FASTEST WAY TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU IN 5 STEPS

If you are someone like me who likes to see the most of a country in a limited time then you want to know the fastest way to get to places. I was very confused when planning my trip to Machu Picchu. My research kept giving me the run around making getting to Machu Picchu more complicated than what it is. I wish I knew this before; it would’ve saved me a lot of time and could’ve used my time to see more of Peru. 

1. BUY MACHU PICCHU TICKETS ASAP. 

The tickets for each day are limited and they run out fast. I suggest buying them few months in advance or as soon as you decide to go to Machu Picchu. You can buy the tickets directly from here: https://www.ticketmachupicchu.com

There are 4 types of tickets available 

• Ticket Machu Picchu Only 
• Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu 
• Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain 
• Ticket Machu Picchu + Museum 

I personally bought a ticket to Machu Picchu Only and it was more than enough. The ticket allow me to climb the mountain opposite the ruins so you can get that epic view that you see in every picture on Intagram and to walk around the ruins. To me that was more than enough. I was exhausted after that.

2. FLY DIRECTLY TO CUSCO. 

I made the mistake of flying to Lima then Cusco when I could’ve flown directly for a few extra bucks and would’ve save so much more time. 

I personally use Google flights when buying my flights. I like them because you buy your tickets directly from the vendor cutting out the middleman. Google flights also have cool features like telling you whether the price for that flight is reasonable, and like notifying you when there has been a price change when you sign up just to name a couple. 

3. GET A CAB FROM CUSCO AIRPORT TO OLLANTAYTAMBO. 

I know what you thinking…”that’s going to be expensive” but you can find reasonable prices considering is a 1½ hour ride. Of course the earlier you buy it the cheaper it is. Or you can just wing it and take a cab at the airport and try to negotiate a cheaper price. I personally just prefer to schedule it. I use Viator. They have private transfers to Ollantaytambo for prices as low as $20 per person. 

https://www.viator.com/tours/Cusco/One-Way-Private-Transfer-from-Cusco-to-Ollantaytambo-Train-Station/d937-29542P11

Side note: If you are up to it you should get to Ollantaytambo early to see the Ollantaytambo sanctuary. Then you can explore the town which has many cafes, restaurants and shops. He town is surrounded by mountain with makes the scenery very beautiful.

4. BUY PERU RAIL TICKETS IN ADVANCE TO MACCHU PICCHU. 

The train ride is about 2 ½ hours long. I bought the standard ticket and I must say I was pretty comfortable. The train is very clean and well kept. It had clean bathrooms and vendors in case you want to buy snacks. There is also a restaurant in the platform in case you want you buy anything before boarding.   

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5. TAKE THE BUS RIDE UP THE MOUNTAIN.

The bus stop is located at: Avenida Hermanos Ayar, Aguas Calientes 08681, Peru. 

• You can buy the bus ticket next to the bus stop
• The round trip ticket cost $24
• The bus ride is about 25 minutes
• The bus runs from 5:30 am to 3:30 pm every 10 minutes

You can also walk up to Machu Picchu from the train station if you like but is going to take a good 3hrs and the road is very steep so I don’t recommend. 

Google maps link of bus stop:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bus+to+Machu+Picchu/@-13.1548638,-72.5254756,20z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x916d9a83962a4799:0xeee374f2573344e7!8m2!3d-13.1549957!4d-72.5252664

And you finally arrive!

Although it seams like a lot, I promise you is worth it. Machu Picchu is a place you must see at least once in your lifetime. Believe me you wont regret it.