There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu, among so many alternatives the trip to Machu Picchu by bus may be the cheapest and most adventurous present. Unlike the classic trip to Machu Picchu by train or classic Inca Trail, the bus trip is more flexible and combines a bus trip with walks at various points along the route.
The train trip to Machu Picchu
This trip takes you directly to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) from the city of Cusco or Ollantaytambo via the railway line. The trip lasts between 2 and 3 hours and crosses the most beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley and always accompanied by the river Urubamba (sacred river).
The world famous Inca Trail
This route leads to Machu Picchu through ancient Inca trails, which pass different places and lesser-known archeological points until reaching Machu Picchu, has a travel time of 4 days and 3 nights of walking (classic Inca trail). This adventure is recognized within the 5 best hiking routes in the world.
Trip to Machu Picchu by bus
The route via Cusco – Hydroelectric – This adventure leads to the city of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu pueblo) through a bus ride and walk, crosses the Abra Malaga (snow-capped Veronica) and the so-called hydroelectric plant. The trip has a duration of 6 and 7 hours and crosses the most beautiful landscapes of the Inca jungle around Machu Picchu.
How is the trip to Machu Picchu by bus?
This route alternates with the classic travel routes to Machu Picchu, it can be divided into different sections as follows:
First stretch – cusco to santa teresa
A trip by bus or minibus from the city of Cusco to the town of Santa Teresa.
Second stretch – santa teresa to hydroelectric plant
Collective taxi journey from the city of Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric plant.
Third section – hydroelectric to Machu Picchu village
Once in the Hydroelectric Power Station you can choose to reach the town of Aguas Calientes by 2 ways:
Walking: A walk of 2.5 hours parallel to the Urubamba River. The trip on foot from Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu town (hot waters) is very beautiful and is made parallel to the rails of the train and always accompanied by the Urubamba River. On the way you can see many varieties of orchids, high jungle flora, crystal clear water streams and wildlife.
By train: this is the last part of the alternate route, starting from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes by train. The trip gives the option to board the tourist class train (economic) and arrive in 45 minutes Machu Picchu village (hot waters). This trip is short and much cheaper compared to the classic train trip from Ollantaytambo station to Machu Picchu.
It should be noted that the only company operating this route is PeruRail. The trip crosses the tropical jungle landscape near Machu Picchu.
Why choose to travel to Machu Picchu by bus?
It is an ideal route for all visitors and adventurers, some advantages they present compared to traditional trips are:
- They do not require booking train tickets long in advance.
- Travelers who need to save a little budget and enjoy Machu Picchu.
- Ideal for all adventurers looking for other non-traditional ways to get to the great Machu Picchu.
- People who travel frequently mind to Machu Picchu, is an alternative that you should try and know if you already lived the trip in the usual ways: travel by train and the classic Inca Trail.
How long is the trip to Machu Picchu by bus?
The alternate route to Machu Picchu (trip to Machu Picchu by bus) by Santa Teresa and hydroelectric has an approximate total time of 8 hours:
First stretch – The beginning of the trip by bus from Cusco to Santa Teresa has an approximate duration of 6 hours.
Second stretch – The journey by taxi or collective service from the town of Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric Power Station is 40 minutes.
Third section – if you choose the option to travel by train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, the duration is 45 minutes. If the hydroelectric journey to Aguas Calientes is on foot, it will take between 2 and 2.5 hours approximately.
Fourth section – the last section of the trip is made by bus, from Aguas Calientes to the citadel of Machu Picchu, has an approximate duration of 25 minutes.
How much can the trip to Machu Picchu by bus along the Hydroelectric Route cost?
The alternative route to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric has a maximum price of 67$.es a very economic trip, compared to the trip in train from Ollantaytambo, where only the tickets of the train exceed 68 dollars or the trip by Inca road that has an approximate minimum cost of 850 $.
