Machu Picchu was the most magnificent community the Incas built, its name means “Old Mountain” in Quechua. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built around AD1460. The Inca citadel is located 80 km northwest the city of Cusco, it sits majestically between the mountains of Machu Picchu and Wuayna Picchu in the most unreachable area of the Urubamba River. It was built at an altitude of more than 7,000 feet or 2,133 meters above sea level and is surrounded by steep slopes on sheer cliffs. Despite its challenging location, it was built with a strong sense of beauty and great skill. The location and its terrain were difficult but Inca Pachacuti was determined to build upon it.

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From Cusco to Machu Picchu

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• Train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and bus to Machu Picchu

The fastest and most convenient way to get to the citadel of Machu Picchu from Cusco is by a combination of train and bus. Surprisingly, there is no road going to Machu Picchu. Trains depart from Poroy train station in Cusco, train services are run by Peru Rail which is the only company operating trains to Machu Picchu. Tickets can be booked online, for availability, services, departure times and prices go to www.perurail.com.

There are three different types of trains, the Vistadome, Expedition and Andean Explorer which provide different services according to your budget.

Vistadome

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Andean Explorer

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The train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes about 4 hours. The ride is quiet comfortable and you will certainly enjoy the view of the Urubamba valley.

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The town of Aguas Calientes is located in the valley of the Vilcanota River, there are no roads connecting the town to the rest of the world. Upon arrival to the station, you have to go to the bus station and catch the bus towards Machu Picchu. The citadel is only two kilometers away but it takes 20 minutes to reach it. The ride is especially enjoyable; the road is narrow and steep, the bus has too climb a winding road and zigzag its way to reach Machu Picchu.

• Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Machu picchu

Alternatively you can take the bus to Ollantaytambo which 40 miles or 65 km from Cusco, 2.5 hours by bus.  Then take the train to Aguas Calientes and the bus to Machu Picchu. Ollantaytambo is a picturesque little town located west of the Sacred Valley built on top of original Inca foundations. The planning of the original Inca city remains almost intact and provides a fantastic understanding of town planning during the Inca Civilization.

• Inca Trail

If you feel adventurous you can take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and trek your way up to Machu Picchu. There are two scenic trails. The longer one covers a distance of 43km and it is done over a period of 3.5 days. The shorter route is done in two days.

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Tickets to Machu Picchu

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You cannot buy admission tickets for Machu Picchu at the entrance. You can buy them at:

• Central Plaza in Aguas Calientes

• Instituto Nacional de Cultura – NIC – at Cusco near the Plaza de Armas at Calle San Bernardo.

• Your Cusco hotel

Recommended reading before your adventure to Machu Picchu:

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More information about Machu Picchu

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Machu Picchu History

Hiram Bingham, an American explorer, accidentally discovered the “Lost City of the Incas”, it was covered in dense vegetation.

Machu Picchu Architecture

Inca architecture is most known for its polygonal stones used in many religious buildings. One stone found in a temple wall in Machu Picchu is estimated to have at least 33 corners.

Why was Machu Picchu built?

There must have been a good reason to justify the laborious construction of this magic city in such a challenging land.

Machu Picchu Sectors

There are two sectors in Machu Picchu, each sector was constructed on a natural division due to a geological fault.

Interesting facts about Machu Picchu

A no-fly zone restriction exists above the area.

Significant Machu Picchu archeological sites

Among the most significant archeological sites are the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone, the Room of the Three Windows, water fountains or pools, Royal Mausoleum, the Residence of the Priest.

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