ve done the hardest part. Now, to get to Machu Picchu citadel is simple, that’s, of course, depending on which option you choose:
Bus
Cost: $24 round trip
Duration: 20-30 minutes
The easiest, and quickest, way to get to Machu Picchu. Buses start running at 5:30 am, and run fairly frequently. You can buy your tickets not too far from the train station when you arrive. I’ve heard the line to board buses can be long. But, I went during their rainy season and only waited one minute before boarding the next bus. However, if you’re traveling during peak season I’d buffer some extra time just in case. Also, I’d encourage you to purchase roundtrip tickets at Aguas Calientes. Because the line to buy a bus ticket at Machu Picchu to get back to Aguas Calientes can be long. Your roundtrip ticket doesn’t have a set time, so you can get on whatever bus.
Hiking
Cost: Free
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Not the famous Inca Trail hike, which can take up to four days. However, this hike can still be strenuous, so only do this option if you’re physically fit.
Things to do in Aguas Calientes
If you have enough time before your entrance to Machu Picchu. Or, before your journey back to Cusco, you should explore Aguas Calientes. It has its charm, and is a great place to grab souvenirs or something to eat.
Mercado de Artesanias
It’s pretty much inevitable that you’ll walk through this market as it’s steps from the train station. In fact, you’ll more than likely find yourself weaving through it to get to the main street. It’s a great place to quickly grab souvenirs.
Mapacho Craft Beer and Peruvian Cuisine
We stumbled upon this restaurant when looking for somewhere to eat before boarding our train. And what a nice surprise it was. Immediately, we were greeted and seated at a table with a beautiful view of the river. The service was impeccable and the food and drinks were delicious.
They’re said to have delicious Peruvian beer, but I’m not a big beer drinker. So I stuck to Pisco sours, which their passion fruit was delicious! For food, I got the Al Carajo burger and a side of fries. The burger was topped with spicy guacamole, bacon, lettuce, tomato, Pico de Gallo, and Chili lime. It was delicious, plus the view really added to the experience.
Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu
What you’ll need to enter
- Entrance ticket (printed)
- Passport
- Tour guide
When and where to buy your entrance ticket
You can purchase your ticket online via the official government website, or in person in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. I’d advise buying your tickets in advance online, especially during high season as they only accept 2,500 people a day. Since I went during their rainy season, I got away with purchasing my ticket a couple of weeks prior.
Entrance ticket types
Your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is separate from your train and bus tickets. There are three entrance tickets you can buy, and all of them have a 4-hour time limit to explore. This new rule was implemented earlier this year to try and control the amount of folks who visit.
Machu Picchu Ruins Only
Cost: Adults S/.152 ($45), Student S/. 77 ($23), Children S/. 70 ($21)
This ticket gets you into the main Machu Picchu ruins, where you see most folks photos taken. It doesn’t, however, grant you entrance to the two mountains, you’ll have to buy those tickets separately. When booking this ticket, you’ll have to pick one of their hourly entry times.
Machu Picchu + Montaña Huayna/Wayna Picchu
Cost: Adults S/. 200 ($60), Student S/. 125 ($37), Children S/. 118 ($35)
Spots available: 400 per day
Huayna Picchu is in the backdrop of the ruins and takes about 2-3 hours total to hike. The steps are steep, long, and absolutely terrifying – probably why they’re called the ‘Stairs of Death’. However, the views are stunning, from what I was told. When booking, there are three morning time slots to choose from.
Machu Picchu + Montaña Machupicchu
Cost: Adults S/. 200 ($60), Student S/. 125 ($37), Children S/. 118 ($35)
Spots available: 800 per day
Unlike Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu mountain is an easier hike. Taking about two hours total, but it still provides beautiful views of the ruins. Like Huayna Picchu, there are three morning time slots to choose from.
Finding a tour guide
It’s required to have a tour guide to enter, although I didn’t feel like it was really enforced. However, I think you should still hire a guide to learn the fascinating history of the Inca Empire.
You can find guides right at the entrance, and most speak English. Once I arrived, a guide rallied up a small group (about 7-8 of us) for a two-hour tour. It was $15 (50 soles) per person.
Additional tips
- Bring sunscreen: Seriously though, the sun hits differently in higher altitudes. Make sure to wear sunscreen and reapply when necessary.
- Bring cash: You’ll definitely want to carry some change with you. Especially if you have to use the bathroom at Machu Picchu as it costs one soles to use their facilities.
- Bring water: This will be a long day trip, so make sure to bring water and stay hydrated.
- Use the bathroom before entering Machu Picchu: There’s a bathroom at Machu Picchu, but it’s outside of the entrance. And, you can’t re-enter the ruins once you’ve left. So I’d advise using the bathroom before entering.
